Transport & Storage: The Business Sector That’s Blushing
According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey, only 9% of transport & storage companies reported a boost in turnover last month. That’s the lowest uptick after the arts, which saw a punch‑line of just 5.2%.
What the Numbers Really Say
- Manufacturers: 19.4% saw growth.
- Retailers: 20.1% reported a rise.
- Transport & Storage: 9% shy of a market belly‑laugh.
- Arts: 5.2%—the quietest gig.
On average, 16% of all businesses across the economy felt the sweet taste of increased turnover in July. Transport & storage was clearly lagging behind the crowd.
Hope on the Horizon?
Leaning into September, the tide might be turning. 20.4% of transport & storage firms actually hope for a bump in revenue next month, outpacing manufacturers at 13.1% and retailers at 18%.
Looking Back, Not Just Ahead
The sector’s decline last month was a bit better than a standard do‑ozy. 27.3% of transport & storage companies saw a drop, only slightly higher than the industry average of 24%. Manufacturing and retail were hitting the funnel harder with 31% and 32.9% respectively.
September’s Forecast
Walking into September, the expectation for a downturn in turnover drops to 10% for transport & storage, compared to 15.2% for retailers, and a concerning 18.6% for manufacturers.
Competition: The Real Game‑Changer
Within the big players—those employing 10 or more people—competition is the biggest buzzword.
- Transport & Storage: 33.2% feel the heat.
- Retailers: 30.3% experiencing the squeeze.
- Manufacturers: 23.5% feeling it only a touch.
It’s a battle out there, and the firms that mesh the best with retailers that thrive both in-store and online are poised to win.
Takeaway
Transport & storage may have been feeling the slump last month, but the optimism for September suggests a possible rebound. Keep an eye out—competition is fierce, but partnership with a robust retail partner could keep these firms moving forward.
