Every company has a story, but few embody innovation, resilience, and strategic growth as distinctly as Potter Space. Over the span of six decades, we have continuously transformed, fuelled by determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
Humble Beginnings: The Yellow Lorry
In 1965, Derrick Potter’s decision to purchase a bright yellow lorry for transporting grain marked the beginning of what today is Potter Space. By 1967, Topcliffe Transport was established, owning a fleet of three trucks and a growing reputation for reliability. Derrick recognised the need for space to scale operations and acquired a 41-acre former munitions depot in Ripon. This strategic move was pivotal for future growth, supported by a talented team including Transport Director Mick Whorley, Storage Director Colin Watt, and Site Manager Harry Frost. Clients like Kenneth Wilson remained loyal for decades, highlighting the company’s reliability and impact.
Expanding Operations in the Golden Triangle
The late 1970s marked a period of expansion into the logistics hub known as the “Golden Triangle.” Strategic acquisitions in Droitwich and Ely brought clients such as Cadbury, Black & Decker, and British Sugar. These moves solidified the company’s presence in key regions and strengthened valuable partnerships.
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The company also embraced innovation, integrating rail logistics into its operations. The opening of the Ely rail terminal in 1982, followed by the acquisition of the Selby rail-connected site, positioned the company as a pioneer in sustainable transportation. Clients like Rover Cars soon joined, emphasising the strategic importance of rail logistics.
Growth and Leadership
In the late 1980s, Derrick Potter transitioned from daily operations, with Steve Barlow stepping in as Managing Director. This change in leadership paved the way for sustained growth, including handling over 1 million tonnes of paper globally by 1997, and acquiring Knowsley Industrial Park in 1999. The addition of a modern, rail-linked warehouse further enhanced operational capabilities and expanded market reach. During this time, Derrick was presented with the company’s first Investors in People award, which was a testament on the key role of people for a sustainable growth.
A Royal Visit, Resilience and Identity
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In 2003, the company achieved a proud milestone with The Princess Royal inaugurating a new rail link between Selby and Felixstowe, recognizing our role as leaders in logistics. The global financial crisis of 2008 tested businesses across the UK, but the company demonstrated resilience. Even amidst uncertainty, sustainability remained a priority. The designation of Ely’s Pond as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) highlighted the company’s commitment to preserving local ecosystems and environmental responsibility.
Additionally, in 2011 the Group underwent a major rebrand as Potter Group, a pragmatic step to consolidate its identity. This period also saw the acquisition of House of James Transport in York, a member of the Pallet Line’s network. In 2013, a second rebrand to Potter Logistics further clarified the company's evolving purpose, paving the way for new opportunities.
Half a Century of Excellence and Pivotal Changes
The 50th anniversary in 2015 was a moment of celebration and recognition, with honours such as Family Business of the Year and Pallet Line's Gold Award. It was also a turning point, as the business welcomed its first full-time property specialist, Rob Barker, paving the way for a new era.
In a pivotal move, shareholders sold Potter Logistics to Bowker Group in 2016. This decision ensured the company’s future, aligning with a family business that shared complementary expertise. The next chapter began as Potter Space fully embraced its new identity as a property company. Investments in infrastructure—including new roads, warehouses, and customer-accessible facilities—marked a bold transformation. Warehouses 51 and 52 in Ripon became symbols of this new era.
Becoming Potter Space
In 2018, the transition from logistics to a commercial property company was solidified with the launch of the Potter Space brand. Today, with state-of-the-art facilities and a forward-thinking mindset. While Covid-19 disrupted the world, Potter Space maintained its resilience, making changes in its leadership as Jason Rockett, a former professional footballer with a wealth of property experience, took the helm in 2020, bringing a new vision and building a robust property team.
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Big Plans and a Big City
To enhance efficiency, Potter Space created its own construction team, which reduced costs and improved quality. The team’s first project, Unit 24 at Ripon, set the standard for future builds, renovations, and repairs. Since its creation in 2021, the team has invested more than 11 million pounds in high-quality warehousing space.
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As the company continued to evolve, we relocated the head office from Ripon to Leeds in 2023, which marked a new cultural and symbolic shift. This move placed Potter Space at the heart of a dynamic property community, reinforcing its presence as a forward-thinking market leader.
Looking Forward
The year 2024 also brought significant change, as Rob Barker retired after more than 30 years in the industry, while Richard Bousfield stepped in as Property Director. Richard brought over 23 years of experience in the property industry, particularly in investment and asset management.
This year, as we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we reflect on the key component that has led us to the place we are: people. From a logistics company to commercial property, we look forward to forging partnerships and creating opportunities that shape the future of Potter Space and our customers.
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