Clifford Rudrum was born into a modest working class home in Norwich in 1925 and, at the early age of 14, set his heart on a life at sea. His Merchant Navy career continued during the War on the highly dangerous North Atlantic run and twice he survived direct torpedo hits on his vessels. Shortly after the War, when his ship docked at the port of Bristol, he met his wife Iris which prompted his decision to leave the sea and make his home in the city.

In the austerity years after the War, Clifford was employed by a Brlstol dairy to canvass new customers for milk rounds on the rapidly growing local housing estates. As he went from door to door, he could see the opportunities offered by the new estates in the north of the city. In 1949, prompted by doorstep complaints about poor coal supply, he decided to form his own coal distribution business, C.Rudrum & Sons Ltd. at Henbury.
With his boundless energy and enthusiasm he soon became the best known merchant in Bristol. In 1965 he built the Filton Coal Concentration Depot, which was officially opened by the Chairman of the National Coal Board, Lord Robens, in October of that year. Trading as the Bristol Mechanised Coal Company Ltd it was the first concentration depot in the South West of England, and the most modern of its kind at the time. Just two years later in, 1967, he acquired the then publicly quoted E.H.Bennett & Co.Ltd. to become the holding company for his expanding operations. Demonstrating his vision for the future of the coal trade, he masterminded the first ever importation of Extracite ovoids from Germany into the United Kingdom. He also acquired a 50% interest in the Sheffield based oil firm Hallam GT Ltd, a joint venture with Burnett & Hallamshire, an opencast mining company. Continuing to demonstrate his entrepreneurial flair, he pioneered the importation of colour televisions, obtaining the UK distribution rights from a manufacturer in Finland. 

The early 1970's were a time of turmoil in the UK coal industry so Clifford looked further afield for reliable supplies and, despite the politically volatile situation, arranged the first ever shipments of anthracite from South Africa, branded as Warmacite™. The success of this venture led to the decision to sell his other interests in order to concentrate on core activities and the introduction of his three sons Trevor, Tony and John into the growing business.

The rapid growth of the coal import business led, in the late 70's, to the creation of the Avonmouth Coal Terminal. This established the Bennett Group as a major national and international company, a tribute to the energy and vision of Clifford Rudrum.

Sadly, Clifford Rudrum, who laid the foundations for the Group's growth, died in 1985 aged only 59, but his business principles and example still guide the Board of Directors today.

The current Board’s decision to make Rudrum (Holdings) Ltd the new holding company of the group will ensure Clifford Rudrum is always remembered and respected as the founder of the company.
part of the Rudrum Holdings website