R Swain & Sons said difficult trading conditions, notably within its container transport work, led to a 15% reduction in turnover last year and a pre-tax loss of almost £2m.
However, despite acknowledging the “disappointing outcome”, group MD Matthew Deer told Motor Transport its road transport operations remained resilient and the commercial decisions it had made during 2025 put the business on track towards a stronger and more sustainable footing.
The Rochester-based transport, distribution and warehousing company reported revenues of £65.4m in the period ending 27 December 2025, down from £77.3m in 2024.
Gross profit was £11.6m (£15.3m) but pre-tax losses slumped from £376,000 to £2m during the period.
Deer said: “Following the progress achieved in 2024, we entered 2025 expecting to build on that momentum.
“However, trading conditions remained difficult, particularly within our container transport operations, where volatility in shipping schedules, changing port activity and continued pressure on haulage rates impacted both revenue and operational efficiency.
“While this was a disappointing outcome, it does not fully reflect the performance of the group’s core transport operations or the significant strategic progress made during the year.”
Deer said the group loss was driven principally by more challenging performances within divisions such as container transport, coupled with rising financing costs.
“During the year, we undertook a comprehensive review of customer, assets and contract profitability and made a number of difficult but necessary commercial decisions.
“This included withdrawing from activities where returns did not adequately reflect the level of resource, risk and investment required.
“As a result, our focus has shifted firmly towards sustainable profitability, stronger margins, improved asset utilisation, long-term customer partnerships.”
Deer added: “While these actions impacted short-term revenue, they position the business on a stronger and more sustainable footing for the future.”
The company also pointed to its strategic achievements, including joining Palletline – which Deer said helped Swain build on its warehousing, cross-docking and transport capabilities and created additional opportunities for future growth.
It was also selected as a key supplier partner to construction logistics firm Wilson James on the Sizewell C Project.
“This appointment reflects our track record in supporting complex infrastructure programmes and recognises the strength of our national fleet, operational expertise and specialist transport capabilities,” Deer said.
“The project provides a significant opportunity to expand our presence in East Anglia, support local employment and establish long-term relationships within a major national infrastructure programme.
“These achievements represent much more than individual contract wins. Together, they broaden our service offering, strengthen our market position and support the development of more resilient and sustainable revenue streams.”
Deer said the actions taken by R Swain in 2025 strengthened the group as it entered its centenary year and improved its ability to manage the challenges faced by the transport sector: “We remain immensely proud of the relationships we have built with our customers, employees and suppliers over the last 100 years,” he added.
