Foundations - 1875 to Early 1900s
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Thomas Bourne starts a local carrier business - small and community-focused, providing essential transportation services in a pre-industrialised economy.
A businessman at heart, Tom, along with his wife Mercy, balanced a family of eight children while growing a humble carrier business. Living in Bridge Place, Rye, Tom cultivated a large garden, selling produce in Hastings and returning with goods for local delivery.
The family’s move to Tower Street in Rye in the early 1890s became pivotal, providing stables and operational space that would serve as the hub for the burgeoning business. Tom’s ventures extended beyond his immediate trade, with property acquisitions like gardens at the bottom of Conduit Hill and the Hoop Yard in Rock Channel, which decades later would become a modern storage depot.
Tom's entrepreneurial spirit was apparent early on. His ability to identify opportunities allowed him to expand into coal deliveries, general haulage and Furniture Removals became a 'bolt-on' that was commonplace for many similar carriers, as both businesses were seasonal and utilised similar labour and equipment.
However, the family’s early journey was not without tragedy. In 1899, Tom’s eldest son, David Harry, lost his life in a carriage accident while returning from a delivery. The incident was a somber reminder of the risks involved in the trade. Despite this devastating loss, the business persevered. Tom’s younger son, also named Tom, began to play a larger role, eventually taking the reins.
Transition to Modernity - 1910s-1930s
This was a time of modernisation and diversification. The business began adapting to technological advancements while maintaining its traditional service ethos and a reputation for reliable transportation.
The early 20th century brought technological advancements that transformed the logistics industry. While horse-drawn transport remained the backbone of operations into the 1920s, the arrival of motor vehicles signaled a new era. The acquisition of a Model T Ford marked Bournes' initial foray into mechanised transport. Even as this innovation was embraced, the company maintained its connection to traditional methods, with Tower Street stables still in operation.
Following his military service in the Dragoons and later the Boer war, Tom Jr returns to the company, eventually taking the reins from his father.
Tom’s son, Stanley (Stan) was born in 1916 and became involved in the business as he came of working age, laying the foundation for his leadership in later years. The business diversified during this period, adding services like coach hire and meat delivery. These developments ensured Bournes’ resilience through changing times and customer needs.
By the 1930s, Bournes was firmly established as a trusted local carrier, with a growing reputation for reliability and adaptability. This decade also saw a shift in the family dynamic, as Stan married Ida Mildred Bourne in 1938, beginning a new chapter of leadership and growth.
Key Events:
- Bournes acquires it's first motorised Vehicle in the late 1920's - a Model T Ford.
Resilience through Adversity (1940s)
The company survives wartime difficulties and reorients itself as a modern transport and removals business, with a clear direction for growth.
The 1940s were a time of both global conflict and personal challenges. The death of Tom Bourne in 1941 left Stan and his mother Alice to guide the business through World War II. With Rye frequently targeted in air raids, the family relocated temporarily to Appledore. This period demonstrated the Bournes’ adaptability and determination to sustain operations under trying circumstances.
Despite wartime disruptions, the company’s focus began to shift. The sale of the coal business in 1947 allowed Bournes to concentrate on removals and storage, which were becoming increasingly vital as communities rebuilt after the war. The incorporation of T. Bourne and Son Ltd. that same year marked a formalisation of the company’s operations and its readiness to embrace a post-war future.
In the late 1940s Bournes purchased the former Leney's brewery site in Eagle Road, Rye, which provided parking, a semi-basement workshop and storage facilities to complement the growing needs of the business.
Key Events:
- Stanley Bourne takes over as the 3rd Generation of Leadership following his father's passing in 1941, working alongside his mother as equal shareholders.
- Bournes becomes an incorporated company (Ltd) on the 31st December 1947
Expansion and Innovation (1950s-1960s)
These decades marked professionalisation and growth. The company invested in infrastructure, developed specialised services, and established its reputation for reliability in removals and storage.
The post-war period ushered in significant growth and modernisation. Bournes developed the Eagle Road site to provide a covered garage for vehicles (to protect from weather-related starting issues common in petrol trucks of the era!). A new warehouse was built in Tower Street and the addition of the Wool Store in Winchelsea Road expanded storage capabilities further, accommodating the increasing demand for removals and furniture storage.
The 1950s also saw Bournes join the National Association of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers (known today as the British Association of Removers), a milestone that underscored the company’s professionalism and industry standing. Being part of this organisation enabled networking and knowledge exchange, which helped Bournes continuously advance with innovation in a constantly evolving industry. At that time, the industry was attempting to move away from the 'lift and shift' mindset that caused many long-standing movers to fail because they didn't see the necessity of investing in ongoing change to endure.
Vehicle innovation was another hallmark of this era. The introduction of specialised pantechnicons, such as the Guy Vixen, transformed the moving process. These vehicles featured advanced designs, including underslung tailboards and optimised storage capacities, which significantly improved efficiency.
Stanley's sons Eric and Roy join full time in the 1960's with the business now a hive of activity operating a regular service to London and Bournes beginning to become the mover of choice throughout the local area.
However, the decade also brought challenges, including economic fluctuations and the evolving expectations of a new generation of homeowners. The company adapted by refining its services and embracing new technologies.
The freedom provided by changes in regulations led Bournes to expand business offerings to serve more Commerical clients for moving and logistics services.
Challenges and Adaptations (1970s-1980s)
A period of rapid expansion, investment and and strategic growth, marked by acquisitions and modernisation that enabled Bournes to offer customers the best experience available.
The 1970s and 1980s were decades of transformation. Economic downturns tested the company’s resilience, but Bournes weathered these challenges by staying true to its core values of quality, reliability and adaptability. Strategic property sales, such as the disposal of the Wool Store, enabled reinvestment in modern facilities and equipment. The move to Rock Channel in 1970 provided the company with the operational flexibility needed to navigate these changing times as well as the opportunity to introduce the new system of containerised storage being developed in the industry.
Customer expectations also shifted during this period. The rise of homeownership and changing lifestyles meant that moves became more complex, involving larger inventories and greater emphasis on personalised service. Bournes responded by investing in staff training and enhancing its fleet to meet these demands. Acquisitions like Knowles of Ashford, Nyes of Bromley, Martins of Southborough, and Bodkins of Gillingham during this era further laid the foundations for expansion in the South East.
The 1970s also saw Bournes first European Moves - a new foray into paperwork and customs clearance as well as navigation on the continent!
By the end of the 1970s Bournes had a fleet of around 20 purpose built Pantechnicons. The continued improvements in customer experience meant customers continued to support the growing business, allowing continual reinvestment in enhancing service provision, positioning Bournes to become an industry leader in future years.
Key Events:
- Eric and Roy Bourne become the 4th Generation of Leadership as Stanley reduces his role in the business and steps back in 1978.
- Bournes in Rye relocates to Rock Channel in 1970
- Acquisition of Nyes of Bromley (November 1975)
- Acquisition of Martins of Southborough (January 1979)
- Acquisition of Knowles of Ashford (November 1979)
- Acquisition of Bodkins of Gillingham (October 1988)
A Modern Legacy (1990s)
The company establishes itself as a leader in the removals and storage industry, blending its heritage of trust and reliability with modern innovations and expansion into International Markets.
The 1990s marked a pivotal decade for Bournes as the company embraced further modernisation while remaining grounded in its rich heritage. The move to the Rye Harbour Road facility in 1990 represented a significant step forward, providing a purpose-built hub that streamlined operations and supported growing demand. This modern base allowed Bournes to enhance its service offerings and improve logistical efficiency.
Throughout the decade, the company adopted emerging technologies, such as computerised inventory systems, which revolutionised the way moves were planned and executed. These advancements enabled greater accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. While technology played a crucial role, Bournes remained steadfast in its commitment to personalised service, ensuring that every move was handled with care and attention to detail.
In the early 1990s, Bournes became a member of UTS (today known as Harmony Relocation Network), an international cooperative network of moving and relocation companies. This collaboration broadened Bournes' abilities, enabling it to provide global services and compete internationally, securing significant contracts with entities like the Ministry of Defence.
The 1990s also saw the continuation of strong community ties, with Bournes actively supporting local events and maintaining long-standing relationships with customers. This combination of tradition and innovation solidified the company’s reputation as a trusted name in removals and storage.
As the millennium approached, Bournes stood on the threshold of a new era, poised to build on its legacy while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
A new Generation for a new Millenium (2000-present)
The early 2000s marked a transformative era for Bournes, characterised by global expansion through strategic alliances, diversification into tailored service divisions, significant facility acquisitions, and the emergence of next-generation leadership.
The new millennium marked a period of international expansion and strategic development for Bournes. In 2001, the UTS network formed strategic alliances in North America. This partnership extended Bournes’ reach to over 120 countries and 1,500 locations, allowing the company to serve an increasingly international clientele and growing Corporate customer base.
In 2009 Bournes acquired local moving company Turks Removals (Lydd) and in 2012, Bournes expanded its physical footprint further West with the acquisition of facilities in Cranleigh, Surrey. The following year, the company undertook a significant rebranding initiative, reflecting its diversified service offerings. Four distinct sub-divisions were introduced, tailored to meet the specific needs of local and international private customers as well as corporate and commercial clients.
Further growth occurred in 2021 with the acquisition of facilities in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and the integration of the Robinsons of Aylesbury team into the Bournes family.
Throughout this period, the next generation of leadership emerged. Having joined the company's removal crews in the 1990s Eric and Roy's sons Wesley, Leon and Tom began taking on leadership responsibilities, with Eric's son Wesley assuming the role of Managing Director in 2014.
The company strengthened its position in the Corporate Relocation market, diversifying once again to add Relocation Services to its portfolio and securing multimillion-pound contracts with leading global organisations. It also deepened its ties with the Global Mobility community, becoming an early partner of the Expat Academy.
Bournes’ ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation ensures its standing as a trusted leader in the removals and storage industry, poised to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Key Events:
- Acquisition of Turks Removals (2009)
- Acquisition of Cooks of Cranleigh (2012)
- Welsey Bourne becomes Managing Director (2014)
- Bournes Tunbridge Wells relocates from Southborough to a more modern facility on North Farm Industrial Estate (2015)
- Acquisition of Robinsons of Aylesbury (2021)