Hellmann Worldwide Logistics saw UK turnover fall 14.7% and pre-tax profit drop 37% in 2025, dogged by post-Brexit road freight volume declines, difficult global freight markets and a slowdown in renewable energy-related contract logistics.
The company’s latest annual results, for the year ended 31 December 2025, show turnover fell from £110.2m in 2024 to £94m, whilst pre-tax profit tumbled to £2.9m, compared with £4.7m in 2024.
Despite the decline in revenue, Hellmann said gross margin improved from 24.1% to 26.9%, while the business restructured its road freight operation to remove costs and partly offset the impact of lower volumes.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK operates four divisions. These are air freight, ocean freight, road freight and contract logistics.
Road freight turnover fell by £2.6m to £15m during the year. Hellmann said volumes had continued to decline in the wake of Brexit, although it had restructured the operation to eliminate significant costs.
The sharpest decline came in contract logistics, where turnover fell from £25.7m to £15.4m. The company attributed the reduction to a decline in its renewables subsector as that market matured.
The company’s ocean freight operation also experienced lower revenue, falling from £28.4m to £26.5m. Hellmann said volumes and margins were maintained, but excess capacity and tough conditions in the global market continued to drive down revenues.
Air freight remained the company’s largest UK revenue stream, generating £37.2m compared with £38.5m in 2024.
Overall, Hellmann said the UK and global economies remained challenging during 2025 but that the business was well positioned to manage the conditions and take advantage of opportunities as they arose.
Looking ahead, the company said it intends to grow both profits and voumes during 2026, with a focus on strengthening customer relationships.
The report said: “The directors expect the company to continue to progress in 2026, with the objective of growth in business profitably and volume with sustainable long-term customer relationships.
“The cost base is well controlled but is being continually reviewed, particularly in light of the global and local economic challenges.
“The business has a re-energised and strengthened sales team and is therefore fit for growth in 2026 and beyond.”
Hellmann UK highlighted freight and fuel costs as key risks to its future performance. Brexit also continues to remain a principal risk, although Hellmann said its experience of trading with customers inside and outside the EU means it is well placed to manage the continuing complexity of goods movements.
The results also show that Hellmann received no dividend from Rudolph & Hellmann Automotive, its associate joint venture, during 2025, compared with £550,000 in 2024.
Hellmann UK is part of the major German global freight forwarding and transport company Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. Founded in Germany in 1871, the company operates in more than 170 countries.
