New managing director and operations director take the helm at Expect Distribution

Market leading logistics company Expect Distribution is now being led by new managing director Matthew Kilner (main picture) and operations director Andy Taylor (pictured below). This follows the completion of their management buyout of the £40 million turnover business earlier this year.

Monday 4 July marks the official operational take over from founding chairman Robert Rushworth and managing director Neil Rushworth.

Matthew and Andy, who together have more than 35 years’ experience in transport and logistics, have been instrumental in the growth and profitability of the Bradford-based business. And they are committed to running the company with the same ethics and unique formula that’s made it the success it is today.

The multi award-winning company was founded in 1988 with two vehicles. Today it has more than 360 employees, a 140-strong fleet and three warehousing sites in West Yorkshire, providing 70,000 pallet spaces. Clients include fast moving consumer goods brands Boost Drinks and Astonish, and national retail chain Card Factory. Expect Distribution serves customers in multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals, construction, automotive and office furniture.

Matthew says: “We’re both incredibly excited to work with the team to oversee the further growth and development of the company and we’re on track to grow by 15 to 20 per cent this year, and that’s our goal year on year.

“I grew up around the transport and logistics sector, having come from a long line of family working in the industry. In a tough industry, Expect is a very special place, we stand out for our values, client-focused attitude and solutions, and constant commitment to being the best in our field. I couldn’t be prouder to be driving this business forward.”

Previously working as Expect’s financial director, Matthew has held positions at Walkers Transport as group financial controller, at chemical manufacturer Univar, and prior to that worked in practice for several years for Simpson Wood Chartered Accountants.

Andy says: “We’re proud to be taking Expect Distribution forward and continuing its success story. As we know there are challenges with recruitment and infrastructure across the sector. But we have plenty of opportunities too. In an evolving market our differentiator, or sweet spot, is in helping SMEs who are on a growth trajectory to grow and that really works for us. We grow with our customers.”

Now in the role of operations director, he was formerly director of transport at Expect Distribution, overseeing the General Distribution and Contract Logistics divisions as well as IT, until the MBO, and he also now oversees the fast-growing Warehousing division. Andy had previously held management/directorship roles for more than a decade at what is now XPO/GXO, 3T Logistics and BLG Logistics.

Matthew agrees and adds: “We have some outstanding people at Expect, and our goal is to add further talent to the team to help us make a difference to our customers. We do an important job, we’re the best at what we do, and we want everyone to feel good about being a part of that every day as we continue to grow.”