Fourth generation joins family firm ahead of 80th anniversary
A Cramlington family business is welcoming the fourth generation into its ranks as it prepares to celebrate its 80th anniversary.
Charlotte Wilkinson has been appointed business development manager at Moody Logistics and Storage, which was founded by her great-grandfather David Moody in 1947.
The 26-year-old is the daughter of Managing Director Caroline Moody and granddaughter of the company’s late Chairman Alan Moody.
Her appointment continues a family involvement that began when David Moody established the business with a single Bedford truck after returning from service during the Second World War.
Charlotte has spent the past six months working across Moody’s sales and marketing operations, learning the ropes before formally taking up her new role.
She previously spent seven years with a major national retailer, working in management roles across nine sites. After completing her A-levels, she deferred a university place to undertake a Retail Management Apprenticeship, which she completed with distinction.
The 26-year-old said: “I wanted to gain experience elsewhere before joining the family business, so I could bring my own skills and perspective to Moody’s.
“Over the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to learn much more about Moody’s by supporting the sales and marketing teams. I’m incredibly proud to become the fourth generation of the family to work in the business and, as Business Development Manager, I’m looking forward to playing my part in its future.”
Caroline Moody said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Charlotte as the first member of the fourth generation to join Moody’s.
“She’s been incredibly keen to learn over the past six months, while bringing valuable skills and experience from her previous management career.
“It’s particularly special as we look ahead to our 80th anniversary in 2027. Moody’s has always been a family business with strong family values, but each generation has had to evolve and bring something new, and I’m very proud that Charlotte will be part of its next chapter.”
David Moody founded the business in 1947, initially delivering coal before expanding into haulage. His son Alan joined aged 16 in 1961 and oversaw its transformation from a traditional coal and tipper operation into a modern logistics and palletised freight specialist.
The third generation remains closely involved, with Caroline serving as managing director, her brother Richard Moody as operations director and brother-in-law Gavin Cape as engineering director of sister company Heathline Commercials Ltd, which services and repairs commercial vehicles.