Bartrum Group shrugs off Covid effect to report 2021 revenue rise

Bartrum Group said it had started to bounce back from the disruption caused by the pandemic after reporting an increase in turnover of almost 10%.

The group, comprising haulage, warehousing and commercial vehicle maintenance, saw revenues increase to £28.8m in the year ending 31 December 2021, up from £26.2m in 2020.

Pre-tax profit increased by almost 12% to £2.6m.

The East Anglian family firm said that despite the sharp increase in inflation the group had been able to control costs and improve efficiency, which led to an almost £800,000 increase in gross profit to £4.8m.

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However, profits in its road haulage contracting arm fared worse, which it put down to increased subcontractor costs.

Gross profit in Bartrum’s Road Services fell from £1.8m to £1.7m and pre-tax profit reduced by 22% to £999,000.

The company said: “The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the group has been significant in terms of operational considerations.

“The key areas of focus and concern have been to maintain operations at a level in order to meet demand, whilst having due regard for the safety and wellbeing of employees, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders.”