Boughey Distribution rode the wave of “significant trading volatility” during the first half of its trading period ending in May to report a solid overall performance, with revenue up 13% to £54.9m.

The Cheshire-based ambient goods haulier said it had endured an underperformance during H1 of the period ending 31 May 2021 as a result of atypical Covid-19 demand patterns, compounded by uncertainty surrounding Brexit, which led to business inefficiencies.

However, it was a year of two halves, with the Nantwich operator bringing in a result ahead of expectations by the year end.

In its business review, Boughey Distribution said: “With stock in the optimum locations in H2 and more normal demand levels, combined with a significant efficiency improvement backed by the new Crewe warehouse, profitability markedly improved.”

It added that pallets despatched increased by 13%, which reflected the increased activity of new customer contracts.

Boughey reported a pre-tax loss of £493,000, although this was an improvement on the £522,000 loss the year before.

When MT approached the company, which is part of the NWF Group, for comment about the current trading period, it pointed to NWF’s recent AGM statement, which said: “Food has been trading ahead of expectations with robust demand across all sectors; storage has been fully utilised and operating efficiency has continued to improve.

“Our successful strategy to recruit HGV drivers and reduce reliance on agency drivers has enabled the group to maintain driver numbers at a satisfactory level; driver pay increases have been passed on to customers.”

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