Meet the Team - Universal Forwarding

A team you can rely on

The People Behind Our Shipments

Learn about the specialists behind our operations and how their experience empowers customers navigating global supply chains.

Managing Director
Phillip Naylor
Managing Director
Trevor Harbottle
Operations Director
Andy Hanson
Import Supervisor
Jordan Stephenson
Export Supervisor
Karl Dean
Key Accounts Manager
Stuart Kirton
Warehouse & Transport Supervisor
Derek Huntley

Managing Director

Phillip Naylor

Philip Naylor is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Universal Forwarding, having established the company in 1989 with Trevor Harbottle.

Since founding the business, he has played a central role in guiding its growth and development, overseeing all areas of the company’s operations while ensuring the high standards of service the business is known for are maintained.

Over the years, Philip has successfully grown Universal Forwarding into the largest independent freight forwarder operating from Newcastle International Airport. A key part of this success has been building a strong team that continues to grow to meet the needs of the company’s customers.

As Managing Director, Philip remains closely involved in the strategic direction of the business, supporting the freight team and ensuring the company continues to provide reliable and efficient solutions for all of its clients.

Managing Director

Trevor Harbottle

Trevor Harbottle is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Universal Forwarding, having established the company in 1989 alongside Phillip Naylor.

With decades of experience in the freight and logistics sector, Trevor has been instrumental in building the business from its early days into the well-established operation it is today. His long-standing industry knowledge has helped shape the company’s approach to customer service, reliability, and practical freight solutions.

Universal Forwarding has grown under Trevor’s leadership to become the largest independent freight forwarder operating from the site. Like Phillip, a key focus throughout this journey has been developing a knowledgeable and dedicated team capable of supporting a wide range of customer requirements.

Trevor continues to play an active role within the business, working closely with the freight team and helping guide the company’s ongoing development.

Operations Director

Andy Hanson

Andy Hanson joined Universal Forwarding in 2006 and now serves as Operations Director.

He oversees the day-to-day running of the business, managing imports, exports, accounts, drivers, and warehousing. Andy also supports the wider freight team by handling office and staff queries, helping to ensure the company continues to run efficiently and deliver a high standard of service.

Andy began his career at Universal Forwarding in the import department, where he developed a strong understanding of freight operations and the logistics process. His experience and commitment to the business led to his progression within the company, first becoming Office Manager before later being appointed Operations Director.

With many years of experience across several areas of the business, Andy plays an important role in coordinating teams and supporting smooth day-to-day operations.

Import Supervisor

Jordan Stephenson

Jordan has been a key member of the Universal Forwarding freight team since joining the company in 2014.

As Import Supervisor, he oversees import operations, ensuring shipments are handled efficiently and customers are kept fully informed throughout the process. His role involves coordinating the import team, maintaining strong relationships with customers and suppliers, and making sure every shipment runs optimally.

Jordan began his career at Universal Forwarding as an Accounts Assistant before moving into the export department, where he developed a strong understanding of international freight operations. He later moved into the import department, gaining valuable experience and building his expertise in global logistics. After several years of dedicated service and industry experience, he was appointed Import Supervisor.

Jordan has also completed First Aid training, reflecting his commitment to maintaining a safe and responsible working environment.

Export Supervisor

Karl Dean

Karl joined Universal Forwarding in 2014 and is now Export Supervisor, where he is responsible for overseeing the company’s export operations.

He began his career at Universal Forwarding in the export department, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in international freight and developed a strong understanding of export logistics. Over time, his knowledge of the industry and commitment to the business led to his progression within the team, eventually becoming Export Supervisor.

In his role, he manages the day-to-day running of the export department. He works closely with customers and suppliers, developing strong relationships while ensuring every consignment moves swiftly from origin to destination.

In addition to his operational duties, Karl has completed First Aid and Dangerous Goods training, helping to support safe working practices and the compliant handling of export shipments.

Key Accounts Manager

Stuart Kirton

Stuart has been part of the Universal Forwarding team since 1999 and now works as Key Accounts Manager.

He is responsible for overseeing import operations for a number of the company’s key customers, ensuring shipments are managed efficiently, and clients receive regular cargo updates. A typical day involves coordinating freight movements and keeping customers informed.

Stuart originally joined the company as a driver, acting as the face of the business while working closely with customers on collections and deliveries. After moving into the import department, Stuart developed a strong understanding of freight operations and built valuable long-term relationships with clients.

With decades of experience at Universal Forwarding, Stuart’s knowledge of the business and commitment to customer service play an important role in supporting key accounts and maintaining the reliable service that the company is known for.

Warehouse & Transport Supervisor

Derek Huntley

Derek joined Universal Forwarding in November 2019 and is the company’s Warehouse & Transport Supervisor.

In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the organisation of the warehouse, ensuring it remains clean, safe, and well-structured. Derek also manages the company’s vehicles, taking pride in maintaining a clean and professional fleet that consistently reflects the high standards customers expect.

Each morning, Derek plans drivers’ delivery and collection routes, helping to maximise efficiency, reduce travel time, and keep schedules running effectively. As a driver himself, he regularly interacts with customers and builds positive relationships while representing the company out on the road.

Through his hands-on approach and attention to detail, Derek plays a key role in supporting both the warehouse team and the wider transport operation.

Trevor Harbottle, Managing Director of Universal Forwarding standing in the company office.

Dedicated freight forwarding support

A little bit about us

From our base at Newcastle Airport, we’ve grown into a trusted name in international freight, known for our hands-on approach, high levels of customer service, and commitment to doing things the right way.

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with customers and partners alike, earning a reputation for reliability. Every shipment we handle is supported by our dedicated freight team, who understand the importance of careful planning and clear communication.

Behind every consignment is a genuine focus on keeping goods moving, giving our customers confidence that their goods are in safe and capable hands.

Read our ethos

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Whether you’re looking for support with international freight, import or export enquiries, or urgent assistance, our team is here to help.

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