Construction materials firm Bimson Haulage is predicting a 20% growth in business thanks to a rise in home renovations and house moves and it has upgraded its fleet as a result.
The Carlisle headquartered operator secured a six-figure funding package from Lloyds Bank to help meet the surge, which it is using to acquire 25 new lorries and upgrade its O-licence to 66 vehicles.
Bimson said it had experienced a significant increase in demand for its delivery services over the last 12 months, fuelled by people undertaking private construction projects and making home improvements during the lockdowns.
MD Richard Bimson told motortransport.co.uk that it also recently secured a three-year contract with bricks and tiles manufacturer Wienerberger.
He said: “We specifically ordered more vehicles and continue to grow despite everything that happened last year.
“We spec the trucks to a very high standard and we like to think our pay is the best in the industry.
“As a result, we’re doing OK as far as drivers are concerned.”
The funding has also enabled the haulier to fit front, rear and side cameras to its existing fleet to protect vulnerable road users."
Angela Parry, associate director for HP and leasing at Lloyds Bank, said: “The government’s decision to cut stamp duty has supercharged the housing market.
“With people also spending more time than ever at home, it’s unsurprising that we’ve seen such a significant increase in the number of private residential construction projects being undertaken.
“Bimson has not only recognised that demand and put plans in place to meet it, but it’s also facilitated its future growth by choosing to invest in the sustainability and safety of its fleet as well.
“This latest investment will not only be transformational in terms of providing the head room to allow the business to continue expanding but will also ensure its fleet is fit for years to come,” she added.