With a history spanning over 100 years, Bowker’s have a proud history dating back to 1919. Bowker is one of the UK’s longest-standing logistics operators with the 4th generation of the family now working within the business.
The company was established in 1919 when William Bowker used his war gratuity to buy his first vehicle. He began making local deliveries in Lancashire earning a reputation for a pioneering spirit and an innovative approach to the industry’s needs. It wasn't long before he'd assembled one of the largest fleets in the area.
We’re incredibly proud of our history. The business has always aimed to be at the forefront of the logistics sector reflected by a series 'firsts' and industry awards.
William Henry Bowker establishes the business in Blackburn using his Army gratuity. At the start of the First World War, most things were moved by horse but by the end, most things were moved by lorry. After the war, The British Government brought the lorries back to the UK and William Bowker used his £75.00 5 year war gratuity to buy his first vehicle, a 1919 RAF Type Leyland.
The business continues to grow through the twenties. Blackburn at the time was known as King Cotton, with 147 cotton mills in the area. Bowker worked for the mills transporting goods to and from Liverpool docks. Bowker by 1925, had one of the largest fleets in the country.
The General Strike provides further growth transporting fruit overnight from Liverpool Docks to Covent Garden market. With railways at a standstill, fruit was left to spoil at the docks. In response, Bowker launched the first overnight transport service from Liverpool to London, employing a relay system where day and night drivers swapped shifts at the Strand Hotel in the capital. This innovation led to the opening of Bowker’s London office at 13 James Street later that year.
Bowker continues to prosper until 1949 when all UK transport assets were nationalised. Bowker continue to operate as warehouse keepers. In the general election after the Second World War, a change in government set about nationalising UK transport fleets. The entire fleet of 85 vehicles, which was the largest privately owned haulage fleet in the UK, was taken into public ownership. On appeal, Bowker received the second largest payout.
A change of government heralds de-nationalisation. The new government put a third of all nationalised vehicles on sale for private ownership, with William Bowker buying back a number of vehicles and begins rebuilding his transport business.
The business is once again at the forefront of the UK haulage industry working with leading manufacturers and distributors across the UK.
Bowker takes first steps into Europe moving carpet machinery from Blackburn to Hildesheim in Holland. This was before the advent of the roll on – roll off ferries, the vehicle went to Folkestone, was lifted onto the ship, lifted off the ship in Calais and went onto deliver. The new service proves popular and experiences major growth.
Due to the growth of our international operations, Bowker opened the Hull distribution centre as the home for the international fleet. Strategically located in close proximity to Hull docks, utilising the Hull to Zeebrugge shipping route.
A base is established in Zeebrugge to manage movements to and from Europe.
Our first dedicated contract hire, working in partnership with packaging and chemical company Huntsman.
The company diversifies with the acquisition of Clock Garage in Accrington – the authorised BMW dealership for East Lancashire
New head office and operations centre opens in Bamber Bridge, Preston
In 2009, Bowker were the first logistics company to be named the Chemical Business Associations overall Responsible care winner. A true testament to the dedication and expertise of the team and their work within the chemical industry.
In 2012, Bowker were winners in the Chemical Business Associations awards, further highlighting the commitment to care, compliance and responsibility in the chemical industry.
Once again, we were one of the leading logistics companies who won at the Chemical Business Associations awards.
Voted one of the top 20 Greatest British hauliers of all time.
In November 2016, Bowker completes the purchase of Potter Logistics warehousing and distribution operations who were crowned 2015 Motor Transport Haulier of the Year.
The acquisition meant that Bowker became one of the UK's largest privately owned logistics operators with over 175 vehicles, 300 trailers and 1.2 million ft2 of warehousing
2019 marked Bowker’s 100th Year Anniversary. Bowker unveiled a new livery to launch a year of centenary celebration.
At the Road Haulage Association’s 75th Anniversary Luncheon at the Hilton Hotel, London Bowker were awarded the Diamond Haulier Award. This unique award, to mark the RHA’s 75th Anniversary, was given to an operator that has demonstrated professionalism, brand distinction and excellence as an employer.
Bowker were recognised in the CILT’s Top 30 UK logistics service providers. The criteria included; annual reports, the European Commission, financial, human resource factors, performance and professional accreditation.
W. H. Bowker International was recognised for maintaining and strengthening the European service despite the unprecedented challenges the industry faced that year.
W.H. Bowker Limited are pleased to announce that it has acquired Greater Manchester logistics business James Nuttall (Transport) Limited & its commercial MOT testing centre, Queensway Commercials Limited, in a move that further strengthens Bowker’s logistics business.
W.H. Bowker Limited are delighted to announce that it has acquired a new warehousing facility based in Thorne, Doncaster. The 165, 000 sq.ft building increases Bowker’s warehousing estate, assisting with both new and existing customers with their plans for growth.
In 2023, Bowker and Volvo are celebrating their 50-year anniversary recognising a 'true partnership', with a special livery.
CBA winners - Chemical Business Association's Responsible Care – Logistics Service Members Award. The significance of this achievement is heightened by the fact that the evening also marked the 100-year anniversary of the Chemical Business Association.
Bowker were awarded the 'Northern Haulage Company of the Year' at the Transport News awards 2024. This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to innovate and lead in the transport industry. The judges highlighted our continued investment in technology as the driving force behind our journey toward greater sustainability.
We are delighted to announce that Porsche Centre Bolton have joined the Bowker Motor Group in its 40th year. This acquisition expands our representation of prestige automotive franchises across the North West.
In 2019, we celebrated 100 years of trading. To mark the milestone the business commissioned a special centenary livery for the fleet. The livery replicated the vintage blue, red and gold colour scheme used by the company in previous years.
The company also hosted a number of celebratory events throughout the year including a family festival at Hoghton Tower where over 650 guests, including colleagues past and present, attended.
Email us at enquiries@bowkergroup.co.uk, call us on 01772 628800 or complete our quick form.
