Our History

Cleveland Group: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

Cleveland has come a long way since its inception in February 2011, when Johnathan and Jane Bulmer took their extensive experience in the transport and logistics sector to establish a business that would soon become a leader in the shipping container industry. With a vision rooted in innovation and a strong drive to succeed, ‘Cleveland Containers’ quickly set the foundation for its future growth.

By June 2015, Cleveland Containers had gained significant traction, attracting a £100,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE). This investment, which included a £50,000 loan and a £50,000 Regional Growth Fund grant, was pivotal in the company’s expansion efforts, enabling it to scale its operations and enhance its service offerings.

In January 2017, the company made a substantial investment in its infrastructure by installing a new office constructed from shipping containers and a state-of-the-art paint-blasting facility on its seven-acre site in Middlesbrough. The following year saw the completion of Cleveland Containers’ largest shipping container conversion project at that point in time: STACK Newcastle. This vibrant social hub, constructed from 60 containers, was a testament to the company’s expertise and ability to deliver large-scale, complex projects that capture the imagination and serve the community.

Continuing its upward trajectory, Cleveland Containers underwent a rebrand in March 2019, launching a new website that reflected its evolving identity and expanding capabilities. This rebrand set the stage for further growth and positioned the company as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader in its industry.

February 2020 marked another major milestone, with a £1,000,000 investment into a new 6,000 square foot head office at Preston Farm Industrial Estate in Stockton-on-Tees, as well as a 2.6-acre depot and workshop in Grangetown, Middlesbrough. This expansion provided the physical space needed to support the company’s growing operations and workforce.

Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, 2020 proved to be a record-breaking year for Cleveland Containers, with over 14,500 containers supplied to customers across the UK. While many companies faced setbacks, Cleveland Containers expanded its workforce, underscoring its resilience and adaptability.

The year after, Cleveland Containers continued its expansion by opening a new office in the Midlands and appointing two new sales managers, further strengthening its presence in the UK market. It also expanded its product range to include portable site accommodation units such as offices, canteens, and smoking shelters, demonstrating its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

June 2022 was a particularly triumphant month, with Cleveland Containers winning the prestigious Company of the Year award at the Teesside heat of the North East Business Awards. That same month, LDC, the UK’s leading mid-market private equity firm, completed a minority investment in the company, providing additional resources to fuel its continued growth.

The accolades continued in September 2022, when Cleveland Containers was once again named Company of the Year at the North East Business Awards, solidifying its reputation as a leading business in the region. In November 2022, the company took a bold step forward by launching Cleveland Group, bringing Cleveland Hire and Cleveland Modular under its umbrella and expanding into eco-friendly site accommodation and modular buildings.

2022 ended on a high note with Cleveland Containers winning ‘Gold’ in High Growth Business of the Year and ‘Silver’ in Family Business of the Year at the SME National Business Awards in December. This recognition was a testament to the company’s rapid growth and strong family-oriented values.

In February 2023, Cleveland Containers saw a leadership transition with Andrew Thompson, the former Chief Operating Officer, stepping into the role of Chief Executive Officer as Johnathan Bulmer moved to the position of Non-Executive Director. This change marked a new chapter in the company’s leadership and strategic direction.

March 2023 brought further recognition with Cleveland earning its first RoSPA Gold Award for outstanding health and safety performance during 2022, highlighting the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Continuing its strategic expansion, Cleveland opened its second depot in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in May 2023, providing additional capacity for container storage, site accommodation repair, and preparation. This was followed by the opening of a third operational centre in Sharpness, Gloucestershire, in August 2023. In the same month, Cleveland’s fleet of site accommodation units and modular bays achieved full compliance with JCoP 10.1, setting the standard for fire safety in the industry.

In April 2024, the company expanded its footprint into Scotland with the opening of its fourth depot in Cambuslang near Glasgow, marking another significant step in its journey to become a national leader in the modular, hire, and container solutions industry.

From its humble beginnings in 2011 to its current status as an industry leader, Cleveland has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional value to its customers. The company’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, people, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Looking ahead, Cleveland’s growth shows no signs of slowing down.