The move strengthens 4PL’s presence across the South Coast and brings R.T. Page’s long-standing Ford-based operations into the wider 4PL business, combining transport, warehousing, fulfilment and distribution into a single integrated logistics offering.
Rob Burton, Chief Executive of 4PL, said the acquisition marks a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy: “We’re not just maintaining the business - we’re actively expanding it.
“What’s made this particularly special is bringing together two like-minded, family-run businesses with a shared approach to service and long-term thinking. R.T. Page has a fantastic legacy in the region, and together we’re building on that with real momentum.
He added: “We now have transport, warehousing and fulfilment operating as one integrated system, which means we can scale faster and offer far more to customers.The funding from Allica has completely changed our capabilities and long-term vision. ”
R.T. Page & Sons, based in Ford, has operated for over 70 years as a family-run haulage, warehousing and pallet network provider. The business is now being integrated into 4PL’s wider operations, forming part of a larger logistics hub under the group.
The combined business now employs around 100 people, with a further 25 roles expected as new services are introduced and operations expand. The businesses are also making the most of shared expertise, with senior managers from R.T. Page & Sons providing mentoring to 4PL employees — helping to upskill local talent and support the development of long-term careers in the sector.
The £4.5 million funding from Allica Bank has enabled the refinancing of higher-cost lending, reducing monthly repayments by approximately £23,000 and improving cash flow for reinvestment.
That reinvestment is already being directed into growth plans, including the launch of a domestic parcel delivery service aimed at smaller businesses, helping to attract new customers and support wider logistics operations across the South Coast.
Further plans include the introduction of international logistics services, including air and sea freight forwarding, alongside additional value-added services such as dedicated haulage, same-day delivery and port collections.
Longer-term, 4PL is also exploring the development of the Ford site into a purpose-built logistics hub to increase capacity and operational efficiency.
Nick Tree, Managing Director at R.T. Page & Sons, said: “We’re delighted to now be part of 4PL and to be entering this next phase together. We’re no longer operating in a preservation mindset - this is about structured growth.
“The introduction of new services like parcels and international freight gives us a completely different trajectory, while still building on the reputation we’ve had for decades.”
Chloe Britnell, at PJCO Accountants, who introduced 4PL to Allica Bank, said: "We have worked with Rob and the team at 4PL for many years, and it has been a real pleasure to work on and witness this expansion, with the acquisition of R.T. Page. Introducing Allica has been fundamental in enabling 4PL to build upon the acquisition, allowing the business to push forward with new revenue streams and supporting the ambitious and driven team to continue their journey of growth."
Greg Roake, Relationship Manager at Allica Bank, added: “This is a strong example of a well-run, ambitious business using the right funding structure to support its next stage of growth. The management team at 4PL had a clear and realistic plan in place for how they wanted to develop the combined business, and our role was to provide the funding needed to support that ambition. We’re pleased to be working with businesses like 4PL and R.T. Page that are investing in their long-term future and strengthening their presence in the region.”
Rob Burton of 4PL added: “As a family-run business, we think long term. This is about building something that supports our family and the people around us for years to come - and we’re just getting started.”
