North Yorkshire firm returns to profitability
North Yorkshire-based company Reed Boardall has rebounded from a challenging year to achieve a significant uplift in profits. The firm, which specializes in providing storage and logistics services to leading UK food manufacturers and retailers, reported a £5.5 million increase in profits compared to the previous year.
The financial year 2021-2022 proved to be a tough period for Reed Boardall, with various obstacles including Covid lockdowns, a cyber attack, and soaring fuel and energy costs contributing to a £4.1 million loss. However, thanks to the company’s longevity, stellar reputation, and the skills of its highly-trained team, it managed to stage a strong comeback.
Marcus Boardall, the CEO of Reed Boardall, attributed the company’s success to its ability to adapt and thrive in an environment of global uncertainty, driven by ongoing issues such as the Ukraine conflict and persistent inflation. Boardall also highlighted measures taken by the company to mitigate labor shortages, including investments in training and improving working practices. Through their in-house driver academy, over 50 recruits were trained to become qualified HGV drivers, and the company established several apprenticeships in administration and technician roles.
Boardall expressed confidence in the future, stating that the company is well-positioned for further growth. He emphasized the success of their single-site strategy, which enables them to deliver efficient and reliable services to their customers.
Reed Boardall’s Group Finance Director, Sarah Roberts, echoed the positive sentiments, emphasizing the resilience of the business despite market turmoil. Roberts cited higher average store utilization compared to the previous year and the successful expansion of their 168,000 pallet cold store as contributing factors to the company’s turnaround.
As one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, Reed Boardall operates from a vast 55-acre site. Their fleet of 200 vehicles works around the clock, 365 days a year, delivering 12,000 pallets of frozen food daily to leading supermarkets in the UK, Europe, and beyond. In addition to their distribution services, the company also offers blast freezing, picking, and packaging solutions.
Looking toward the future, Reed Boardall aims to maintain its position at the forefront of the cold storage and distribution sector through continuous innovation. This includes efforts to reduce their carbon consumption, water usage, and waste production. Furthermore, the company plans to invest in new technologies and practices to drive additional operational efficiencies.
With a strong foundation built on their can-do attitude, long heritage, and financial strength, Reed Boardall remains committed to supporting some of the biggest names in the UK food industry.
In conclusion, Reed Boardall’s return to profitability after facing significant challenges demonstrates their resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional services to their clients in the highly competitive cold storage and distribution sector.
