Hanson Transport Group posted a loss after taxation of £153,551 for the year to 31 December 2006 - an improvement from a loss of nearly £1.3m in 2005. However, the company admitted that its contract distribution business "did not have a good year" in 2006, with a downturn in revenue due to the loss of some contracts.
Turnover from continuing operations stood at £7.9m in 2006 - down from £14.3m in 2005. The 44.6% drop in turnover was the result of the sale of the group's loss-making home
delivery division in September 2005. Hanson is now focusing on its other profitable businesses, namely general distribution, contract distribution, warehousing and property rentals
Despite the loss of work in contract distribution, the directors point out that the 14% margin achieved was still "acceptable" and that contract distribution is "performing well" in 2007. General distribution per-formed better in 2006 than contract distribution with a 43% increase in turnover, although this has slowed in 2007, say Hanson directors.
Hanson's warehouse, a purpose-built facility for the storage of hazardous chemicals, lost a "significant" customer in the year and one of the company's major objectives is to replace that business.
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