Sharp ■ Informed ■ Challenging
4.12.23
NEWS INSIDE Clock ticking on net zero
Report calls for ZET finance p3
Sensitive data stolen
Criminals hack Owens Group p4
DHL transitions to HVO
Photo: Craig Eccleston
All on-site fuelling to switch p6
OPERATORS INSIDE Curries Solutions ������������������������������������������� p6 DHL Supply Chain ������������������������������������������ p6 Jaga Brothers ����������������������������������������������� p3 Mark Steward Transport �������������������������������� p6 Noone Transport �������������������������������������������� p6 Owens Group ������������������������������������������������� p4
FRONT-RUNNER: A growing fondness for Volvo trucks has resulted in Nottinghamshire-based Griffins Logistics recently taking delivery of 16 new FMs, FEs and FLs. The Tuxford haulier welcomed its first ever model from the manufacturer just two years ago, but in that short time the marque has impressed both drivers and management. Its latest order from Hartshorne Group comprises three FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2s, 11 FE 320 6x2s and two FL 250 4x2 curtainsider rigids. They join a 40-strong commercial
vehicle fleet, arriving as a mixture of direct replacements for older models and a partial fleet expansion. Griffins commercial director Owen Griffin said: “While we do run a mixed fleet, we’ve become very fond of the Volvo product across the past couple of years. The drivers in particular are big fans and are always noting how comfortable and enjoyable they are to drive and just how spacious the cabs are.” He added: “The fuel returns have been brilliant.”
Multiple factors have caused a significant increase in failing businesses, according to new data
By Carol Millett
A record 463 British haulage businesses have collapsed in the last 12 months, more than double the number two years ago, according to data obtained by accountants Price Bailey. Haulage businesses entering insolvency jumped from 225 in 2020/21 to 363 in 2021/22, and then to 463 in the most recent 12-month period, representing a rise of 173% in just two years (year ending 30 September). Price Bailey also looked at the credit risk score of the UK haulage sector. It revealed that 33% of businesses in the sector are deemed maximum risk, up from 22% 12 months ago. According to Price Bailey, a convergence of adverse factors is squeezing the haulage sector, including soaring overheads, driven by fuel and wage rises, coupled with interest rate hikes, which have made servicing debt increasingly expensive. The Bank of England interest
rate began the year at 3.5% but has been hiked aggressively over the past six months, finishing at 5% by the end of Q2. Many haulage businesses rely on debt to finance their fleets, premises, and even day-to-day operational costs, which has meant that debt payments have risen significantly. The new data comes as supply chain specialist Hemisphere Freight Services (HFS) looks set to purchase the warehousing and freight forwarding divisions of Magnus Group, after the Ipswichbased haulier announced its intention to call in the administrators last month. The acquisition will also see Hemisphere take on Magnus Group’s operational staff at both divisions. As part of the arrangement, HFS will also take over around 200,000sq ft of warehousing space at Magnus Group’s Great Blakenham facility. Magnus Group currently holds an international licence authoris-
Image: Shutterstock
Record number of hauliers fold
ing a total of 87 HGVs and 105 trailers running out of three operating centres in the East of England traffic area. HFS said 25 jobs will be saved, adding that this was a key priority for Hemisphere’s board of directors. Magnus Group employed around 147 staff in total. The purchase of the two Magnus Group divisions comes as HFS prepares to open a new multi-million pound warehouse on the Suffolk Port One Logistics Park development.
JAD Trans Scotland also entered administration last month despite “significant efforts” by the directors to keep the business going. The North Lanarkshire-based haulage firm appointed French Duncan LLP to handle its affairs on 10 November, after it had accrued significant debts that it was no longer able to service. The haulier held an international licence authorising a total of 20 HGVs and 21 trailers running out of two operating centres in Airdrie.
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