A Hull logistics provider formed from a £1 management buyout whose biggest customer resigned on its first day in business has celebrated its 25th anniversary in a remarkable success story.  

Harrison Solway Logistics, which is based on the Kingston International Business Park, opened its doors in July 2000 with just 10 vehicles, six trailers, 17 staff and storage for 2,000 pallets. 

Things started in less than promising fashion, when Lee and business partner Paul Harrison took over one of Hull’s largest haulage and distribution companies which was posting annual losses of close to £500,000. 

The duo and Lee’s wife Kerry – a self-employed accountant at the time – diligently presented a business plan to the bank, which promptly went out of the window on their first day of business when their biggest customer handed in their notice after promising their support of the new venture. 

Despite a setback which may have discouraged many, the firm turned a profit of £676 in its first year – and the rest is history.  

Harrison Solway now boasts a fleet of 40 vehicles and 50 trailers, with an 80-strong team and storage for 12,000 pallets in its customs-bonded BRCGS facility. 

It became a founder member of Pallet-Track in January 2004 and now generates up to 45 per cent of its turnover from pallet shipments, alongside its work as a specialist 3PL in the food, grocery, retail and construction sectors.  

Turning a loss-making business around

Lee said: “Both Paul and I were young lads from very working-class families who went to the bank with a business plan, devised with my wife Kerry, who was a self-employed accountant.  

“On day one of operations – July 3, 2000 – our biggest customer came over from the Netherlands via the ferry into Hull and asked if he could visit us. All our customers had said they’d support us and give us a chance, but he explained that he couldn’t take the risk, and that he had to put his business first which was understandable, so our business plan was immediately no more! 

“Despite that setback, we did all the things you do when you start a business, like working 15-hour days, seven days a week. We just got our heads down and grafted. I was just a lad from East Hull who was brought up with a work ethic and I wanted to give it a go as I believed we could turn the loss-making business around. 

“Fast forward to today, Paul exited the business in 2020, so Kerry and I are now co-owners, and our daughter Lauren has just completed her first year with the company aged 23. She’s part of our succession plan along with the rest of our amazing team, to ensure the foundations are in place for the next 25 years.” 

Member network director

Harrison Solway handles distribution for several household names and High Street brands, while Lee has recently been appointed to the Pallet-Track board of directors.  

Speaking about Pallet-Track, Lee said: “The network has been massive for us. We were an inaugural member on night one and we’ve been with them ever since. It’s the best pallet network out there.  

“I was honoured when Stuart (Godman, CEO) asked me to join the board, as both Pallet-Track and ourselves strive to deliver perfection.”  

This drive for perfection was reflected in Harrison Solway picking up the Shareholder Member of the Year Award from Pallet-Track in 2024, in recognition of hitting 100 per cent of its delivery KPIs and 99.99 per cent of its Electronic Data Capture (EDC) KPIs.  

Going one better in 2025, the business achieved the same 100 per cent delivery KPI, while finding the final 0.01 per cent to achieve 100 per cent EDC.  

“Considering all the restrictions there are around delivering a pallet, from a fixed booking time to challenges around congestion, we still managed to pull it out of the bag, which is testament to the committed and dedicated team we have here,” added Lee.  

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, Lee said the business is on a firm footing for the future. It has grown significantly by offering a one-stop shop to its customers, with services ranging from a quarter pallet to full trailer loads, warehousing, co-packing, and repacking.  

He said: “I’ve always taken calculated risks in business and because of that we have always grown organically, little, and often.  

“It’s what we do – we get on with it, we come to work every day and work hard to ensure we provide our clients with unsurpassed service levels, with a smile. 

“We also make sure we move with the times. For example, accreditations such as FORS Gold and BRCGS are really important to our customers, so we set out to achieve them all at the highest possible level. Our motto is if you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all! The future is looking great.”  

Part of the Pallet-Track family

Pallet-Track CEO, Stuart Godman said: “Harrison Solway is a true success story, both as a business which overcame many challenges in its early existence, and as a highly valued, trusted shareholder member of our pallet network.  

“Lee and his team are an absolute credit to themselves – the results they achieve and the reputation they have garnered speak volumes.  

“We sadly see a lot of stories about hauliers struggling or going out of business, so it’s fantastic to shout about such a remarkable success story. We are so immensely proud that they are part of the Pallet-Track family and here’s to the next 25 years for Harrison Solway!”