Industry recognises six decades of service with family firm

» ROGER Cullimore has been given a special recognition award following a business career spanning 60 years.

The award was presented at the annual general meeting of the British Aggregates Association by former England rugby player Rory Underwood.

It recognises his commitment to the Cullimore Group, the BAA and the gravel and haulage industry.

BAA secretary Peter Huxtable said: “I’m more than aware of the impact Roger has had in the South West and, in particular, Gloucestershire, a county that is very close to his heart.

“It is his vision and pragmatism over the years that have been instrumental in ensuring the aggregates industry has continually moved forward on a Uk-wide scale.

“Without Roger, much of what we are achieving across the UK today wouldn’t exist.”

The Cullimore family business was founded in 1927 by Roger’s father Moreton C Cullimore with a second-hand Ford truck.

Based at Frampton-on-severn it now has 60 vehicles, more than 100 staff and covers five counties.

Its distinctive two-tone green trucks are all handpainted and adorned with a character name from a Dickens novel.

The names date back to the war years when trucks were commandeered for the war effort and it was difficult to differentiate between them.

Roger’s father was a great fan of Dickens so decided to name the trucks from his books.

The tradition stopped after the Second World War but Mr Cullimore reintroduced it later on.

Now in his 80s, he handed over the business to his son Moreton F Cullimore but continued as chairman of the company.

Due to recent ill health he is stepping aside although he says he will still be keeping a watchful eye on things.