North West family-run haulier closes after appointing administrator

A Preston haulage firm, which employed around 130 staff, has shut after appointing administrators.

H Parkinson Haulage appointed David Ackland, of FRP Advisory, as administrator on August 5.

In its latest accounts for the year to June 30, 2023, filed at Companies House on March 28, 2024, the company reported turnover of £16.295m, up from £15.065m, and a pre-tax loss of £340,718, down from £535,973 the previous year.

In the accounts the directors say they “have a reasonable expectation that the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future”.

However, they warn of a material uncertainty which may cause doubt over the company’s ability to continue as a going concern which relates to a claim for dilapidation remedial costs made by a third party after the balance sheet date.

They said the claim is in respect of a commercial property which the company vacated at the end of its leasehold at the start of the financial year. They said they do not agree with the claim,

The directors said their aim was to seek a commercial resolution with the third party.

The family-run firm was founded in 1953, as Harry Parkinson.

Offering integrated logistics solutions across the UK, HPH had grown in recent years to incorporate warehousing and storage spaces, repair and maintenance facilities and a two-lane DVSA authorised testing facility.

Based in Preston, it had a second network of operations based in Milton Keynes, which serviced the Midlands and the South. It operated a diverse fleet of 140 units and 380 trailers.

In the directors’ report to the accounts, the company said: “Competition in the haulage industry remains fierce especially at this time with the supply chain disruption, driver availability and inflation.

“The increase in inflation has far-reaching effects to all costs within the business pushing the extra costs to the customers where possible but continually threatening profit margins.”

However, they added: “Despite the external and industry challenges of the year, HPH have managed to sustain contractual and general work by increasing their rates to mitigate the rising costs.

“The driver shortage and supply chain disruption continues to the current date, creating a supply and demand effect, driving up revenues and costs.”