--- title: Our History | Knight Watson description: Discover the history of Knight Watson, from our beginnings in Grangemouth to becoming an employee-owned business. --- [![Logo (1)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/favicon%20+%20logos/Logo%20(1).svg "Logo (1)")](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/) [![Logo (1)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20(1).svg "Logo (1)")](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/) - [Why Knight Watson](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/why-knight-watson) - [Freight Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-forwarding-services) - [Freight forwarding](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-forwarding) - [Logistics Management](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/logistics-management) - [Groupage Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/groupage-services) - [Freight Supply chain Resilience](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-supply-chain-resilience) - [Liner Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/liner-services) - Customs - [Customs](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/custom-services) - [Import Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/import-clearance) - [Export Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/export-clearance) - [ENS Declaration](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/ens-declaration) - [GVMS](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/gvms) - [Ship Agency Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/ship-agency-services) - [Grangemouth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/grangemouth) - [Leith](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/leith) - [Methil](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/methil) - [Kirkcaldy](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/kirkcaldy) - [Rosyth Forth Ports](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/rosyth-forth-ports) - [Port Babcock Rosyth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/port-babcock-rosyth) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/contact-us) [![Get A Quote](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358239164663.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLS8crrE0Q7T3KvC8X4IFQTrQYI4x5P0UwuGEsAn5U91CPg59BLclV0qpk%2FgclhXKpUdHg%2FzzuA0UiHxb%2FO0PK6N30Gb9YZ9C8QXwsL%2BEnXbr0XP4hE8EPaq78yF93X5JbNiSMoB%2FgEzbyktuCSxOqXGwbF9EbNZmAVfWQr0OptxeBNmfWe6mrC0ZA8mpxQrf68QCdTUaGntRNKpd8neCY9cjkjwrQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358239164663&portalId=147699850) [![Get A Quote](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358239164663.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLS8crrE0Q7T3KvC8X4IFQTrQYI4x5P0UwuGEsAn5U91CPg59BLclV0qpk%2FgclhXKpUdHg%2FzzuA0UiHxb%2FO0PK6N30Gb9YZ9C8QXwsL%2BEnXbr0XP4hE8EPaq78yF93X5JbNiSMoB%2FgEzbyktuCSxOqXGwbF9EbNZmAVfWQr0OptxeBNmfWe6mrC0ZA8mpxQrf68QCdTUaGntRNKpd8neCY9cjkjwrQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358239164663&portalId=147699850) - [Why Knight Watson](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/why-knight-watson) - [Freight Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-forwarding-services) - [Freight forwarding](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-forwarding) - [Logistics Management](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/logistics-management) - [Groupage Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/groupage-services) - [Freight Supply chain Resilience](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-supply-chain-resilience) - [Liner Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/liner-services) - Customs - [Customs](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/custom-services) - [Import Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/import-clearance) - [Export Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/export-clearance) - [ENS Declaration](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/ens-declaration) - [GVMS](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/gvms) - [Ship Agency Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/ship-agency-services) - [Grangemouth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/grangemouth) - [Leith](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/leith) - [Methil](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/methil) - [Kirkcaldy](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/kirkcaldy) - [Rosyth Forth Ports](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/rosyth-forth-ports) - [Port Babcock Rosyth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/port-babcock-rosyth) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/contact-us) [![Get A Quote](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358239164663.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLS8crrE0Q7T3KvC8X4IFQTrQYI4x5P0UwuGEsAn5U91CPg59BLclV0qpk%2FgclhXKpUdHg%2FzzuA0UiHxb%2FO0PK6N30Gb9YZ9C8QXwsL%2BEnXbr0XP4hE8EPaq78yF93X5JbNiSMoB%2FgEzbyktuCSxOqXGwbF9EbNZmAVfWQr0OptxeBNmfWe6mrC0ZA8mpxQrf68QCdTUaGntRNKpd8neCY9cjkjwrQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358239164663&portalId=147699850) [![Logo (1)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20(1).svg)](https://147699850.hs-sites-eu1.com) [sales@wkwat.co.uk](mailto:sales@wkwat.co.uk)[+44 (0)1324 486 721](tel:+44%20(0)1324%20486%20721) # More Than A Century Of Knight Watson From our beginnings as shipbrokers in Grangemouth to the employee-owned business we are today, Knight Watson has a long history shaped by experience, people and lasting customer relationships. Explore the key moments that have helped shape our journey. [![Explore Our History](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-507861836004.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLHm5QVPf82SkP27WXZM5aotJDj2BsleVvIeZYl8jMgFWKG0objoQBzNVNhK2JigsTccWvKSMYVCfCbmwDfzkj%2FaPC1%2FtPFZAIdWyy8kaHVZS%2FnJEq77KAJG7wt0jjEWWJxiwFhXQVqEG93ypK6DqEsm%2B5gGJCEDXmLI%2F16ESpFn1jI2X2%2BAiyn%2FQ76AStKLJfSdwrr61%2B%2Bt5TtTheh9Bakz5PEdBvvnbcu%2B5oJIA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=507861836004&portalId=147699850) Established 100+ years Employee-owned Scottish port specialists Trusted by UK & international shippers ## Our History   ## 1910 **Where The Story Begins** William Knight Watson established himself as a shipbroker in Grangemouth, beginning a business built around practical shipping decisions.  ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 193345](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20193345.png?width=497&height=320&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20193345.png) ## 1918–1919 **A Partnership Forms** Following the First World War, William Knight Watson and Ben Ralph entered into a partnership around 1918–1919, building on their shared commitment to growing the business and supporting customers. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 193835](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20193835.png?width=541&height=410&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20193835.png) ## 1934 **Established Shipbrokers** Original postcards from 1934 provide a record of Knight Watson operating in the shipping industry over 90 years ago, when the company operated as shipbrokers. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 194140](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194140.png?width=630&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194140.png) ## 1976 **Becoming A Limited Company** In 1976, W Knight Watson became a limited company. This marked an important step in the company's development as the business continued to grow its presence in shipping and logistics. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 194338](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194338.png?width=668&height=356&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194338.png) ## 1979 **A New Base For Growth** In 1979, we moved to a new office in Grangemouth, creating space for our growing team and expanding operations. We remain in the same building today. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 194639](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194639.png?width=629&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20194639.png) ## 1994 **A New Generation** By 1994, a new generation was continuing the Knight Watson story. One member of this team remains with the business and is now a director. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 195006](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195006.png?width=747&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195006.png) ## 2011 **Leadership Carried Forward** Louise Swanson and Gary Louden were already directors when John Ralph retired in August 2011. From then on, they took over running Knight Watson and continued to lead the business together. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 195236](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195236.png?width=655&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195236.png) ## 2024–Present Day **Employee-Owned Today** Louise Swanson and Gary Louden remained directors until their retirement in 2024, when Knight Watson transitioned to employee ownership. Today, the team carries forward the experience, accountability and long-term approach built over generations. ![Screenshot 2026-11-04 195433](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195433.png?width=792&height=412&name=Screenshot%202026-11-04%20195433.png) ## The Next Chapter Of Our Story More than a century after our beginnings in Grangemouth, Knight Watson continues to move forward. As an employee-owned business, our team shares responsibility for carrying forward the experience, commitment and relationships that have shaped our history. While the industry continues to evolve, our commitment to supporting customers remains at the heart of everything we do. ![BIFA](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BIFA.webp?width=100&height=100&name=BIFA.webp) ![AEO](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/AEO.webp?width=100&height=100&name=AEO.webp) ![ICS](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/ICS.svg) ![bsi](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/bsi.webp?width=100&height=100&name=bsi.webp) ![FIATA](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/FIATA.svg) ![proudly employee owned](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/proudly%20employee%20owned.webp?width=100&height=100&name=proudly%20employee%20owned.webp) ## Proudly Employee Owned Our Employee Ownership Trust means everyone who works here has a direct stake in your success. #### Long-Term Accountability We're invested in building lasting relationships, not just completing transactions #### Shared Responsibility Every team member takes ownership of your freight from start to finish #### Quality-First Culture Employee ownership drives our commitment to exceptional service delivery #### Free Customs Health Check Ensure your customs processes are compliant and optimised. ## Ready to Work with a Trusted Partner?  Over a century of experience. Employee-owned commitment. Deep Scottish port expertise. Let's discuss your freight requirements.  [![Speak to a Freight Expert](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358909932760.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLVMgKb23lconLDgWHOOVnPJufCtvFj%2Bgls9usbe5LChHafdRDGXGqUw%2BllyDhz2mu7f07zfGSNz%2BRuVsZAodQn8dmEcOBE9v7oTm5SR0MeNaMsGyvsBIRJbmEyNCfLeoCs0PO5%2BHSBS2DFRK3uROPEIJ5%2FlUtiue49D47dSUFnI325zlFg58m3jXRi2rzcRqVoSpG07TibceyW2xYLvX5FNDuUI9kb2jd7z7dgvu%2BYq1eRTQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358909932760&portalId=147699850) [![Get A Quote](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358239164663.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLS8crrE0Q7T3KvC8X4IFQTrQYI4x5P0UwuGEsAn5U91CPg59BLclV0qpk%2FgclhXKpUdHg%2FzzuA0UiHxb%2FO0PK6N30Gb9YZ9C8QXwsL%2BEnXbr0XP4hE8EPaq78yF93X5JbNiSMoB%2FgEzbyktuCSxOqXGwbF9EbNZmAVfWQr0OptxeBNmfWe6mrC0ZA8mpxQrf68QCdTUaGntRNKpd8neCY9cjkjwrQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358239164663&portalId=147699850)  No obligation. Just honest advice from freight professionals.  ## Ready to Work with a Trusted Partner?  Over a century of experience. Employee-owned commitment. Deep Scottish port expertise. Let's discuss your freight requirements.  [![Speak to a Freight Expert](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358909932760.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLVMgKb23lconLDgWHOOVnPJufCtvFj%2Bgls9usbe5LChHafdRDGXGqUw%2BllyDhz2mu7f07zfGSNz%2BRuVsZAodQn8dmEcOBE9v7oTm5SR0MeNaMsGyvsBIRJbmEyNCfLeoCs0PO5%2BHSBS2DFRK3uROPEIJ5%2FlUtiue49D47dSUFnI325zlFg58m3jXRi2rzcRqVoSpG07TibceyW2xYLvX5FNDuUI9kb2jd7z7dgvu%2BYq1eRTQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358909932760&portalId=147699850) [![Get A Quote](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/147699850/interactive-358239164663.png)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLS8crrE0Q7T3KvC8X4IFQTrQYI4x5P0UwuGEsAn5U91CPg59BLclV0qpk%2FgclhXKpUdHg%2FzzuA0UiHxb%2FO0PK6N30Gb9YZ9C8QXwsL%2BEnXbr0XP4hE8EPaq78yF93X5JbNiSMoB%2FgEzbyktuCSxOqXGwbF9EbNZmAVfWQr0OptxeBNmfWe6mrC0ZA8mpxQrf68QCdTUaGntRNKpd8neCY9cjkjwrQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=358239164663&portalId=147699850)  No obligation. Just honest advice from freight professionals.  ## Ready to Work with a Trusted Partner? Over a century of experience. Employee-owned commitment. Deep Scottish port expertise. Let's discuss your freight requirements. 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Just honest advice from freight professionals. ![BIFA](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BIFA.webp?width=100&height=100&name=BIFA.webp) ![AEO](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/AEO.webp?width=100&height=100&name=AEO.webp) ![ICS](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/ICS.svg) ![bsi](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/bsi.webp?width=100&height=100&name=bsi.webp) ![FIATA](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/FIATA.svg) ![proudly employee owned](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/proudly%20employee%20owned.webp?width=100&height=100&name=proudly%20employee%20owned.webp) [![Logo (1)](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/Logo%20(1).svg "Logo (1)")](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/) Employee-owned freight forwarder, customs specialist, and ship agency. Serving UK and international shippers since 1890. [+44 (0)1324 486 721](tel:44%20(0)%20131%20XXX%20XXXX)  [sales@wkwat.co.uk](mailto:sales@wkwat.co.uk) Customs - [Import Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/import-clearance) - [Export Clearance](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/export-clearance) - [ENS Declaration](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/ens-declaration) - [GVMS](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/gvms) Services - [Freight Forwarding](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-forwarding) - [Logistics Management](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/logistics-management) - [Groupage Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/groupage-services) - [Freight Supply Chain Resilience](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/freight-supply-chain-resilience) - [Liner Services](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/liner-services) Ship Agency Services - [Grangemouth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/grangemouth) - [Leith](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/leith) - [Methil](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/methil) - [Kirkcaldy](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/kirkcaldy) - [Rosyth Forth Ports](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/rosyth-forth-ports) - [Port Babcock Rosyth](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/port-babcock-rosyth) © 2026 W Knight Watson & Co. Limited. Designed & developed by [JDR Group.](http://www.jdrgroup.co.uk) Registered in Scotland: 59875 | VAT no.: 272 02 6875 000 - [Privacy](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/privacy-policy) - [Terms](https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) - [Cookie Policy](https://147699850.hs-sites-eu1.com/cookie-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Grangemouth", "postalCode" : "FK3 8AE", "streetAddress" : "Mandal House, South Shore Road" }, "alternateName" : "Knight Watson", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "01324 463007" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 56.034912, "longitude" : -3.683469 }, "image" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/BG%20VESSEL%20FORTH%20PORTS%20IMAGE.webp", "logo" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/favicon%20+%20logos/Logo%20(1).svg", "name" : "Knight Watson & Co Ltd", "openingHours" : [ "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://uk.linkedin.com/company/w-knight-watson-co-ltd" ], "telephone" : "01324 463007", "url" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Discover the history of Knight Watson, from our beginnings in Grangemouth to becoming an employee-owned business.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "Our History | Knight Watson", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/hubfs/favicon%20+%20logos/Logo%20(1).svg" }, "name" : "Knight Watson & Co Ltd", "url" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/" }, "url" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/our-history" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.knightwatson.co.uk/our-history", "name" : "NEEDS APPROVAL_History Page", "position" : 2 } ] } ```