Our history

From humble beginnings in 1987

Arrow Self Drive has come a long way since it’s humble beginnings as Arrow Commercial Centre with a start up budget of £60,000 and a stock of three vans.

In those early days car salesmen scribbled agreements on the back of cigarette packets and contracts were sealed with a vice like handshake. Health and safety was a new term on the block and maintenance was limited to an oil check and a good wash. But Arrow Self Drive tried to set better standards and always aimed to be transparent and flexible with their customers, a value that continues today.

Through personal recommendation and a focus on personal service, Arrow Self Drive is a proud independent family run business. As the Company approaches it’s 35th anniversary Arrow Self Drive still aims for continued but controlled growth into the future but will always remain focused on providing the best in quality and service to the Yorkshire business and domestic community.

Arrow Self Drive low loader Arrow background graphic
  • 1987

    New company registered - Arrow Commercials Ltd.

    Arrow Self Drive logo
  • 1988

    Started trading as Arrow Self Drive from 333 Manchester Road

    Arrow Self Drive historic branch
  • 1991

    100 vehicles on fleet

    Arrow Self Drive Lorry
  • 1992

    James started working weekends at 12 years old

    Arrow Self Drive James Hill
  • 1993

    Became part of United Rental Systems

    Arrow Self Drive vehicle maintenance
  • 1994

    Our Bradford depot opens

    Arrow self drive historic branch photo
  • 1996

    Moved Huddersfield to the current site in Linthwate

    Arrow Self Drive Huddersfield Branch
  • 2002

    James takes a management role

    James Hill, Arrow Self Drive
  • 2003

    Opened Wakefield depot

    Lisa Arrow Self Drive
  • 2004

    Opened Knaresborough depot

    Arrow Self Drive Knaresborough Depot
  • 2006

    1000 vehicles on fleet

    Newspaper article about Arrow Self Drive
  • 2008

    Opened Barnsley depot

    Arrow Self drive Wakefield depot
  • 2012

    James became MD, Chris Taylor semi retires

    Arrow Self Drive Logo
  • 2014

    Receive ISO: 9001 : 2001 status

    ISO certificates
  • 2015

    2000 vehicles on fleet

    7.5 tonne HGVs
  • 2016

    Receive newly revised standard ISO: 9001 : 2015 status

    James Hill Arrow Self Drive
  • 2018

    Arrow's 30th Anniversary

    Arrow Self Drive 30th Logo
  • 2018

    Arrow Self Drive Becomes 100% Family owned. Managing director at Arrow Self Drive, James Hill, said: “This is huge news for Arrow and we’re delighted with the outcome of the takeover. We’re thoroughly looking forward to our future as a family business.”

    Arrow Self Drive family run company
  • 2020

    We move to our new purpose built depot in Sheffield

    Arrow self drive Sheffield team

Our locations

Our experienced team operates from 8 well placed branches across Yorkshire. With over 2000 vehicles on fleet, our branches are serviced by in-house workshops to ensure all vehicles are running to the highest standards.

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Ready to get started?

Our team are always there to answer your call, assist you with your requirements and keep your business on the road.

Or call us today on 01484 654321