Bretts Transport is expanding its services and infrastructure following a strong year of trading
Strong trading performance has enabled Cambridgeshire-based Bretts Transport to expand its services and invest further in its business, as demand for storage and distribution continues to grow.
The Guyhirn company, which specialises in the storage and distribution of ambient foods and other goods, said profits from the past year are being reinvested into the business to strengthen its operations and improve its offering for customers.
Investment is being directed towards company infrastructure as well as staff development. Bretts has recently appointed a new Transport Manager, while three members of its senior management team have begun studying for a four-year BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management degree.
The company is also responding to rising demand by identifying additional warehousing space to expand its storage capacity. At the same time, Bretts is exploring ways to broaden its services and increase the use of its vehicle fleet.
New opportunities include in-night and weekend deliveries to major British supermarkets, many of which are long-standing customers, as well as collecting shipping containers from ports such as Felixstowe and London Gateway.
Simon Brett, chief executive of the third-generation family business, said maximising vehicle use during nights and weekends was a key way to improve efficiency.
He said making better use of vehicles around the clock would allow the business to “sweat the assets” and generate greater efficiencies across its operations.
Mr Brett said the company had recently taken time to review its strategy following shifts in consumer behaviour driven by inflation and prolonged economic uncertainty.
“Of course we want to continue growing the business but without compromising the quality of the service we deliver to customers, most of whom have been with us for several years if not decades,” he said.
“By pausing to take a forensic look at the business we have been able to identify opportunities to grow organically whilst at the same time look for new business opportunities.”
The company said its ability to adapt during periods of volatility in the logistics sector had helped it uncover further growth prospects by diversifying its services to meet changing market needs.
Mr Brett said the business continues to operate in a competitive environment where retaining customers and protecting margins remain priorities.
“The business operates a highly competitive environment where customer retention, margin protection and delivering flexible solutions remain key priorities. However market pressures have begun to ease since the year end, creating a more favourable outlook,” he said.
He also praised the role of staff across the business in helping Bretts navigate recent challenges.
“This has been a genuine team effort across the business, and the positive feedback received from customers reinforces the progress we have made in becoming a more supportive, flexible and robust logistics partner.”