Frederic Smart Logistics celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Founder Frederic Smart established the family-run business as a grain and seed trader in 1906. Today, the company is a logistics provider to many of the UK’s leading manufacturers, with three BRCGS ‘AA’ accredited sites.
Frederic Smart initially grew his agricultural operation by purchasing a mill in Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire, in 1919. His son, Thomas Smart, joined the business in 1924, and the pair formed Frederic Smart & Son in 1950. Frederic retired in 1958 after more than 50 years of trading.
The business became a limited company in 1965. By this time, it had expanded into warehouse services. Thomas’s son, Andrew, joined a year later and spent over 50 years driving the business forward. The company is now in its fourth generation of family management.
Douglas Smart, Managing Director, said: “My great-grandfather trained in Cambridge, but didn’t want to compete with or damage his mentor’s business. So he worked from Norwich and commuted by train every day instead. No mean feat back then. That hard work and integrity have been our foundations ever since.
“The digital landscape has changed how we operate, but our ethics and how we interact with customers and suppliers have stayed the same. I’m especially proud of the team we’ve built and how we’ve kept them part of the journey. Reaching this milestone is a huge achievement for all concerned.”
Building on its mid-1990s expansion into logistics, the company now specialises in storage and distribution services for FMCG, foodstuffs, and packaging products. With facilities in Warrington, Cambridge, and Peterborough, it also offers supermarket consolidation, order fulfilment, and contract packing.
The business has over 100 customers. Long-term relationships have been central to the company’s success. Dan Holben, Managing Director of AGT Poortman, said: “We’ve worked with Frederic Smart for over five decades as our warehouse and logistics partner. Throughout that time, our relationship has remained strong, built on mutual trust, shared values and a common commitment to excellence in customer service.
“A partnership that has stood the test of time is something truly valuable, and we’re proud to have worked alongside Frederic Smart for so many years. Congratulations to Douglas Smart and the team on reaching this 120-year milestone. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership for many years to come.”
Family culture has remained as the company has grown. Shaun Gilbey, Business Development & Relations Manager of Frederic Smart Logistics, said: “I joined Frederic Smart in May 2010, when we had an office of seven members of staff and five permanent members of the warehouse team. I liked the family feel of working in such a small team, and I’ve always considered it a privilege to play a small part in the company’s history.
“I’m very proud of how the business has grown to over 80 people spread across different sites and divisions. Despite that growth, we’ve still managed to maintain the family ethos of the business and continue to deliver the same personal service to our customers.”
Over the next three to five years, Douglas and his team plan to double the logistics business turnover. The company launched a shipping division in March 2025 and will continue to fully integrate it with its UK operations to create a 4PL model. Clients will be offered a one-stop-shop solution for all their supply chain management needs.
Douglas added: “Achieving profitable growth year on year brings both rewards and challenges. But the real satisfaction comes in building and sharing success with our teams, customers, and suppliers. I’m looking forward to the road ahead.”
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