Stiller Group has been forced to close loss-making subsidiary, Stiller Transport, with the loss of 24 jobs as it attempts to return the group to profitability. The recession and subsequent downturn in the construction and steel industries have hit the division hard, says the firm. It adds: "Without significant ongoing support from the remainder of [the group], Stiller Transport cannot be made viable within a reasonable timescale in the current economic climate."
It says that it has already poured £3m into the ailing division and further support would not be possible without jeopardising other group companies - Stiller Tankers and Stiller Warehousing and Distribution - therefore risking more than 300 jobs. MD Paul Stiller says the closure is part of an ongoing strategy of cost reduction: "The process has not been an enjoyable one, but there are very encouraging signs in our specialist businesses; it's surprisingly 
busy."