RH sees no barriers to a record 2010

This announcement was made as RH published its 2009 figures, in which the Group showed a strong performance in spite of the pressures facing the freight industry and the wider economy.

In the year to 31st December 2009, The RH Group Ltd made a profit before tax of £3.5million (Eur 4.2 million), only 1.6% down on 2008. Group turnover was £113 million (Eur 136 million), a drop of 12% on the previous year‘s turnover of £129 million (Eur 155 million).

Commenting on the results, Group Finance Director, Steve Rafferty said: “Considering the state of the economy, especially in the early part of 2009, we are very pleased with the full year results. Certain parts of the Group were operating in particularly difficult trading conditions. For example, the overall market for European freight was believed to have fallen by around 20%. In Finland, where we have our own subsidiary, freight volumes through the ports were down by approximately 40%.

He added “The overall results are particularly pleasing when you consider the figures contain restructuring costs of around £0.75 million.”

Efficiency savings at RH, due in part to continuing technological improvements have already had a very positive impact on the first quarter of 2010. Strong consignment growth in RH’s UK based European freight operation and ongoing improvements in the Finnish company and commercial vehicles business have resulted in first quarter profit before tax in excess of £1.1 million, a record first quarter result for the Group.

Steve said "We are now seeing the full positive effect of the improvements we have made. Continued investment in creating even better products, in our IT infrastructure and in development of our team has led to improvements in the quality of service given to customers. We believe that this exceptional level of customer service, coupled with the reliability derived from our unrivalled offer of daily services to 34 major cities throughout Europe, has allowed us to grow our business quicker than our rivals as the economies of the UK and Europe have improved."

RH is predicting a successful year ahead.

"Clearly, there are still some significant uncertainties about the economies of both the UK and continental Europe but we remain committed to investing in key areas of our business. Ongoing investment will allow us to increase sales and profits even during these continued difficult times. In summary, we expect significant growth in the full year and are confident 2010 will be a record year for the Group,” added Steve.

Celebrating its 40th birthday in 2011, RH continues to innovate and drive forward to expand its offering. Its European daily services offer has now grown to 34 destinations from hubs in Nottingham and West Thurrock enabling it to offer greater reliability than its competitors.

The Group is also in discussions with interested parties about the development of a new Southern hub that will not only replace and increase the capacity of the existing terminal at West Thurrock but will also give the Group an increased presence in the logistics and sea freight market.

The Group has recruited an additional 30 Freight Account Managers in 2010 as part of a two year programme to increase the sales and customer service capabilities in its 17 offices across the UK.

This development programme is the largest investment the freight operator has made in this service and is part of its dedication to becoming even closer to customers so as to be even more successful in the future.