Company History
The history of Brownridge Transport dates back over 100 years, originally founded in 1901 by Thomas William Brownridge, the great grandfather of the current owner. TWB began delivering milk and hauling coal from the various mines around Leeds to local householders by horse and cart. His services expanded to include household removals, light general haulage and the distribution of beer throughout Yorkshire for Watney, Coombe and Reid, renowned brewers of London.
His business steadily grew and in time all his 6 sons began working for TWB. Some remained working with their father others branched off on their own. Around 1935 his son Arthur, the grandfather of the current managing director had set up a light haulage company and rented a yard in Vinery View, Leeds 9. Travelling further afield 'DISTANCE NO OBJECT' became his motto which is echoed today.
Arthur Jnr joined his father in 1956 after serving two years in the RAF for national service. The company became know as Arthur Brownridge & Son Ltd, the business expanded to include general haulage, household and piano removals as a speciality service.
A fleet of box vans was purchased to cater for the demand for general haulage deliveries throughout the UK, and in 1965 the firm moved to a larger depot in East End Park, Leeds 9, providing transport for Paul Turner Furniture, Willis Ludlow, John Lupton & Son Wine, Smiths Crisps, Rank Bush Murphy Electrical and Phillips Electrical.
In 1979, today’s Managing Director who like his father and grandfather is also named Arthur Brownridge, continued the tradition by joining the family company. Learning all aspects of the trade first hand, he began his apprenticeship in the garage workshop and also worked as a drivers mate assisting on removals and deliveries. At the age of 21 he passed his HGV1 licence and later gained an International CPC qualification, always with a 'hands- on' management style Arthur later concentrated on Transport Management together with Business Sales and Development. In 1986 the company changed its name to Arthur Brownridge Van Hire Ltd, and the company's port folio grew.
In the late 1980’s Arthur invested in a fleet of artic units and trailers to compliment the box vans, now employing more than 20 drivers the vehicles travelled throughout the UK and into Europe.
With an increasing demand for spot hire labour in the Transport Industry AGENCYHIRE LLP , a small employment agency was also founded, specialising in the supply of drivers, driver’s mates, removal porters and warehouse personnel to the transport and industrial sectors.
In 1996 the company moved to much larger premises in Mabgate, Leeds 9, and at the same time changed its corporate image and began trading as 'BROWNRIDGE TRANSPORT'. The fleet now consisted of 40 plus vehicles and over 100 trailers.
In the late 1990's the company downsized to 25 staff and concentrated on replenished the fleet, Arthur also invested in Commercial property. for the purpose of Warehousing and property letting and development through BRIDGE ESTATES, all three businesses became collectively known as the ABGROUP.
Within nine years, due to continued growth the ABGROUP moved to a purpose built facility in Rothwell.
Three years later, due to constant expansion, it became necessary to relocate to an even larger depot, and in March 2008 the head office transferred to Clayton House, Midland Road, Leeds 10.
Arthur Brownridge - Managing Director.
Today, I am proud to boast an extensive client base, with many longstanding customers, including some world wide blue chip companies, for whom we distribute goods throughout the UK and to Europe.
Our group of companies is testament to the hard work and commitment from me, the members of my management team and employees, all of whom have invested many years service to the business.
Should you require further information regarding any of the details mentioned, please do not hesitate to contact me without obligation.
Assuring you of my personal attention at all times.
Arthur Brownridge 
