31/01/2012
In the dynamic landscape of British industry, certain figures stand out not just for their business acumen, but for their deep-rooted commitment to their communities and the broader economic fabric. Moreton Cullimore is precisely one such individual, a prominent Gloucestershire businessman whose family legacy is intertwined with the very foundations of construction and logistics in the region. As the Managing Director of the Cullimore Group of companies and managing partner of Cullimore Farms, his name is synonymous with quality, reliability, and a tenacious spirit, currently exemplified by his determined appeal against a recent planning decision.
- Who is Moreton Cullimore? The Man Behind the Machine
- The Heart of the Matter: The Bow Farm Quarry Appeal
- Cullimore Group: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
- Commitment to Sustainability and Heritage
- Beyond Aggregates: The Road Haulage Association
- Why Cullimore's Stands Out
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How to Connect with Cullimore Group
Who is Moreton Cullimore? The Man Behind the Machine
Moreton F Cullimore is a leading light in the UK's aggregates and haulage sectors, carrying forward a proud family legacy that stretches back to the 1920s. His grandfather, Moreton C Cullimore, first established the company, laying the groundwork for what would become a formidable business empire. Following in his footsteps, Moreton's father, Roger, meticulously worked to ensure farming remained an integral part of their operations, even amidst challenging economic climates.
Today, Moreton Cullimore is at the helm, driving the Cullimore Group forward whilst honouring its rich heritage. Under his leadership, the company has not only maintained its core strengths in aggregates and haulage but has also seen a renaissance in its farming division, becoming a Red Tractor assured producer of premium meats from their Stroud farm since 2019. He ensures that Cullimore combine harvesters are once again a familiar sight in the fields, symbolising a full-circle return to their agricultural roots.
Beyond his significant responsibilities within the Cullimore Group, Moreton Cullimore holds a pivotal role as the national chair of the Road Haulage Association (RHA). Appointed in May 2021, he became the youngest person in the association's history to hold this prestigious position. This role underscores his broader commitment to the industry, advocating for vital sectors that are the backbone of the UK's economy, especially through turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and the ongoing climate emergency. His leadership exemplifies a dedication to not only his own enterprise but to the collective resilience and future of the haulage industry.
The Heart of the Matter: The Bow Farm Quarry Appeal
At the forefront of Moreton Cullimore's current endeavours is a significant legal challenge: an appeal against Gloucestershire County Council's rejection of plans for a new quarry at Bow Farm in Twyning, situated on the Gloucestershire-Worcestershire border. This project represents four and a half years of meticulous work and strategic planning, aimed at providing essential building materials for the county's most ambitious infrastructure developments.
The proposed quarry site, on land owned and farmed by the Cullimore Group, holds over two million tonnes of high-quality sand and gravel. Moreton Cullimore passionately argues that this material is "perfect for every engineered building construction purpose you can think of" and would produce a "very hardwearing, longstanding building product." Crucially, this local supply would support major, long-term projects such as the Tewkesbury development plan, the Cheltenham development plan, and the critical A417 'missing link', offering a mineral source "on the doorstep" that could last for seven or eight years.
Despite the plans having received approval from Worcestershire County Council and a recommendation for approval from Gloucestershire County Council officers, the planning committee ultimately refused the application. The decision was based on two primary grounds:
- It was deemed contrary to Gloucestershire County Council's declaration of climate emergency and NPPF paragraph 152.
- It posed a significant risk of harm to the local economy due to dust and noise generating activities, potentially impacting local businesses like Church End Nurseries and Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel.
Moreton Cullimore contends that the refusal, particularly on climate grounds, exhibits a "reverse logic." He argues that by rejecting a high-quality local source, Gloucestershire will be forced to continue importing mineral from other counties, often from as far as North Wiltshire – a journey of an hour and 20 minutes by lorry. This, he points out, inevitably leads to a greater carbon footprint due to increased transportation, directly contradicting the very climate concerns cited by the council. He firmly believes that the decision was made on grounds not explicitly part of the planning framework.
Facing this decision, Moreton Cullimore has no option but to launch an appeal. His lawyers have advised that success is highly likely, given the extensive support from experts involved in the initial application. Whilst this appeal will impose significant costs on the Cullimore Group, both in terms of time (estimated two years) and financial outlay, he also highlights the substantial cost that will be borne by the taxpayer due to the council's decision to pursue a path that, in his view, lacks a sound basis within the established planning framework.
Quarry Plan: Arguments and Rejection Grounds
To provide a clear overview of the contentious Bow Farm quarry plan, here's a breakdown of the key arguments presented by Moreton Cullimore and the reasons cited by Gloucestershire County Council for its refusal:
| Aspect | Moreton Cullimore's Argument (For) | Gloucestershire County Council's Reason (Against) |
|---|---|---|
| Material Supply | Over 2 million tonnes of high-quality sand/gravel for local projects (Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, A417). Local, "on the doorstep" supply reduces transport impact. | Rejection forces import of mineral from other counties (e.g., North Wiltshire), increasing transport impact (counter-productive to climate goals). |
| Environmental Basis | Rejection based on "climate crisis" not part of planning framework; "reverse logic" as imports increase carbon footprint. | Contrary to GCC's declaration of climate emergency and NPPF paragraph 152. |
| Local Economy | Provides essential building materials, supports infrastructure development, creates local jobs. | Significant risk of harm to local economy (dust/noise impacting Church End Nurseries, Hilton Puckrup Hall Hotel). |
| Legal Standing | Lawyers advise high likelihood of success on appeal due to expert support and perceived lack of framework basis for refusal. | Decision made, now facing a likely appeal process with potential costs. |
| Cost Implications | Appeal will cost Cullimore Group 2 years and significant money, plus taxpayer money due to the council's contested decision. | Decision made, potential future costs from appeal and continued reliance on imported materials. |
Cullimore Group: A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
The Cullimore Group is far more than just a provider of building materials; it is a thriving enterprise built on a foundation of strong relationships and deep-seated family values. Employing 100 dedicated staff and boasting a turnover of £15 million, the company's success is a testament to its people-first philosophy. Moreton Cullimore often emphasises that "People and relationships drive everything we do as a business," highlighting the multi-generational commitment evident throughout the company, where entire families have contributed to its growth and success over decades.
Since its inception by Moreton C Cullimore in the 1920s, the company has evolved significantly whilst retaining its core identity. Its operations span various critical sectors:
- Aggregates and Minerals: Supplying essential sand and gravel for construction, the core of their business, with a commitment to responsible extraction and land restoration.
- Haulage: A robust fleet serving the region, transporting materials efficiently and reliably. Moreton Cullimore's leadership role in the RHA further solidifies their expertise and influence in this area.
- Farming: Returning to its agricultural roots, Cullimore Farms is now a Red Tractor assured producer of premium meats, showcasing their dedication to quality and sustainability in food production.
The Cullimore Group prides itself on continuous development. Their welding facility has undergone a significant transformation to boost capacity, and their fleet of concrete mixer vehicles is continually expanding. These investments reflect a forward-thinking approach, ensuring the company remains at the cutting edge of its industries whilst never losing sight of the core values that have defined it for nearly a century.
Commitment to Sustainability and Heritage
One of the defining aspects of the Cullimore Group under Moreton Cullimore's leadership is its profound commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of its heritage. Moreton Cullimore views aggregate and mineral companies not merely as extractors but as "custodians of the land we work." This philosophy translates into tangible actions, with the company working tirelessly to restore its quarry sites as they near the end of their lifecycle. This restorative process aims to give back what they cultivate, generating healthy ecosystems in place of former extraction sites, an increasingly vital practice in the face of environmental strain.
The return to farming roots further exemplifies this dual commitment. By becoming a Red Tractor assured producer of premium meats, the Cullimore Group is actively engaged in sustainable food production, managing land for both mineral extraction and agricultural output. This integrated approach demonstrates a holistic view of land management, showcasing how diverse operations can coexist and even complement each other with careful planning and a commitment to long-term environmental health.
Beyond Aggregates: The Road Haulage Association
Moreton Cullimore's role as the national chair of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) highlights his dedication to broader industry challenges. The haulage sector has faced unprecedented pressures in recent years, from the operational complexities of COVID-19 to the significant adjustments brought about by Brexit, and the overarching demands of the climate emergency. Moreton, like his father and grandfather, firmly believes in the invaluable support offered by a prevalent association like the RHA in navigating these storms.
His leadership within the RHA is crucial in advocating for the industry's needs, addressing issues such as driver shortages, fuel costs, and the transition to more sustainable transport solutions. This industry leadership demonstrates a commitment that extends beyond the confines of his own business, aiming to foster a brighter, more resilient future for the entire haulage sector, which is indispensable to the UK economy.
Why Cullimore's Stands Out
What truly sets Cullimore's apart in a competitive market is its unwavering dedication to core family values, passed down through generations. Despite recent global shifts like COVID-19 and Brexit, the business retains the same ethos that propelled its initial success. This includes:
- People-Centric Approach: Prioritising relationships with employees, customers, and partners, fostering a loyal and long-serving workforce.
- Rich Heritage: A deep connection to its farming and industrial roots, informing its current operations and future vision.
- Innovation and Development: Continuous investment in facilities and fleet, ensuring they remain efficient, modern, and capable of meeting evolving demands.
- Environmental Responsibility: A proactive stance on land stewardship and quarry restoration, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability that goes beyond compliance.
- Strategic Vision: Moreton Cullimore's forward-thinking approach, as seen in the quarry appeal and his leadership within the RHA, consistently seeks to secure the future for the business and the industries it serves.
There is every reason for optimism within the Cullimore Group, as they continue to develop their offering and capabilities, always with an eye towards efficiency, sustainability, and serving the needs of the communities they operate within.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about Moreton Cullimore and the Cullimore Group:
What is the Cullimore Group?
The Cullimore Group is a long-established family-owned business based in Gloucestershire, UK. It specialises in the supply of aggregates and building materials, road haulage, and farming (including premium meat production), with a history dating back to the 1920s.
What services does Cullimore Group provide?
The Group provides a range of services including the supply of sand and gravel, concrete, and other building materials, comprehensive haulage and logistics solutions, and agricultural products from Cullimore Farms, including Red Tractor assured meats.
Why was the Bow Farm quarry plan rejected?
Gloucestershire County Council's planning committee rejected the plan based on its declaration of a climate emergency (and NPPF paragraph 152) and concerns about potential harm to the local economy from dust and noise, affecting nearby businesses.
What is Moreton Cullimore's role in the Road Haulage Association?
Moreton Cullimore is the national chair of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), a position he assumed in May 2021, making him the youngest person to hold this role. He plays a key part in advocating for the UK's haulage industry.
How does Cullimore Group contribute to environmental stewardship?
The Cullimore Group views itself as a custodian of the land. They are committed to restoring their quarry sites once extraction is complete, aiming to generate healthy ecosystems. Their farming operations also contribute to sustainable land use and food production.
How to Connect with Cullimore Group
Should you wish to learn more about the Cullimore Group's services, obtain a quote, or have any general enquiries, you can contact them directly using the details below:
Tel: 01452 740 326
Fax: 01452 742 418
Email: [email protected]
Moreton Cullimore's ongoing strategic appeal for the Bow Farm quarry underscores his unyielding commitment to local supply chains, economic efficiency, and the responsible development of essential resources for Gloucestershire. His leadership, deeply rooted in family values and a century of service, continues to steer the Cullimore Group towards a future defined by growth, sustainability, and a profound connection to the communities it serves.
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