Great Bear

Great Bear, British ambient storage logistics operator

Great Bear is a UK third-party logistics (3PL) operator specialising in ambient storage and distribution services. The company presents itself as a provider of nationwide contract logistics and supply chain management services to companies across a range of sectors. Its operations are structured around a network of over 30 sites and more than 7 million sq.ft. of storage and consolidation space.

Origins and evolution

The company opened its first warehouse in 1994. In its first two years of operation, its founders, David Williams and Colin McDavid, expanded the business with the acquisition of an initial fleet of 10 tractor units and 20 trailers. That transport operation has grown to more than 400 modern commercial vehicles of various specifications, adapted to each customer's requirements. Great Bear is part of Culina Group, a group that offers logistics solutions in the ambient, chilled, bakery and fresh produce sectors, as well as contract packing, manufacturing and resourcing services. Culina Group began operating in 1994 with a single site and a turnover of £7 million in its first year, and has developed a network spanning the UK and Ireland with an annual turnover in excess of £2.2 billion.

Logistics services

Great Bear's offering is organised into three main areas:

• Warehousing: management of over 7 million sq.ft. of ambient storage and consolidation space, through a combination of dedicated and shared-user facilities located near the UK's main road and rail links and ports.
• Distribution: shared-user and dedicated transport solutions for a wide variety of customers, with a fleet of over 400 commercial vehicles.
• Added value services: complementary services designed to simplify customers' supply chains.

Sectors served

The company works with customers from different sectors, to whom it offers logistics solutions tailored to their needs:

• Bonded facilities: facilities that allow goods to be stored under duty suspension.
• E-commerce: solutions to meet the demands of the e-commerce market.
• Healthcare: services for the healthcare and consumer healthcare sectors, with facilities certified by the MHRA (the UK medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency).
• FMCG: a full range of services for the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
• Automotive & Industrial: expertise in mechanical and manual handling tailored to specific products and materials.
• Household: logistics for the fashion and household textile sectors.

Customers and type of operations

Great Bear works with some of the best-known brands in the UK food and drink sector, supporting their supply chains across the UK and Ireland. The company also offers bespoke services for emerging brands and niche manufacturers that need to bring their products to market. Its stated capabilities include managing large-scale warehouse design and construction projects and network changes for its customers. The company states that it has built its reputation on long-term relationships based on customer service, and presents itself as an operator with the capacity of a large company and the attention of a more specialised provider.

Management team

The company's management includes Alastair Isbister (CEO of Culina's ambient division), Chris Price (CFO), Carl Johnson (Finance Director, Controlling), Nikki Christophorou (Finance Director, Operations), Justin Steadman, Richard Parkins, Liesl Ward and Darrell Rushforth (Business Directors) and Dan O'Hare (Managing Director).

Careers

Great Bear runs nationwide driver recruitment campaigns and maintains a careers page with available vacancies. The company notes that growth has enabled it to promote internal talent and attract skilled staff.

Location and contact

Stellar House, Field Lane, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9RF · Phone: 01829 772200 · Email: new.business@greatbear.co.uk