"This summer I was forced to turn down contracts from existing clients embarking on major touring productions,' explained Redburn. "We just couldn't cope with the amount of work being offered to us and I was not prepared to just sub-contract work and risk not delivering the quality of service that I believe is synonymous with our name and reputation. I realised that we needed to expand - and not just by a couple of tractors and trailers but by a significant amount along with an increase in the size of our management structure as well."
As Redburn was pondering on ideas of expansion he was introduced to the MD of Deben Transport, Paul Dawson by a mutual friend. "Although our initial meeting was in a social setting it quickly became clear we share a similar vision for our companies and that a closer business relationship could benefit both of us; I was looking to expand and Deben were looking to enter what has always been considered by general hauliers as a niche market. It all fitted together nicely."
Paul Dawson held the same vision: "Having gained expertise in dealing with musical logistics through our container and sea-freight operation for about 20 years, I was keen to get more involved in the very specialised area of music transport. After Deben were involved in the transportation of tours such as U2's Pop Mart Tour and the Stones' Voodoo Lounge we became suppliers to those productions that require cargo movement between venues via container transport. It was soon apparent that reliability and service were paramount to the clients. What attracted me to a partnership with Redburn Transfer was that we have the very same attitude to delivering the right product to all of our clients."
The expansion of a business may appear to be bucking the trend in the current economic climate, especially transport, but Redburn is in no doubt about the advantages of the merger. "Association with Deben means we can call upon huge resources in both management skills and hardware. We now have the potential to utilise up to 150 vehicles and trailers. Redburn Transfer will have access to Deben's regional depots that will improve both our flexibility in responding to a client's needs, and reliability for our fleet. The buying power of a giant like Deben has enabled us to reduce maintenance and running costs and we have already taken delivery of three new tractor units and 5 mega flat-floor trailers. Instead of refurbishing old stock we are now able to replace and expand it."
While it is clear that Redburn Transfer will benefit from the specific management skills that have guided Deben Transport to its success, Chris Redburn is in no doubt who will be running the show: "I will still be heading up the whole company and from the customer's perspective everything will remain unchanged - apart from the newer fleet and an even better record of reliability and customer service of course.' Himself a veteran pop star from the 1970s, Redburn understands the value of the personal touch in an industry that relies so heavily on delivering an individually tailored service to each client. 'I remain committed to delivering exactly what each client requests. That is what has made the Redburn brand so successful in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
(Claire Beeson)
