Manchester-based AKW Group returned to profitability in 2013, as both its transport and warehousing businesses enjoyed bumper trading.

For the financial year ending 30 June 2013 AKW Group turned a pre-tax loss of £667,560 in 2012 into a pre-tax profit of £112,799. Turnover rose by 8.5% to £17.8m, from £16.4m in the previous financial year.

Making a major contribution was it warehousing subsidiary World Freight Centre, which also saw turnover rise by 17% to £6.8 (2012: £5.8m) and turned a pre-tax loss of £768,696 in 2012 into a pre-tax profit of £62,849.

The annual report states that the lease of an additional 187,000ft² of warehousing space back in November 2010 had been well utilised, and had resulted in the significant growth.

“The latest results are extremely pleasing and the success comes as a result of our continued focus on customer service which enabled us to retain our client base and win new business,” said Tony Worthington, chairman and founder of AKW Group.

“This in turn means we have significantly increased the occupancy of our 500,000ft² of warehousing,” he added.