About Us
Decades of Dedication: The 434 Enterprises Journey
In 1995, 434 Enterprises Ltd. was born out of a rich history in the drinks trade, driven by the vision of our founder, Martin Allen. Martin's journey in the industry began nearly four decades ago when he joined local wholesaler Robert Cleary, situated in the heart of Oxford, just off Cowley Road. His humble start at the small company had him assisting in deliveries as a driver's mate.
As the company evolved and expanded, it relocated from Cowley to Kingston Bagpuize, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Within this new setting, Martin's hard work and determination led him to progress through the ranks. He transitioned from a driver to becoming the distribution and transport manager, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the trade. During this transformative period, Robert Cleary underwent changes of its own. It was acquired first by the Manchester-based Liquid Assets Group and subsequently by the renowned Boddingtons Group. This journey continued as Boddingtons was later taken over by Greenall Whitley, which operated its own wholesale drinks company known as Tavern. Liquid Assets and Tavern merged under this umbrella. At this juncture, Martin received further training and assumed the role of Depot Manager. However, the story took an unexpected turn when Greenall Whitley, a company that boasted a hotel chain of its own, was acquired by the De Vere Hotels Group. Sadly, wholesale drinks no longer aligned with De Vere's core portfolio, and Tavern Wholesale was closed, leaving its dedicated employees without a path forward. Undeterred by the challenges, Martin, armed with years of experience and an extensive skill set, chose to continue in the Drinks Wholesale industry. In 1995, he embarked on a new chapter, taking over two of the former Tavern Wholesale warehouses in Kingston Bagpuize, establishing 434 Enterprises Ltd. Today, 25 years later, the legacy of dedication and commitment continues. Martin's son, Russell Allen, with 15 years experience, has assumed the reins of operations, upholding the same traditions of quality and service that define our company's heritage. At 434 Enterprises Ltd., we honor our roots, and our journey is a testament to the enduring passion for delivering excellence in the world of drinks wholesaling. |
Russell & Martin Allen
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Basil the office dog signing for delivery