The MD of Potter Logistics has described the 2013/14 financial year as another excellent one for the Selby-based business, with a near 50% increase in pre-tax profit.

The business posted a £1.7m pre-tax profit in the year to 30 April 2014 in its latest set of accounts published at Companies House – up from £1.1m in 2012/13.

Turnover from the distribution and warehousing business, which does not include contributions from the joint venture with waste management firm Chloros Environmental it entered into in July 2013, rose 8% to £24.7m (2012/13: £22.8m).

Potter’s pre-tax profit margin also increased to 7% from 4.9%. The business said it had focused on increasing its margin by offering a wider range of services and higher levels of customer service, following the acquisition of House of James Transport in 2012.

MD Matthew Lamb said: “This year also saw the renegotiation of key contracts as well as gaining new clients across all the distribution centres.”

During the financial year, Potter secured a contract with ASK Chemicals and pet food supplier Wagg Foods and in 2014 won a renewed contract with Elanco.

It also spent £1.4m on upgrading its fleet and £900,000 on warehousing improvements, including the opening of a new depot at Charley Wood Point.

Lamb added: “2014/15 is set to be an exciting time as we launch our 50th anniversary celebrations in late 2014, concluding with a celebratory event in September 2015 for staff, customers and suppliers.”

In August the operator expanded its presence in Merseyside after acquiring an additional 87,000 ft²  DC on the Knowsley Industrial Park following a contract win.

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