Celebrating 40 years in business, Gary Marshall’s journey

Gary Marshall, a self-employed haulage owner, started his journey in 1984 with just one lorry costing £3,000.  By 1985, he had grown his business enough to hire his first employee – his father.

At the time he was living at home with his parents, with no mortgage and felt like it was the right time to expand his business.

Fast forward a few years and Gary owned three lorries and worked with several companies, juggling opportunities as they came.  A turning point came in 1993 when he met his wife and secured work with a new quarry in his local area, opening the door for further growth.  He was soon able to buy a fourth lorry, and then a fifth, and continued to build his business, but like many small business owners, Gary faced challenges along the way.

The 2008 recession tested Gary’s resilience. Cash flow issues and late client payments made it difficult to keep the business moving forward. Alongside this, he needed to focus and provide for his family and three children.

Gary’s resourcefulness and planning helped him weather the storm.  He scaled back his fleet, sold assets to reduce expenses, and focused on running a leaner, more cost-effective operation.

More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new hurdles. Unable to work for five weeks – the longest downtime in his 40-year career – Gary faced more challenges. Thankfully, as restrictions eased, a surge in demand for haulage services allowed him to bounce back.

Living in the Mendips, with its abundance of quarries, has provided Gary with a steady source of work, but success hasn’t come without careful planning and adaptation.

Small business ownership is about more than just delivering services – it’s about managing the entire operation. In the last 40 years, there has been a dramatic evolution of technology, Gary has juggled invoicing, bookkeeping, cash flow management, and daily operations alongside his work as a haulage driver.

With the support of his adviser, Chris Bowles, Gary has embraced digital tools to simplify these tasks. Migrating bookkeeping to digital, live software (Xero) and managing payroll through PAYE rather than a cheque or cash that was once handed in an envelope. These tools have enabled him to focus on what matters most: his family and planning for the future.

The evolution of technology has been a real game changer for many small business owners like Gary, proving that the right tools – and guidance – can make all the difference.

Now, as Gary approaches retirement, his focus has shifted to planning for the next chapter of his life.  With three grown children and one grandchild, planning for the future and a smooth transition to this has never been more crucial.

The hard work that goes into a small business is challenging at times, but with support from the right people and tools, you can achieve anything you want.

Adaptability

Challenges like economic downturns and industry changes require a willingness to pivot and adapt.

Leverage technology

Digital tools can save time, improve efficiency, and provide live data for strategy planning.

Seek expert advice

Professional support, like the guidance Gary received from Old Mill, can make strategic decisions and complex challenges easier.

If you are facing similar challenges or planning for the future, the small business team at Old Mill is here to help. Whether it’s utilising new technology, optimising cash flow, or planning for retirement, we’ll work with you to achieve your goals.

Get in touch with us by clicking here…