Having trained as an accountant, Keith spent his early career in the poultry industry, working in an operation which used cold stores, giving him first-hand insight into what customers needed and the failures of existing facilities. In 1977, together with long-term colleagues Guy Reed and Mike Stewart, he founded Allerton Cold Storage Ltd, based in Northallerton. They went on to buy Wilson’s Transport, a general haulage firm with a site in Boroughbridge and land for expansion, subsequently integrating the two businesses.

In 1992, the business became Reed Boardall with Keith taking a key role in the design of its first cold store – having seen the shortcomings of other facilities, he was determined to find solutions and develop a blue print for a more efficient operation.

Keith’s belief in providing truly integrated frozen logistics services chimed with food processors and retailers throughout the UK with the company growing into a leading provider with an 800-strong team. He was enthusiastic about continuing to invest in Reed Boardall’s dedicated site in line with the growth of customers’ businesses.

In his later years Keith stepped back from day-to-day operations, having put in place an experienced and capable management board to continue his work, led by his son Marcus as chief executive. However, he still attended board meetings, enjoying the interaction with colleagues.

We remain committed to Keith’s vision of creating strong relationships, putting customers at the heart of the business and providing a seamless cold storage and transport service. We will continue to build on the strong foundations he set with the aim of maintaining Reed Boardall’s market-leading position for many years to come.