News
Lewis Tankers ahead of business plan
Revenues grew 53% over the previous year to £11 million, and there was a 90% improvement in gross margin, which resulted in a break even at operating profit (after interest) – a turnaround of £450,000 from 2010.
Performance is now ahead of the original five year business plan prepared by directors in 2009.
New business with Kuwait, World Fuel Services, Univar, and Brenntag, contributed to revenue growth, while the company has implemented a new operational control system, which has led to significant efficiencies. During the year the company restructured its management team to improve market focus by bringing together operational and commercial responsibilities.
As with the previous two years, business started poorly in 2012 due to unseasonal good weather, which affected volumes in fuel distribution, especially in Scotland. However, trading in other sectors has remained strong and the company expects to hit its financial targets.
Managing director Stewart MacDonald commented: “We’re pleased with our 2011 performance and are confident that we can continue to successfully develop the company. We continue to sign new business and our pipeline remains very strong for the balance of the year and beyond. With that in mind we are continuing to invest in new people and new vehicles. Staff numbers have grown from 108 to 120 and our tanker fleet has increased from 71 to 85.
“Probably the biggest challenge now facing us is to determine our geographical strategy. Increasingly, we’re producing new business opportunities outside our traditional operating locations in the north of England and Scotland, and we need to find sensible solutions – probably by small-scale acquisitions.”
http://www.lewistankers.co.uk/