Jack Richards & Son increased turnover by 17% last year after benefitting from “a benign market”, according to its MD.

However, pre-tax profit at the Norfolk haulier fell from £1.2m to £988,000 in the year ending 31 May 2018. It blamed this on an increase in administrative expenses.

The Fakenham-based company boosted turnover to £53.7m, an increase of £7.8m on the previous year.

In a statement within the latest financial results, MD Peter Brown said: “Net cash generated from operating activities has increased to £6.3m (2017: £4.9m).

“The directors, whilst optimistic about the company’s foreseeable future, recognise that as a business operating across a broad range of sections, our performance will reflect the overall performance of the economy.

Read more

“In addition, we are concerned about driver shortages and short term inflationary pressures adversely affecting margins in 2018/19.”

In July 2018, the company announced it had left Palletways – of which it was a founding member – and joined rival Palletline, citing the latter’s member ownership model and successful business platform for the move.

Jack Richards & Son was approached for comment.