About Us
In 1987 the basic idea was formulated by Spencer Brown, to provide a fast and efficient pay as you use service to breakdowns on Transport Refrigeration Units, covering the whole of the U.K. Our aim was to have an engineer on site within the hour. It quickly grew to include all makes of transport refrigeration units. First and foremost the aim was, and still is, to get the unit running to enable the driver to get his drop delivered, or to return back to base.
In 1989 the Tail Lift network was introduced to operate alongside the refrigeration network, this involved all the main manufacturers agents and sub agents. The aim is the same as the refrigeration, a service engineer on site speedily, to carry out a full or temporary repair to enable the vehicle to be mobile.
In 1990 Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd (NTBS) was formed in its entirety. Operating from its Denton base, it was at this time that Spencer and Jeans' son, Stuart joined the company, with the brief to set up a Nationwide Auto Electrical breakdown network, again to operate in the same way as the refrigeration and tail lifts. This came on stream fully in the middle of 1991. Also towards the end of this year, Stuart’s wife Sue joined the company to manage the Accounts department.
With the expansion of the above services the demand came for coverage, along the same lines to include all manner of mechanical breakdowns, these also included windscreens, tyres, hydraulics and curtains. Within our network of over 1500 specialist agents operating 24 hrs a day 365 days a year, we cover breakdowns of all descriptions on commercial vehicles and any ancillary equipment within the UK and Europe.
In 1992 we became associate members of Transfrigoroute.
In 2001 the company expanded further, by incorporating a call handling facility for the UKs leading Tail Lift and Transport Refrigeration specialists, working to their specifications.
The company is in the hands of the Brown family and following on from the founder comes another 2 generations, Stuart Brown and his two sons to ensure it stays a family business.
The office is managed 24 hours by friendly and experienced staff, who are always willing to assist with any problems. We believe in and operate a strong management “hands on” philosophy.
In 2002 we set up a fleet management service, providing full services, MOT’s and LOLER test Nationwide. To find out more visit our fleet management page.
Sadly in 2007 Spencer Brown passed away after a short illness. The company now in the hands of Spencer’s Son Stuart and the rest of the Brown family is continuing to grow as Spencer would have wanted.
