Transport & Storage Firms: A Roller‑Coaster of Turnover
According to the latest ONS Business Insights survey, transport and storage companies have felt the pinch a bit more than their peers in July. Only 9 % of the firms in this sector reported a bump in turnover, a stark contrast to the 20 % surge seeing manufacturers and retailers.
Why the Numbers Look So Low?
- Manufacturers: 19.4 % saw a rise.
- Retailers: 20.1 % jumped higher.
- Arts: The only sector to trail behind with a mere 5.2 %.
- Transport & Storage: 9 % – the lowest among all but arts.
David Jinks, Head of Consumer Research at Parcelhero, notes that just 16 % of businesses across the board enjoyed growth in July. The transport & storage slump was more pronounced than the “heavyweights” of manufacturing and retail, but he adds that the dip might be temporary.
Looking Ahead: September Looks More Promising
“Transport & storage firms are bullish about September,” Jinks says. “A surprising 20.4 % expect turnover to rise, outpacing retailers (18 %) and manufacturers (13.1 %).”
In fact, when you dig deeper, the positives start piling up:
- July: 27.3 % of transport & storage firms reported a decrease in turnover, just a touch worse than the sector average of 24 %.
- Compared to manufacturers (31 %) and retailers (32.9 %), transport & storage were actually doing better.
- September outlook: Only 10 % of transport & storage firms anticipate a decline, versus 15.2 % of retailers and 18.6 % of manufacturers.
Competition: The New Elephant in the Room
Large transport & storage outfits (10+ staff) are saying the market is cutting edge. 33.2 % feel that competition is hit‑stopping their turnover, a higher percentage than retailers (30.3 %) and manufacturers (23.5 %) in the same size bracket.
One takeaway: Those transport & storage firms tied closely with retailers boasting strong online and offline sales are likely to emerge triumphant.
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