Great Bear Distribution reports 2021 surge in revenues and profit

Great Bear Distribution increased revenues by 21.5% last year to report a turnover of £342.7m.

Pre-tax profit also rose, to £17.7m in the year ending 31 December 2021; an increase of more than 35% on 2020’s £13.1m.

The business, which operates more than 400 commercial vehicles and manages more than 6m sq ft of warehousing in over 30 UK locations, said Brexit and Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine have both influenced its performance: “Brexit impacted the company’s ability to recruit drivers and warehouse staff during the year,” it said in a business review.

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“In response to this, the company reviewed its usage of temporary colleagues in addition to reviewing the recruitment practices and terms and conditions of employment.

“This strategy allowed the company to ensure that sufficient employees were in place at peak times thereby ensuring the continuation of the critical supply chain of its customers.”

Great Bear added that although the war in Ukraine should not have a direct impact on its business, pressure on oil, gas and electricity prices could have an indirect impact on its energy prices.