Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Logistics & Supply Chain Solutions
Established in 1994, Great Bear has grown into a leading UK ambient third-party logistics provider, delivering nationwide contract logistics and supply chain management solutions. With over 7 million square feet of warehousing space across 30+ sites and a fleet exceeding 400 modern commercial vehicles, we combine the capabilities of a large operator with the agility of a boutique service provider. Our expertise spans dedicated and shared-user warehousing, distribution, and tailored added-value services, supporting major brands and emerging businesses in sectors such as FMCG, healthcare, and e-commerce. Backed by MHRA certification and membership in the BCMPA, we prioritise customer service excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.Our team of logistics professionals brings decades of experience in project management, network design, and supply chain optimisation, ensuring clients receive efficient, scalable solutions. As part of the Culina Group, we leverage a 2.2bn turnover network across ambient, chilled, and fresh produce logistics, while maintaining our founding ethos of operational excellence and client collaboration. From bonded facilities to export management, we handle complex logistics challenges with precision, helping businesses streamline operations and meet market demands. Our commitment to staff development and cutting-edge infrastructure ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering reliability and value to our partners daily.
Services
Warehousing
Distribution
Added Value Services
Bonded Facilities
E-commerce Logistics
Healthcare Logistics
FMCG Solutions
Export Management
Primary Consolidation
Co-packing Operations
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of logistics expertise in ambient warehousing and distribution
- 400+ modern commercial vehicles for nationwide transport solutions
- Tailored supply chain services for FMCG, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors
- MHRA-certified facilities for healthcare product storage
- BCMPA membership ensuring industry-standard compliance
Associations and certifications
- MHRA
- BCMPA
Services
Warehousing
Great Bear operates over 7 million sq ft of ambient warehousing space across 30+ UK sites. Our facilities include dedicated and shared-user platforms, bonded warehouses, COMAH-compliant storage, and MHRA-approved healthcare facilities. We offer scalable solutions from 500 to 90,000 pallets with semi-automated systems and mechanical handling expertise.
Distribution
Our fleet of 400+ Euro 5/6 compliant vehicles provides nationwide distribution, handling consignments from single parcels to 44-tonne loads. Services include dedicated transport, shared-user solutions, export management, and multi-drop deliveries. We partner with preferred providers for European routes while maintaining single-point accountability.
Added Value Services
We offer contract packing, co-packing, pre-retail services, and production logistics. Our tailored solutions include re-boxing, labelling, JIT delivery, and call centre operations. These services reduce manufacturing complexity and improve supply chain efficiency for retail and manufacturing clients.
Bonded Facilities
Great Bear provides HMRC-approved bonded warehouses for goods under duty suspension. These facilities support importers and exporters with customs compliance, inventory management, and secure storage for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and other duty-sensitive products.
E-commerce Logistics
Our e-commerce solutions handle high-volume order fulfilment, inventory management, and rapid delivery. With scalable infrastructure and integrated systems, we support fast-moving online retailers through dedicated warehousing, pick-and-pack services, and last-mile delivery coordination.
People
Alastair Isbister
CEO Culina Ambient Division
With extensive logistics industry leadership, Alastair drives strategic growth for Great Bear as part of the 2.2bn Culina Group, focusing on innovation and operational excellence.
Chris Price
CFO
Chris oversees financial strategy and investment in Great Bear's infrastructure, ensuring sustainable growth and continued expansion of our warehousing and transport capabilities.
Justin Steadman
Business Director
Justin leads business development initiatives, leveraging 20+ years of logistics experience to expand Great Bear's service offerings and client partnerships across key sectors.
Questions
What sectors does Great Bear specialise in?
We serve FMCG, healthcare, e-commerce, household textiles, and bonded goods sectors with tailored logistics solutions.
Do you offer international logistics services?
Yes, we provide export management services with European partnerships while maintaining single-point accountability.
Are your healthcare storage facilities certified?
Yes, our healthcare warehouses are MHRA-approved for compliant storage and distribution.
Can you handle large-scale logistics projects?
We have 25+ years' experience managing major warehouse design/build projects and network transformations.
What added-value services do you provide?
Our services include co-packing, pre-retail processing, JIT delivery, and integrated call centre operations.
How many warehouses do you operate?
We manage 30+ strategically located UK facilities with over 7 million sq ft of storage space.
