MT Top 100 company Goldstar Transport has said that 2014 will see it focus on improving gross margins after turnover and pre-tax profit fell last year.

In its directors’ report for the 12 months ending 31 July 2013 Felixstowe-based container haulier saw turnover fall to £69.2m, from £71m in the previous 12 month period.

Pre-tax profit was down to £1.54m, from £2.2m in financial year 2012.

The report states that “due to the tough trading climate, turnover for the year has decreased 2.7%, however the gross profit margin has increased by 0.1% to 11.6%, with administrative expenses increasing by 10% to £6m”.

The directors add that the focus for the forthcoming year would be controlling increases in overhead costs, as well as the aforementioned improvement in gross margins.

During the year Goldstar employed an average of 466 staff, including 390 drivers, up from 448 in the previous year.

Goldstar was not available for comment.

• To read the full Top 100 for 2013 go to motortransport.co.uk/top100

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