Isle of Wight shipping specialist Acclaim Logistics has taken on nearly 20 staff members at the collapsed Steve Porter Transport Group as well as former MD Malcolm Gibson, after acquiring some of the assets of the company.

Acclaim fleet

 

The deal also includes the acquisition of Steve Porter Transport’s Cowes depot, which increases Acclaim Logistics warehouse space from 8,000sq ft to 15,000sq ft.

Commenting on the takeover, Acclaim Logistics said the deal will see key supermarket contracts preserved and ensure the continuation of vital supply chain services.

Steve Porter Transport was part of the KNP Group, which called in the administrators in September after a major cyber attack in June had left it struggling. The group also included subsidiaries Knights of Old, Nelson Distribution and Merlin Supply Chain Solutions. Nelson Distribution was bought out of administration by Kinaxia in September.

Acclaim Logistics, which also has bases in Totton and Southampton, specialises in parcel, pallet and groupage deliveries as well as full load distribution solutions across Southampton and the Isle of Wight. It has operating licences for 48 trucks and 45 trailers.

Thomas Flood, Acclaim Logistics MD, said: “This expansion enhances our capacity to meet growing demands and further solidifies our commitment to providing efficient and reliable logistical solutions for Island-based businesses. We are excited about the potential this development brings to Acclaim.”

The company hailed the acquisition as a key milestone in its business development strategy ading that it is anticpating revenue growth exceeding 35%. It said the move also cements its position as the “largest and most significant carrier of goods to and from the Isle of Wight, with a team unmatched in terms of experience and industry knowledge”.

Flood added: “We are excited about the potential this development brings to Acclaim. By absorbing the Steve Porter site, we aim to not only maintain but enhance the exceptional standards of service that both companies are known for.

“Our focus is on leveraging the combined expertise of our teams to drive innovation, deliver exceptional value to our clients, and create new opportunities for our employees.”

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