An independent Welsh transport business is celebrating being shortlisted among the industry’s biggest firms at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

H.F. Owen Transport & Storage was a finalist in the Best Use of Technology category at the Motor Transport Awards 2026 – and was the only independent business shortlisted for the prize.

The 40th anniversary edition of the awards was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane last month, a milestone year for one of the best-established events in the transport and logistics industry.

Being shortlisted for the award was doubly gratifying for the successful independent operator, as it was competing against significantly larger, corporate-backed organisations.

Managing director Geraint Walker and the H.F. Owen team travelled to London for the event, which he said was a proud moment as the decision to enter only came together at the last minute.

The Bangor-based firm is a shareholder member of the Pallet-Track network and won the Best Use of Technology award at its annual gala for the last two years – leading to it taking an off-the-cuff decision to enter one of the logistics industry’s blue riband events.

“To be named a finalist was something I was incredibly proud of, and the fact the decision to put ourselves forward was such a last-minute one makes it even more special,” said Geraint.

“We had already enjoyed two consecutive successes with Pallet-Track, so to become finalists at the 40th anniversary of the Motor Transport Awards was fantastic.

“The whole event was spectacular. Of course, being a finalist was a huge part of that, but just being there with the team, meeting people, having conversations and hearing about the work being done across our industry was brilliant.

“There are so many great people within motor transport, and events like this give us the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and celebrate what the industry achieves.”

While H.F. Owen didn’t take home the award on this occasion, the business sees the shortlisting as further recognition of its focus on technology and innovation.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and what we have achieved. Being a finalist at an event of this standing is a great recognition of the work that goes on behind the scenes at H.F. Owen,” Geraint added.

Kathy Jones, group chief executive, said: “I was incredibly proud to be able to be part of such a wonderful celebration and to see Geraint and the team recognised as finalists at the Motor Transport Awards.

“What makes the achievement particularly special is seeing how far H.F. Owen has come. To take what was a well-established, small haulage business in North Wales and, through Geraint’s leadership and the hard work of the whole team, develop it into a business being recognised on one of the biggest stages in the UK transport industry is a fantastic achievement.

“It was a wonderful evening, and I’m excited to see where the journey takes H.F. Owen next.”

For more information on H.F. Owen Transport and Storage, visit www.hfowentransport.com.

CAPTION: The H.F Owen team at the Motor Transport Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane.