C-Butt

C Butt Logistics has remained in profit for the second year running after turning its back on the retail logistics sector.

Its latest annual results for the year to 27 April 2019 show that the Northampton–based haulier almost tripled pre-tax profit in the period to £81,701, up from £27,651 in 2018 and a loss of £461,654 in 2017.

Turnover also rose in the period by 6% to £11.2m (2018: £10.6m).

The company, which employs 113 staff, has depots in Northampton, Lutterworth and Kettering, and operates a fleet of around 150 trucks and 170 trailers.

Speaking to motortransport.co.uk, joint MD Jonathan Butt, who shares the role with his cousin Robert Butt, said: “We had a volatile year as a result of Brexit which caused many customers to have issues but at the same time it brought us new customers too. We are hoping for a steadier time this year.”

Butt attributed the second year of growth to the company’s decision to quit the retail logistics sector and focus on food and drink and manufacturing logistics.

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This shift in strategy came after a major management shake-up which saw the departure of former MD Clive Hodgkinson and operations director Karl Hodgkinson in May 2016, followed by financial director Peter Ginn in June 2018.

It also saw Jonathan and Robert Butt take joint control of the company.

Butt said: “We needed to change direction. The sort of business we were chasing in retail was not working for us. It is a cut throat sector so we moved away from that and focused on being a local family-run Northamptonshire haulier offering food and drink and manufacturing logistics services.”

Looking to the year ahead, Butt said: “Every year is challenging and at the moment one issue we are monitoring, like any other logistics company, is the possible impact of the Corona virus on customers’ supply chains.

“However we are continuing to add new business despite these challenges and we remain positive for the year ahead.”

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