Still Waters Run Deep

With a history going back 90 years and four generations, Derbyshire-based multi-purpose haulier B J Waters is a family firm in every sense

- Tim Cotton

A family-based ethos runs right through B J Waters (Transport) Ltd. The long-established road haulage business, based in Darley Bridge, a pretty village near Matlock in rural Derbyshire, is owned by the fourth generation of the Waters family but is careful to foster a strong sense of family among its employees, too, leading to many staff staying with the company for years.

The company specialises in bulk tipper movements, hauling a variety of products across the UK and Europe, while Hiabs, flats and curtain siders are offered by sister company George Siddall (Transport) Ltd. This range of services enables the firm to move a wide variety of materials, according to the needs of its customers.

The company’s history dates back to 1927 when the company originated as B E Waters, until it was nationalised in the Second World War. Post-war, Bernard John Waters purchased three ex-army vehicles and changed the name from B E Waters to B J Waters.

Rising sons

Bernard’s three sons, Tim, Nick and Martin, all joined the business and now the fourth generation is established in the company – Nick Waters’ two sons, John and Richard, along with Martin’s children, Clare and James. John runs the European transport desk, with Richard on the George Siddall side. Clare oversees maintenance, training and payroll, while James runs the UK transport desk, as well as acting as dangerous goods safety adviser for the company.

Martin still comes down every day and keeps a keen interest in the companies’ progress.

“We employ around 90 personnel, about 70 of which are drivers, who we aim to leave on a dedicated vehicle,” says James. “There are 55 artic bulk tippers, one eight-wheeler bulk tipper as well as moving floors, so bulk transport is B J Waters’ main area of expertise – but we’ll certainly look into any transport requirements.”