News

JW Suckling Transport's turnover soared by more than one-third in 2006 but managing director Peter Larner says that "margins remain tight". Turnover at Suckling Transport, which specialises in fuel distribution, climbed to £20.9m in the year to March 31, 2006, from £16.2m in 2005. Pre-tax profit grew to £393,848 from £237,778 in 2005. Retained profit carried forward was also healthy at £871,009, up from £596,577 in 2005. Larner points out that in the past six years Suckling Transport has seen  turnover soar from just under £2m to the current £21m. The main turning point was the decision to launch its TankShare service in 2000-01 which has improved the company's customer base.

Before TankShare, Suckling was only dealing with a handful of customers. Now it deals with 30 firms in a typical month and around 50 a year. But margins are still quite small despite the growth, Larner tells Motor Transport. "We don't have a problem with bad debt or cashflow because of the nature of our business, unlike some sectors like container haulage, but yes, margins are still very tight and should be better." Larner says that Suckling has achieved an increase in turnover, a spread of its customer base and geographical growth. Previously regarded as a South-east regional haulier, the company now has 16 operating centres from Inverness to Plymouth.

Suckling employed 238 drivers and engineers in 2006, up from 188 in 2005, while payroll costs rose by more than £2m to £10m in 2006. Directors'  emoluments were worth £126,333 in 2006, up from £101,700 in 2005. No dividend was paid or proposed during the 2006 financial year.