Starting the year as it means to go on, global logistics operator, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK, has finalised its first quarter results. Against the backdrop of a stagnant economy, the road freight division has kept pace with the market and achieved steady growth with a 2% increase in shipment volumes.
Whilst volumes remain steady, profitability has increased as Hellmann sees the benefits of its innovative new trailer planning system
Gross margin has increased by 4 percentage points against the same period in 2011.
With a general downturn in business from some clients, the majority of growth has come through sales and new business acquired during the latter part of 2011
A general up-turn in UK export levels to non-EU countries and Germany contributed strongly to the results, while a series of new partnerships has also proved vital in maintaining the company's position
The positive results follow a string of new developments for Hellmann UK this year including its relationship with Itella Logistics in Scandinavia, Deutsche Transport Compagnie (DTC) in Nuremberg, a new hub solution to service the Baltic and Russian CIS markets, and a partnership with Rangel Express and Logistics in Portugal.
Andy Connor, Managing Director of Hellmann UK said:
This time last year, due to the uncertainty of the UK's growth prospects, we were unclear as to which direction the remainder of the year would take - despite a very encouraging start. We have been pleasantly surprised with the continuing positive results and remain optimistic that this positive trend looks set to continue for 2012, standing Hellmann UK in good stead.