From 0 to 60: Neill & Brown’s CEO toasts a life in logistics

Colleagues and business associates of Peter Brown marked the milestone anniversary earlier this month by arranging for an ice cream van to visit the company's Hessle site, so that staff could help him enjoy a sweet treat for all the years he's clocked up. The fun stunt was a nod to the start of his working life as a teenager in the 1960s at nearby seaside town Hornsea's amusement arcades The company said young Brown wasn't thrilled when his dad told him in no uncertain terms he was switching tokens for trucks, but in 1965 he started in Neill & Brown's post room and his career took off.

Moving through the ranks, he became MD in 1977 and then CEO in 2013, growing the company to employ 145 employees and offering a comprehensive logistics service over two Humber-based sites. Company colleagues were keen to express their appreciation of the man they said displayed incredible dedication and inspirational leadership. Handyman Phil Hawes said: "I'm proud to say that I was Peter's first HGV driver.

"He's always been fair and calls a spade a spade. He's a great boss and I wish him good luck for the next 60 years!"

Logistics director Carl Andrew, who joined as a school leaver in 1990, said: "Over the years, Peter has been a huge mentor to me and others; always supportive when discussing plans and offering honest, valuable opinions.

"His eye for detail and immense knowledge has shaped this company and inspired every person who works here. These high standards flow down from the very top, and it's a legacy we all benefit from." MD Colin Moody, who joined Neill & Brown in 1981 as an office junior, said that much of the company's success was founded on Peter's leadership and him rewarding hard work. "It took me time to gain his trust, but when I did he proved to be incredibly loyal and supportive," he added.

Former MP for Hull West and Hessle Alan Johnson said: "One of the delights of being a local MP was discovering great businesses bringing jobs and prosperity to my constituents, and I soon realised that a top European logistics company was on my patch.

"Dealing with Peter established a relationship of respect and admiration that has transcended my time in politics."