Pentalver rises on upsurge in market but warns on 2015 challenges

Container haulier Pentalver was “assisted greatly by an upsurge in market conditions” in 2014 after it saw a 7.3% rise in turnover year-on-year.

For the year-ending 31 December 2014 Pentalver Transport posted a rise in turnover from £57.2m to £62.7m, while pre-tax profit also rose to £4.3m, from £2.9m in the previous financial year. Sister company Pentalver (Cannock) also saw turnover rise to £28.9m (2013: £26.3m) but pre-tax profit fall from £1.4m to £722,000.

Combined turnover for the two businesses rose 7.3% to £91.8m (2013: £85.5m) while pre-tax profit rose 14.4% to £5m from £4.4m.

Chris Lawrenson, MD of Pentalver, told Motortransport.co.uk: “2014 was a strong year for Pentalver, assisted greatly by an upsurge in market conditions. As a group Pentalver is constantly looking at continuous improvement within its operations and benefitted from both in 2014.”

Lawrenson said that Pentalver had ensured that it was continually investing in its equipment and people to develop its business for the future.

“The efficiencies we have obtained are essential given that the container industry still needs rate increases in order to be sustainable. We have a strong customer base with great relationships that assist in developing our business to add value to theirs,” he said.

In October 2014 former MD of Roadways Container Logistics (which was acquired by Maritime Group in August 2014), Nick Matthews joined the company as general manager of its Cannock operation.

Pentalver also said at Multimodal in April that it was preparing to permanent container depot at DP World London Gateway later in the summer, following the success of an operation it launched from a temporary premises opened in April 2014.

“Overall I am very pleased with our results in a market that is still seeing casualties during the first few months of 2015,” Lawrenson said, referring to the collapse of Felixstowe-based container haulier Deben Transport in April.

“By contrast 2015 is proving to be another difficult year for the sector with driver shortages effecting wage costs, general cost increases and market volume pressure adding to the likelihood that weaker businesses will suffer for than last year. Pentalver has shown that a strong balance sheet, a focus the future and continual development is a recipe that can last and long may that continue,” he added.