In a fast changing year, the
positives outweigh the negatives in in the early part of 2020. A study
completed by the Hitachi Bank suggests the year will be a good one for SME
within the industry.
Going Well: –
Cheshire-based Boughey Distribution is to open a new 237,734 sq ft warehouse at Crewe Commercial Park which will create around 100 new jobs for the local area
Boughey Distribution bounced back into the black last year, converting a £754,000 pre-tax loss into a profit of £310,000.
Walker Logistics, experienced a 38% year-on-year increase in the number of orders at its Berkshire hub in Berkshire during the fourth quarter of 2019.
C Butt Logistics has remained in profit for the second year running after turning its back on the retail logistics sector.
Fergytrux, the Cramlington-based holding company of Fergusons Transport, increased turnover by 2.2% last year, thanks to performance improvements and Brexit stockpiling.
North Wales-based logistics company Delivery Solutions (Delsol) has reported a year of sustained growth. The company added 30 staff to its now 170-strong workforce during 2019 – its 20th anniversary – which coincided with a 20% increase in revenues.
The Pallet Network (TPN) saw the number of member companies achieving elite performance levels grow by 300% during 2019.
Facing Challenges: –
Fagan & Whalley pocketed a £521,000 profit
last year, but it was a significant reduction compared to the previous
year’s £1.3m.
Premier Logistics (UK) made a £2m loss in the
months following its company voluntary agreement (CVA), according to its
most recent financial results.
Online grocer Ocado is continuing to suffer from
the fire which destroyed its Andover
depot last year, reporting a pre-tax loss of £214.5m for 2019.
Marks and Spencer is to close two major
distribution centres in Derbyshire and Sheffield,
putting 662 jobs at risk.
In Administration: –
Carters Haulage in Hertfordshire has entered
administration and ceased trading.
A pre-packaged sale of Staffordshire haulier Pro
Freight Solutions took place following the high-profile collapse into
administration of its customer, The Book People.
Acquisitions/Partnerships: –
The Pallet Network (TPN) has announced the
addition of Bristol-based Toogood International Transport to its line-up.
EV Cargo Logistics has acquired ‘specific assets
and operations’ of NFT Distribution.
The sale of NFT Distribution Operations to EV
Cargo Logistics does not include the firm’s Tilbury refrigerated
distribution centre, it has emerged.
Widnes-based Suttons Tankers is on the look-out
for further acquisitions as it gears up its growth plans, according to MD
Michael Cundy.
The new owner of Clugston Distribution Services
is linked to Malta-based HLD Group which bought AM Widdowson and Sons in
2015 and Crewe-based Davis Haulage in 2016.
Pall-Ex has purchased the pallet distribution
business of Surrey-based member Cranleigh Freight Services.
Miscellaneous: –
Hermes is set to build a £60m automated parcel
distribution centre in Barnsley as its
parcel volumes continue to rise.
NHS logistics (NHL) lorry drivers have called off
a dispute with their employer Unipart after it offered an improved pay
deal.
Strike action could be on the cards among Biffa
drivers on the Wirral after negotiations over pay reached a stalemate.
