Trading Since The 1950’s Boleyn Recovery

Our Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

Boleyn Recovery and Fleet Services began in 1959 when Bill Smith, after leaving the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, embarked on his first solo job. Fast forward to 2024, and we are now the preferred partner for numerous fleet operators, the emergency services and individuals, consistently maintaining a can-do attitude.

Milestones in Our Growth:

1964 – Acquired Boleyn Service Station in Barking, establishing our first workshop.

1964 – First job for the Metropolitan Police Force as a registered agent for Road Traffic Accident call-outs. 

Since then, we’ve proudly supported London’s Emergency Services and multiple London Boroughs with recovery and servicing.

1980s –  Expanded to a larger facility at 89 River Road.

1985 – 2013 Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services becoming a supporting member of The Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators.

1990’s – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services continuing to support The London Fire Brigade

1993 – Acquired 2 ½ acre prime commercial site at 77 River Road, Barking, IG11 0DS our current headquarters.

1995 – Support The Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) by becoming a member

2000’s – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services continuing to support The Metropolitan Police

2004 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services  achieve ISO 19001 accreditation

2008 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services become the first independent breakdown recovery operator to achieve Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation.

2010 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services, the first breakdown recovery operator and fleet service provider to partner with DVSA to deliver two ATF lanes for HGV MOT testing

2012 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services become the first independent breakdown recovery operator to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation.

2012 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services achieve PAS43 accreditation

2012/13 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services one of the first London operators to support nationwide fleets preparing for the first exhaust emissions adaptations by installing retrofit exhaust systems 

2013 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services deliver Tachograph calibrations for the first time in house.

2013 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services becoming a founding member of The Authorised Testing Facility Operators Association (ATFOA).

2013 – to present day – Stephen Smith represents ATFOA as their Chairperson

2016 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services deliver taillift testing and servicing for the first time

2016 – Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services becoming a supporting partner for Essex Police vehicle recovery scheme.

2018 to 2022 – Stephen Smith is elected and represents The Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) as their President.

Throughout Boleyn’s history it has strived to provide comprehensive vehicle support, handling everything from cars to coaches, and vans to specialised vehicles, and to minimise downtime by offering on-site and in-house solutions, including a collection and delivery service that helps operators manage driver hours efficiently.

Our services have expanded to include:

• MOT and ATF Facilities
• Tachograph Services
• LOLER Testing

Recent Developments:

2022 – Stephen Smith, Bill’s son, took full control of Boleyn, conducting a business review and planning for future growth. Initial improvements included upgrading our premises and launching the Boleyn Academy for Recovery Drivers.

2022 – Becoming a supporting partner for London Ambulance 

2022 – Becoming a supporting partner for East of England Ambulance

2023 – Launch of Boleyn’s driver academy

2023 – Jim Parker became a shareholder, acknowledging his years of dedication and contribution to our progress.

2023/24 – Won the local Chamber of Commerce Business Growth of the Year award, recognizing our environmental policies, staff conditions, and community support.

2024 – Air conditioning services introduced

We continue to invest in our team, enhance our fleet with high-spec recovery vehicles, and expand our services to ensure continuous improvement in the support we provide to our customers and partners.