The Road to Success...
In order for you to understand and fully appreciate how the Hardstaff Group has developed in to what it is today, we have highlighted some important dates and landmarks in the history of Hardstaff:
1861 - John Hardstaff founded the parent company, Hardstaff Haulage (T. Baden Hardstaff Limited) in East Leake. In this year the reed and basket industry employed the company to transport completed woven goods to the local markets in the Nottingham area. The movement of goods by horse and cart had a significant part to play in the area's largest business, British Gypsum, when carts were used to transport the first mined minerals from the Marblaegis Mine at East Leake.
1930-50's - With business prospering, the company purchased its first mechanical unit: a Ford Model 'T', which was used to transport grain and coal. In the mid-1950s more vehicles were introduced to the fleet and work grew with the local industries.
1976 - Thomas Baden Hardstaff passed away, leaving the company to be run by his wife, daughters, son-in-law's and grandson. Probably the most significant influence on the business as it stands today, Thomas Baden Hardstaff sought to provide and service a wide range of transport needs from industry down to local door to door delivery. It is in his memory that the present day company chose its full trading name.
1982 - Trevor Fletcher, a fifth generation of the founder started his own repair company, Hardstaff Commercial Repairs which plays a significant part in the everyday operation of the parent company.
1984-7 - The remaining directors in the family business retired, leaving Trevor Fletcher, the great grandson of John Hardstaff, to run the business in the family's best interests.
1992 - Hardstaff Traffic Barrier Services was formed; providing a full, nationwide service for the sale and/or rental of concrete safety barrier units for use on major highway construction projects.
1992 – Being aware of the positive contribution that training makes to the success of any business; Hardstaff Training Services was formed, specialising in fuel economy and safe driving techniques.
1995 - The Hardstaff Group re-located to new and larger premises in Kingston-on-Soar, a move that was instantly advantageous to all Hardstaff divisions as it enabled rapid controlled expansion in selective market areas. The move also benefited the local community by maintaining a better environment and increasing employment prospects in the area.
1997 - Hardstaff Commercial Repairs became the East Midlands Regional Distribution Centre for Foden Trucks, trading as Charnwood Truck Services. Hardstaff Training Services gained recognition as an AITT/ITSSAR approved training centre.
1999 – Hardstaff Traffic Barrier Services, having become established as the foremost installer of concrete safety barriers, commenced the manufacturing of small quantities of specialist units in order to meet specific customer demands. HTBS also became closely involved in the establishment, of a national training scheme for installers of temporary vertical concrete barriers by the Highways Agency. The success of Charnwood Trucks resulted in the dealership being awarded the Foden Dealer of the Year Award. Hardstaff Innovative Transport & Environmental Scheme (H.I.T.E.S) commenced the use of Natural Gas to power heavy goods vehicles.
2000 – The company expanded its range of training services to include the Foden Institute of Driveline Management (FIDM) and commenced trading as Charnwood Training Centre.
2002 – The company received PowerShift Energy Saving Trust status for Natural Gas engine vehicles. Hardstaff was ranked 81st in the Deloitte & Touche 'Indy 100 fast growing business' award.
2003 - Portal Gas Services was formed as a service provider for Natural Gas Stations and Compressed and Liquid Natural Gas when used as a vehicular fuel. It’s main aim to secure a Natural Gas fuelling infrastructure. The first station was commissioned at Kingston on Soar in October of this year.
2003 - Hardstaff won the Nottingham Evening Post Business Award – 'The Nottingham Environmental Business Award' - for its very latest Engine and Vehicle Technology, powered by Natural Gas, Dual Fuel.
2004 – HRH the Duke of Kent KG officially opened the company's LCNG (liquefied and compressed natural gas) station.
2005 - Hardstaff won the Natural Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA) award for being 'exceptional pioneers in the commercial operation of Natural Gas vehicle technology'.
2006 - Developed second generation of dual fuel vehicles powered by Hardstaff OIGI® technologies.
2010- The Hardstaff Group won a series of awards for its Technology Development including:
The Lord Stafford Award, "Innovation for Sustainability"
Midlands Family Business Award, "Business Innovation of the Year"
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts Green Guardian Award, "Environmental Business of the Year"
Regional winner of the Shell Springboard programme for its Dual Fuel Operations.
