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In a global trading environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, changing tariffs and disruption to shipping routes, manufacturing businesses face growing pressure to keep goods moving. Horsforth-based Tudor International Freight helps businesses meet these challenges, supporting companies across Yorkshire, throughout the UK and around the world with tailored freight forwarding, customs and logistics services.
Founded in 1991 by director Adam Johnson’s father, David, Tudor Freight moves commercial goods by air, sea and road, supporting customers exporting from the UK, importing into the UK and arranging overseas-to-overseas freight movements where required.
“We work with a lot of Yorkshire manufacturers, importing the raw materials and components they need and exporting their products to customers overseas,” says Adam Johnson. “We aim to become an extension of their team, understanding what matters most for each shipment and finding the right route based on cost, timing and delivery requirements.”
Among the businesses Tudor Freight supports is Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online, a leading supplier of bearings and engineering spares with customers in more than 110 countries. Tudor Freight supports the company with export movements, helping products reach overseas customers efficiently and securely.
For other Yorkshire manufacturers, the movement of goods is in the opposite direction. Leeds-based Sound Leisure, which manufactures jukeboxes in Yorkshire, uses Tudor Freight to support imports of raw materials and components for its production.
Tudor Freight also works with Town End (Leeds) plc, the company behind dyes.co.uk, which manufactures and supplies industrial dyes, chemicals and food colours. The business has both import and export requirements, with Tudor Freight helping manage the right shipping method, documentation and customs processes for goods moving between suppliers and customers.
“These examples show the breadth of businesses in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire that are trading internationally,” says Johnson. “Some are supplying engineering components, some are moving specialist chemicals or industrial products, and others are developing technology for infrastructure and energy markets. The common factor is that they need freight and logistics support they can rely on.”
Tudor International Freight also works with companies with more complex and specialist shipments. Its experience includes project cargo: moving exceptionally large, heavy or complex equipment that cannot be transported through conventional freight networks.
That can involve arranging specialist vehicles, route planning, permits, vehicle convoys and, in some cases, aircraft charter.
“We’ve handled some very unusual and challenging shipments over the years. When you’re dealing with a large piece of industrial equipment, there’s a huge amount of planning that goes into getting it from A to B.”
The company also works with businesses taking their first steps into international trade, helping them navigate the paperwork, customs requirements and practicalities involved in exporting.
“These examples show the breadth of businesses in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire that are trading internationally”
“There are lots of businesses that have good markets here in the UK but have been put off exporting because they think it’s too complicated,” says Johnson. “International trade can feel complex at first, so we spend a lot of time guiding new clients through the process. Seeing those businesses gain confidence, win new markets and grow is incredibly rewarding.”
The ongoing situation around the Strait of Hormuz is one example of how events thousands of miles away can affect businesses and their supply chains.
“Geopolitical factors have an enormous effect on the ease with which international trade can happen. As an experienced international freight business, we’re used to helping customers navigate these challenges, assess the options available and find practical ways to keep shipments moving. In this field, experience really is key,” Johnson adds.
Tudor Freight is sponsoring the Leeds Manufacturing Festival’s 2026 reception and dinner on National Manufacturing Day in September, bringing together manufacturers and other businesses to celebrate the region’s manufacturing sector.
“Manufacturing is such an important part of the Yorkshire economy, and many of the businesses we work with are making, supplying or developing products here that are used all over the world. That is why the Leeds Manufacturing Festival is such a good fit for Tudor Freight. It celebrates the businesses already driving the sector forward, while helping the next generation see the opportunities available in manufacturing and engineering.”
Shipping Logistics Services UK | Tudor International Freight