Welcome to our website
Grocott Group owners, David and Linda Grocott, belong to the third generation of their family who have run successful businesses in Shropshire for over 80 years. As former owners of Whitchurch-based logistics company, Grocontinental, and employers of 450 mostly local people, David, Linda and their late father Ray became synonymous with providing stable and secure employment, and built a strong reputation for developing and promoting talent within their business.
Leadership Team
Between them, our Leadership Team brings 120 years of business experience to the Grocott Group and, for many of these years, leading successful and high-profile businesses. The team is committed to ensuring that strong and robust governance radiates throughout the Group’s businesses and, as these businesses grow, that our purpose to grow, protect and take responsibility is imbedded within each of them.
David Grocott & Linda Grocott – Owners
Prior to setting up the Grocott Group, brother and sister David and Linda, were joint Managing Directors of their family business, storage and distribution company, Grocontinental. Together, they led the company’s successful growth which saw turnover rise from £3m to £40m.
David was responsible for the strategic development of the company, including investment in infrastructure and innovation across the business. He also managed key customer relationships.
As well as working with David on strategic planning, Linda had specific responsibility for HR, marketing, finance, IT and administration.
Away from day-to-day operations, she led the company’s corporate and social responsibility programme including staff fundraising initiatives.
Linda also implemented Grocontinental’s first integrated warehouse, stock, transport and accounting systems and was instrumental in the ongoing development of this important aspect of the business.
Prior to the sale of Grocontinental in 2017 to AGRO Merchants, David and Linda invested in new businesses. Soon after, they established the Grocott Group.
Daniel McGowan
Group Managing Director
In his 21-year career with Taylor Wimpey, one of Britain’s biggest housebuilders, Daniel’s directorships covered strategic planning, sales and marketing, plus land and planning. Later, he was appointed as Northern Divisional Chair for the company, overseeing the division’s business growth, customer excellence and operations; a position he held for five years.
Most recently, he was Chief Executive for the Midlands Division of Countryside Partnerships, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer listed on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. He was also a member of the Countryside Executive Committee.
Daniel has a 25-year track record of working within the housebuilding industry and, for 16 years, he held senior leadership
roles and board positions across the South West, Midlands and the North of England.
His expertise within the housebuilding industry included delivering key operational performance, empowering colleagues to formulate strategies and build effective management teams, succession planning, and maximising new business opportunities.
Steve Plant
Group Operations Director
As Group Operations Director, Steve focuses on supporting stability and growth across all our businesses, and is the day-to-day contact for our business leaders.
Before he joined us in 2024, Steve enjoyed a stellar 20-year career in the logistics industry with Americold, formerly Grocontinental. Most recently, he has held the position of Head of Operations, with responsibility for overseeing the company’s vast warehousing operation and managing a team of over 200 people.
His rounded leadership experience at Americold also included him taking responsibility for the customer service team and directly managing customer relationships for a while.
Steve worked closely with David and Linda at Grocontinental for a number of years and was a key member of their management team.
Investments & Partnerships
We welcome approaches from people with business opportunities seeking investment.
We are also interested in opportunities to purchase land of all types for future development, please contact us on 01948 840700 or by email at
Sustainability
Environmental, Social & Governance
Our overarching ESG strategy is to:
- Protect the environment
- Support our colleagues
- Take responsibility for our local community
- Secure strong and robust governance
Our owners’ background of previously owning Grocontinental, a significant company in the logistics industry has meant that sustainability has always been a business priority. This included being the innovators of a significant environmental initiative with the construction of an anaerobic digester in a field opposite the Grocontinental site in Whitchurch to provide electricity for the company’s refrigerated warehouses.
The owners partnered with Iona Capital, a company specialising in investing in renewable energy, to bring the £10 million project to
fruition in 2017. During the first two winters that the AD was operational, on most days, its output provided around 90% of the energy required by Grocontinental’s site.
To support the local economy further, the digester is fuelled primarily by maize grown by a network of local farmers. The Group’s farming activities generate the single, largest feedstock supply to the anaerobic digester and David Grocott remains as a Board Director of the initiative.
As a Group, we are now on a journey to formalise a significant and credible sustainability programme across our diverse portfolio of businesses, and to develop and measure the initiatives we already have in place. We are also in the fortunate position to be able to gather learning across our differing businesses which can be applied across the Group.
Each of the Group companies are tasked with establishing and developing environmental credentials. Example initiatives include:
Tilley Green Coffee Company
Solar panels – following the completion of a roof survey, solar panels were installed on the roof of Tilley Green’s warehouse in 2022. The panels save 23.14t of CO2 emissions each year, the equivalent of planting 1,063 trees.
Sustainable packaging – our coffee products packaging, provided by Lincoln & York, is 100% recyclable, compostable and non-metallic. The company is constantly working on developing new green products and offering the latest cutting-edge technology. The packaging supplier has been CO2 Neutral since January 2022.
4M Portable Buildings
Introduction of Eco Welfare Units to product portfolio – the state-of-the art unit provides the greener solution to welfare and sets the standard for environmental performance as the world’s most sustainable cabin, while maintaining the highest levels of reliability, safety and service. The cabins are carbon neutral, solar powered, near zero emissions – 97.2%, provide 100% renewable energy and are recyclable.
Solar panels – during the construction of the indoor self storage facility, 93 large solar panels were fitted to the roof of the warehouse which houses units.
Whixall Marina
Permissive path – a permissive path has been constructed for visitors to the marina to walk directly from the marina to the nearby canal towpath and through stunning countryside. Previously, visitors were required to leave the marina and access the towpath via a narrow road.
Café – the café has reduced its plastic usage by now using refillable pots for condiments instead of purchasing sachets and all takeaway containers are now recyclable and more sustainable.
Meadowland Poultry
Poultry welfare and sustainability – the company has made a £1 million investment focusing on poultry welfare and sustainability in chicken farming through the installation of renewable energy systems, namely solar to produce electricity and heat exchangers to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Supporting our Colleagues
We employ 60 colleagues across our Group businesses, with the majority living within a 20-mile radius of the businesses they work. Our Leadership Team has committed to supporting colleagues in their day-to-day work, investing in training and development, and nurturing talent; and recognises that the Group’s most important asset is its people.
We have established policies covering:
- Training and Development
- Modern Slavery Statement
- Recruitment and Selection
-
Equality and Diversity
More specifically, colleague initiatives include:
- Investment in apprenticeships and young workers across the Group.
- Providing work experience for local students with an emphasis on involving them in specific and relevant projects that they can take ownership of.
- A commitment to providing fully-funded training and development, typically external courses to enhance skills and not “on-the-job” training.
- The establishment of an open culture/voice and providing colleagues with autonomy for the greater good of the company. This open culture means that the Leadership Team listens to colleagues’ ideas and suggestions for different or new ways of working, particularly if they are going to make the business or workplace better.
- Group Staff Discount Card – colleagues receive a 10% discount on a wide range of products and services provided by Group companies, including Nixons Pet & Country Store and Whixall Marina - café, holiday accommodation and boating holidays.
Taking Responsibility for our Local Community
Over many years, the Group’s owners David and Linda Grocott, alongside their late father Ray Grocott, have been committed to supporting their local community, with an emphasis on the areas in Shropshire where their former business was based, Whitchurch, and their home village of Prees which is also the home of Group headquarters and Tilley Green Coffee.
To formalise their charitable giving, the owners established The Grocott Family Charitable Trust in 2012 and their commitment to philanthropy has resulted in the funding of substantial community projects that have hugely enhanced the fabric of the village of Prees. In addition, the owners have supported numerous charities and people in the local area.
Securing Strong & Robust Governance
Between them, our Leadership Team brings 120 years of business experience to the Grocott Group and, for many of these years, leading successful and high-profile businesses.
The team is committed to ensuring that strong and robust governance radiates throughout the Group’s businesses and, as these businesses grow, that our purpose to grow, protect and take responsibility is imbedded within each of them.
Working with us
We employ 60 colleagues across our Group businesses, with the majority living within a 20-mile radius of the businesses they work. Our Leadership Team has committed to supporting colleagues in their day-to-day work, investing in training and development, and nurturing talent; and recognises that the Group’s most important asset is its people.
The Group’s purpose is to grow, protect and take responsibility. By this we mean, everyone who works within the Group has the important role of making sure that all our existing businesses remain stable and successful, but that we also look to future development and growth.
Equally, supporting, growing and protecting the people who work with us is our priority.
The diverse nature of our businesses means we can offer roles encompassing customer service, engineering, administration and finance.
More specifically, our colleague initiatives include:
- Investment in apprenticeships and young workers across the Group.
- Providing work experience for local students with an emphasis on involving them in specific and relevant projects that they can take ownership of.
- A commitment to providing fully-funded training and development, typically external courses to enhance skills and not “on-the-job” training.
- The establishment of an open culture/voice and providing colleagues with autonomy for the greater good of the company. This open culture means that the Leadership Team listens to colleagues’ ideas and suggestions for different or new ways of working, particularly if they are going to make the business or workplace better.
- Group Staff Discount Card – colleagues receive a 10% discount on a wide range of products and services provided by Group companies, including Nixons Pet & Country Store and Whixall Marina - café, holiday accommodation and boating holidays.
What it’s like to work with us?
Julie Walmsley
Accounts Technician , Grocott Developments
Career background: I joined Grocott Developments in February 2018 to assist the Financial Controller after having worked for 20 years as a Finance Assistant for a busy firm of solicitors. I was ready for a new challenge and have never looked back. The expansion of the Group over the past six years has been incredible and it has been wonderful to have been part of this.
Tell us about your role with the Group: From preparation of VAT returns, completing complex bank reconciliations through to compiling year end accounts data – my role has a huge amount of variety and no two days are ever the same. My duties also extend to administration of David Grocott’s farm, creating rental and other sales invoices – and everything in between!
What do you like most about working here?: I love the variety of working across the Group as all the companies are so diverse – from commercial property rental, to café takings and vehicle trading.
I also really enjoy and feel privileged to work alongside such a fantastic team. Everybody is so supportive and there is always somebody willing to help out when needed. We work hard but we do manage to have a good laugh too!
Why should someone come and join us?: Definitely the right choice if you’re looking to be part of a growing and diverse group which is responsible and caring. It is great to work for people that care about their local area and who want to make a difference.
Lucy Grocott
Trainee Accounts Technician, Grocott Developments
Career background: I joined the Grocott Group straight after completing my A-levels as I wanted to gain further qualifications without having to go to university.
While I was still at school and college, I worked in a local shop for almost three years before taking up my full-time role.
Tell us about your role with the Group: I am training in the Head Office with the Accounts Team with the aim of working towards my formal accountancy qualification. I attend collage once a week to study for my AAT and have now completed my first year.
I have a varied role, mostly due to the number of companies that we deal with every day, but this means I can gain experience across lots of different areas.
My key role is assisting in the everyday accounts, including processing invoices and payments, weekly reporting for Whixall Marina, plus general office duties. Most importantly, I make sure everyone has a hot drink in the morning!
What do you like most about working here?: It has to be the variety of tasks I cover and also how supportive and friendly everyone is.
Why should someone come and join us?: Because there is such a variety of businesses within the Group and every day is different, and definitely the supportive people who work here. Working in an office in a lovely location is a bonus too.
Ryan Davies
Apprentice Maintenance Engineer, Grocott Group
Career background: I come from a farming background with beef cows, goats and sheep and have always helped out on the family farm alongside working at a dairy farm for the last three years. I have also carried out agricultural contracting for the Group and worked with another local contractor.
Being around my Dad, watching and learning from a young age, has shaped my interest in mechanics, welding and fabricating, and fixing anything that breaks. This has made me want to pursue a career in engineering and an apprenticeship seemed the best option for me.
Tell us about your role with the Group: With my apprenticeship, I have a maintenance and electrically-based role. I am currently going into my third year of my four-year course at Shrewsbury College and attend there one day each week.
My course has taught me a lot, covering hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical testing, welding, milling, turning, electrical calculations, CAD, health and safety, panel building and mechanical assemblies.
At the end of my course, I will have obtained a Level 3 award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and a Level 3 diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Mechatronics Maintenance Technician.
I would also like to continue with the Group after my Level 3 Apprenticeship and study for an HNC Level 4 qualification in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering.
Be it fixing broken gas heaters at Meadowland Poultry, servicing generators at 4M or maintaining coffee machines at Tilley Green Coffee, I have a large variety in my job of which I am thankful for.
I also branch out into the agricultural side of the business when I'm needed, be it assisting at Meadowland Poultry, harvesting rye grass or covering the silage pits.
I have spent time at all of the businesses within the Group to learn how each of them function, what needs to be covered and what can potentially break down which would require my expertise. Currently I’m stationed at Tilley Green Coffee where I have a varied day-to-day workload, from installing and removing machines to going out on breakdowns or spending time in the workshop maintaining the machines.
What do you like most about working here?: I enjoy the variety of working within different businesses as no two days are ever the same. I also enjoy the rewarding feeling I get from diagnosing an issue which then leads to me fixing the problem, allowing normal operation within the business to be resumed.
Why should someone come and join us?: If you’re looking for an apprenticeship within the engineering industry, which has a variety of work and a close relationship between all their members of staff, managers and Head Office, then I believe that the Grocott Group should be on the top of your list.
Evie Kiernan
Café Assistant, Whixall Marina
Tell us about your role with the Group: In the café, I work closely with our lovely customers, offering them a selection of food and drinks. I am usually on the till taking customer orders which I pass through to our kitchen staff, and then I deliver the orders to customers.
My job at the marina was my first ever job and I can say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning new things all the time. Not only has it helped my confidence to grow, but I’ve also enjoyed working so closely with such an amazing team.
What do you like most about working here?: There are many things I enjoy when it comes to a day’s work at the marina café. Being able to meet the lovely and varied customers we welcome is definitely one, plus providing them with the best service we can, whether that’s just a coffee or a family booking for breakfast.
This job reminds me that once you get talking, all customers have their own tales - this is very inspiring and definitely a reason to greet everyone with a smile.
Why should someone come and join us?: Working in the cafe has allowed me to gain insights and see ‘behind the scenes’ of how a business works. Not only does this interest me personally, but I feel it allows for a range of skills to be gained by anyone.
Joining the Group has been a pleasure and I feel everyone is recognised for their efforts. As well as being able to make decisions as a team, this means we stay motivated and give customers the best experience we can. Observing these decisions and seeing the efforts to bring things to life is definitely most rewarding.
Mark Jones
Business Manager, 4M Portable Buildings
Career background: Having worked at storage and distribution company Grocontinental in Whitchurch since 2000 in a variety of roles, I was given the opportunity to join 4M in 2021 which I grabbed with both hands as I was ready for a fresh career challenge.
Tell us about your role with the Group: I head up 4M Portable Buildings and 4M Self Storage, looking after the day-to-day running of the two businesses which includes staff management, utilisation, operations, budgets and customer interaction.
What do you like most about working here?: The best thing is feeling valued and, more importantly, involved. I really enjoy how success radiates throughout the business. All success is celebrated and not ignored or taken for granted.
Our sector is competitive and dynamic, but there is always someone you can talk to within the Group with tremendous experience when advice or guidance is needed.
Why should someone come and join us?: Because they would get a sense of achievement and be part of a wider group where all the individual businesses are treated equally. The family values of the Grocott Group are unmatched.
Louise Allmark
Property & Estate Manager, Grocott Developments
Career background: My early career was within the travel industry where I spent ten years working within high street agencies for Travel Agency, Travelcare, Co-operative Travel and Thomas Cook. I started this career working on a Modern Apprenticeship Scheme and later progressed to the role of Branch Manager.
I also enjoyed a ten-year career with prominent Shropshire-based estate agency, Halls, where I held the position of Lettings Manager.
I joined the Group in January 2021.
Tell us about your role with the Group: I am responsible for managing the Group’s residential and commercial property portfolio, and vehicle management.
In addition, I manage Whixall Marina which comprises leisure and residential moorings, holiday accommodation, canal cruising holidays, and a café.
What do you like most about working here?: It has to be the variety of work, no day is ever the same; and my colleagues.
There are lot of opportunities here and there is plenty of flexibility and, most importantly, we laugh most days!
Why should someone come and join us?: We have a great team of people, everyone is so friendly and approachable. We work hard, but always have the encouragement and support from our business leaders to carry out our purpose - to grow, protect and take responsibility.
James Philipson
Financial Controller, Grocott Developments
Career Background: My career began with an accountancy practice where I trained and qualified as an ACA Chartered Accountant in 2017. Shortly after qualifying, I moved into industry with a role at Grocontinental in Whitchurch to work with our now Group owners David and Linda Grocott. I remained with the company for five years.
I joined the Group in 2022 as Financial Accountant and was promoted to the position of Financial Controller at the beginning of 2023.
Tell us about your role with the Group: Everyone tells me that I’m the person who pays the bills! I oversee the finance function at Grocott Group, taking responsibility for all financial accounting and reporting, plus compliance and risk associated with the business.
I work closely with Group Managing Director Daniel McGowan on business decision making and I play a leading role in budget preparations and business planning.
What do you like most about working here?: Definitely the variety that comes with working within such a diverse group of businesses. From working closely with the operational teams at our individual sites to detailed business planning with Daniel, no two days are ever the same!
Why should someone come and join us?: The sense of team and team spirit is really strong here. We are all working together for the same goal – to grow and protect our group of businesses responsibly. Everyone is very supportive of each other and always willing to give a hand.
The variety of our businesses provides work experience that you would not be able to gain elsewhere.