WH Bowker International increased pre-tax profit in 2025 despite continuing pressure on international transport volumes, rising operating costs and weaker demand for warehousing.
The Palletline member, which is a family-owned company, specialises in UK and European transport, distribution and warehousing from its sites in Preston and Hull. It operates over 1.5 million sq ft of warehousing across 11 distribution centres and has a fleet of over 265 trucks and 500 trailers.
In its latest annual results for the year to 31 December 2025, the company reported pre-tax profit of £696,000, up from £645,000 the previous year, as turnover rose 10.5% to £20m from £18.1m.
Operating profit increased to £765,000 from £701,000, while adjusted EBITDA rose to £1.38m from £1.3m.
In its annual report, the company said international transport operations continued to be affected by an imbalance between import and export volumes, limiting operational efficiency and vehicle utilisation.
It also reported lower demand for warehousing as customers increasingly sought to consolidate storage operations as part of wider cost-cutting programmes.
The company said it had responded by focusing on improving utilisation of its existing fleet and assets while driving operational efficiencies across the business.
Operating costs also remained under pressure during the year, with fuel prices and higher ferry charges continuing to affect margins.
The directors said ferry operators had implemented further price increases during 2025, adding to transport costs.
Despite the challenges, Bowker said it maintained a strong financial position, with net assets increasing to £9.28m from £8.53m at the end of 2024. The company added that it retained sufficient unused banking facilities to support future growth.
The business continued to invest in digital systems, technology and fleet renewal during the year, with spending focused on improving operational efficiency and expanding its service offering. It also continued investing in more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Looking ahead, the directors said they expected profitability to improve further during 2026, supported by sales growth, continued control of overhead costs and increased activity in the company’s post-Brexit customs clearance services.
The report also highlighted several risks facing the business, including inflation, interest rates, fuel prices, exchange rate movements and continued uncertainty over UK economic conditions. The company said higher borrowing costs and weaker consumer spending could continue to affect demand during 2026.
Bowker added that it remained reliant on banking and vehicle finance facilities provided by HSBC Bank, BMW Financial Services and Volkswagen Bank UK, but said it had significant headroom against its loan covenants and expected its working capital facilities to be renewed when they fall due.
