Martin Foley, described by friends and colleagues as the “driving force behind many transport companies in the North West”, has died aged 65 after a long illness.
Foley helped set up Callteam in the early 1980s winning a coveted contract with Kelloggs, before moving on to be a director of JF Haulage, which at its peak was running 80 vehicles moving paper products and breakfast cereals across the North West. He joined Warrington-based Beeline in the late 1990s, and held senior positions at Taylored Lines and Tay Group.
In 2010, Foley joined Birmingham-based Steve Benton Transport and set up the firm’s office in Sale, Manchester, helping to win work with Yodel and Royal Mail, before retiring in June 2012.
Steve Benton said: “Martin was a very hard worker and knew an awful lot of people in the industry. He will be sadly missed.”
Foley, who started out as a fitter and spent five years working in the US in the 1970s, was a passionate Manchester United fan. He is survived by his wife Bet.
Des Ponsonby, MD of Corporate Solutions (Logistics), said: “Martin was an absolute gentleman – I never knew anyone say a bad word against him. He was probably better connected than anyone I`ve ever met in the general haulage industry.”
Funeral details are still being finalised.
