Matthew James is a family run business which originated over 30 years ago whilst carrying out small domestic removals in the Kent area. The company quickly expanded due to its growing reputation hence our motto ‘our reputation means your recommendation’. Matthew started out at the young age of six helping out his Dad on his van. He quickly had dreams of one day driving a Scania, little did he know one day he would own so many. To this day people who have slowly watched Matthew grow up still request him 25 years on!
Matthew still has a very hands on approach to ensure Matthew James remains operating at the highest level, this is what has made the company the success it is today. Matthew remains obsessed with lorries (as you can see by our fleet), which has been reflected by winning a number of trophies at various truck shows throughout the UK.
Being such a family business we often think it’s good to let the younger children see how the business operates. Owen, Matthew’s son, knows everything about the business and likes to point out if something is being done differently to the way Daddy does it!! Charlotte will be preparing her daughter Isabella for the busy UK offices, Mummy may have to work a while longer as she has only just started pre school! We often wonder who will do what, although in the meantime we have lots of plans to ensure the business continues to grow succesfully.
Ann- (Matthew’s Mum) - Company Estimator
Ann has been with the company from the very beginning, she originally drove around with a diary in the front of the van booking estimates, luckily things have come a long way since!!
Ann is our main estimator and well known to our clients for her expertise and bubbly personality. Ann is very hands on so if you ever have any queries you can just give her a call or alternatively call our offices.
Charlotte-(Matthew’s Sister) - UK Depot Manager
Charlotte ensures the smooth running of the UK offices. Charlotte originally worked in London but as the company expanded and Matthew’s obsession with lorries grew she left to assist him over ten years ago. Charlotte thought it would be a challenge, she was not wrong and is always kept very busy with the smooth running of the business. Luckily Matthew and Charlotte tend to think alike, it is often said ‘that the aim for perfection must run in the family!’
Matthew James has a number of long term staff who all contribute to the successful running of the company. Obviously if we mentioned all our long term loyal staff the list would be extensive so we have just mentioned a few:
Louise Higgins - UK Senior Move Co Ordinator
2003 - Present
Louise originally worked as a manager for Spaces Storage in Orpington, and then took a position as a Move Co Ordinator which led her into the role of UK Senior Move Co Ordinator. Louise has now worked for the company for over 8 years and has just returned after having her first child Gabriella.
Paul Speer - UK Operations Manager
2009 - Present
Paul Speer originally worked as a Warehouse manager for various packaging companies from 2002 to 2009. In 2009 Paul was employed as our UK operations manager. Paul has extensive management knowledge, he has proven to be extremely hard working and dedicated in what can be an extremely challenging role. Paul ensures the smooth running of all our transport operations.
Ruth Stanway - Spanish Depot Manager
2009 - Present
Ruth Stanway who has lived in Spain for over eight years, bravely took over the Spanish depot whilst in the middle of the recession. At the time we were quite apprehensive about putting a new manager in place in such a difficult market but we are firm believers that things happen for a reason and this certainly did, within months Ruth had made changes that benefited the company during what could have been a difficult time. Ruth has a very hands on approach which is now clearly reflecting on our Spanish depot.
Ruth is fluent in Spanish and English and is a great asset to the company.
Andy Brien - Spanish Operations Manager
1997 - Present
Andrew originally started working with Matthew when Matthew purchased his first van. He then proceeded into the role of UK foreman for many years before emigrating to Spain in 2003 to run the Spanish Operations, he remains our most dedicated member of staff.
As many employers know finding the right staff for a demanding role is extremely difficult, in the last year we have taken on two managers that have already had a massive impact on the running of the UK and Spanish depots.
