A south east Northumberland business has marked its centenary anniversary.

Founded in Blyth in 1926 with a single truck by entrepreneur Matthew Ferguson, the Ferguson family returned to Blyth to celebrate with the people who have been part of the journey.

They hosted a series of receptions at the Market Pavilion to honour the enduring relationships that remain at the heart of Fergusons Transport because its success has been shaped by staff, customers, friends and colleagues, as well as generations of the Ferguson family.

Today, under the leadership of third-generation family member Alan Ferguson, the company operates a mixed fleet of over 200 vehicles and an extensive range of trailers, alongside its specialist warehousing, logistics, commercial vehicle workshop and test centre, removals and self-storage operations.

Alan and Eileen Ferguson with family. Photo by Sally Ann Norman.

placeholder image — Alan and Eileen Ferguson with family. Photo by Sally Ann Norman.

Joined by his brother Will and the firm’s first employee Jimmy Gaff, Matthew established the business in Bath Lane as a general carrier transporting goods between Blyth and Newcastle.

In the 1950s, Matt passed the business to his son, Eddie, who strengthened its relationship with the port and laid the foundations for its continued growth.

Over the years, Fergusons have acquired multiple companies, most significantly Redpaths of Wooler in the 1990s.

It was through this acquisition that Alan met Eileen – then a Redpath – making this a marriage in more ways than one; bringing together two major Northumberland haulage businesses and, more importantly, two families from the county.

Retired drivers Jacky Wilson and Alec Purvis. Photo by Sally Ann Norman.

Across the decades, Fergusons’ vehicles and facilities have evolved. Alan has been central in adopting environmentally-friendly projects such as solar panels, ground source and biomass heating systems, as well as 12 electric DAF trucks to add to the transport fleet.

The removals fleet has also expanded, while crated storage and later self-storage offered customers a secure place for their possessions.

Alan said: “Fergusons has always been a family business. Our staff, customers and friends are all part of that family.

“Today I am back where it all started, surrounded by my wife, Eileen and our five children; all of whom work within the family group in some capacity.

“I am sure my grandfather and father are looking down with pride on the legacy they created, and are gratified at how highly regarded Fergusons is by all who work with us – testimony to the values they embedded right from the beginning.”