Right from the start of his career, Watson wanted be
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a truck driver, and within a week of turning 21, he had put himself through the then Class One (C+E) test.
Watson was working for a haulier on contract to Milbank Floors when he suggested to owner John Milbank that he should buy his own truck.
Cannily, Watson had already gained a CPC and Milbank, who took on Watson as a driver, agreed and bought an eight-wheeler. Watson taught himself how to use the crane, but after two years wanted to depart and strike out alone. Anxious to retain him, Milbank agreed a compromise whereby four new wagons were purchased for in-house deliveries and a fifth to do outside work. The new venture prospered, and in 1986 became a separate profit centre in the group. By 2002 it was operating 120 trucks.
When economic disaster occurred, Watson wasn't going to let a life's work disappear, so he organised the successful rescue bid. Today, his son also works for the company.