John Hackling (Transport) reported a turnover of £15.9m in 2023, a 19% reduction on the previous year’s trading.

In its latest financial results for the year ending 30 September 2023, the haulage contractor also recorded a pre-tax profit of £471,000 compared with £1.5m in 2022. Gross profit was just under £5m (£5.4m).

Revenues in its transport work fell by 19.4% to £13.2m (£16.4m) and in its storage and handling division turnover reduced by 18.6% to £2.7m (£3.3m).

Mirroring its statement it made in its business review in 2023, the company said: “The external commercial environment was expected to stay competitive during 2024, however the volatility of fuel prices had, and will continue for some time to have, a significant impact on results.

“Actions taken by the company put the company in a good position to continue to react and operate while monitoring the situation.”

The report added: “The key business risks and uncertainties affecting the company are considered to relate to competition from other national haulage contractors and changes in external factors which influence the company’s cost base, particularly in respect of fuel prices.”

The haulier holds a standard international licence authorising 75 HGVs and 100 trailers running out of two depots in Swindon and Cheltenham.