Specialist horticultural plant haulier Bleach of Lavant said continued demand for its services helped increase revenues and profits last year.
For the year ending 31 March 2021, the West Sussex-based operator reported a turnover of £11.6m, a 2.1% increase on the previous year.
Pre-tax profit soared to £753,000 compared to £143,000 in 2020.
Its trading margin increased by almost 5% to 18.7% during the period as a result of increased productivity and reduced fuel costs.
In its annual results the company, which operates a fleet in excess of 100 HGVs out of depots in most of the country’s traffic areas, said Brexit could have an adverse impact on its business, but it added: “Given the fact that the vast majority of our business is within the UK, more complex rules for cross border transport are not expected to have a significant impact on the company.”
It cited the ongoing driver shortage and added: “The company is addressing this by increasing wages in order to retain drivers and increase recruitment success.”
Bleach of Lavant’s current landlord in Arundel is expected to sell the land for development and the company said negotiations to secure a long-term lease on a purpose-built site in the local area were now at an advanced stage.
