Peter Colby started his business in the sale of heavy commercial vehicles in 1973, becoming one of the first companies in the UK to have a Fiat Heavy Truck franchise. Today Norfolk Trucks, an Iveco Ford franchise, is still involved in supplying, maintaining and repairing Heavy Goods Vehicles.

The group later diversified into truck and trailer rental through a subsidiary called Collease. In 1992 the group purchased the Eastern Hardware Company Limited, a Lowestoft sheet metal works. A portfolio of property was also acquired and rented to business, government departments and training organizations.

In March 2002 the group further expanded its Lowestoft operations with the creation of Polgain Limited following the purchase of assets of a local company, Zephyr Cams Limited. As of 2003 the group employs 350 people and has a turnover of £65 million.