Guyhirn-based Bretts Transport has secured several new contracts during the first half of the year, contributing to what is shaping up to be one of the company’s strongest trading periods in recent years.
The company has also reported an increase in customer enquiries, receiving more enquiries over the past six months than during the previous three years combined.
All recently secured contracts are within the ambient sector, a market in which Bretts Transport has operated for more than 90 years, and which remains a core part of the business.
Today, the ambient sector accounts for the largest share of the company’s customer portfolio.
Bretts’ involvement in the sector dates back to the early 1930s, when the business supported the East Anglian agricultural industry by transporting local produce, including strawberries, potatoes, grain and peas, using some of the first purpose built commercial vehicles.
Fast forward to the present day and the company now operates from a 23-acre site with 260,000 sq ft of ambient warehousing and a fleet of more than 60 vehicles.
Over the past five years, Bretts Transport has undergone a period of change, including the appointment of new senior leaders and a restructuring of its executive team.
During this time, the company has invested in its operations to not only support customers but prepare for future growth.
Investment has included new technology, integrated software systems, automation, a large-scale solar panel installation and fleet expansion, along with an expanded customer service team.
Simon Brett, CEO of Bretts Transport, said the company is now focused on building on recent progress and supporting continued growth over the coming years.
“The work carried out across the business over the past five years is beginning to deliver positive results, with increased customer interest and a number of new contract wins contributing to an exciting start to the year.
“While investment across technology, facilities and infrastructure has been important, our focus has still remained on providing a reliable and personal service to customers. We fundamentally believe that approach plays an important role in the development of the business and will continue to do so in the years to come.
“Those recent investments have essentially been aimed towards improving efficiency within the business across the board, while also strengthening customer service and ensuring we are well placed to meet future demand. Alongside this, we’ve also focused on putting the right structures and processes in place to support sustainable growth year-on-year.
“The increase in customer enquiries and the contracts secured so far this year paint an encouraging picture for our future. As a result, we are actively exploring options to increase capacity in order to support both existing and new customers.
“Reaching this point is an important moment for the business, but our focus remains unchanged – continuing to improve wherever we can and ensuring we keep pace with the evolving needs of our customers and the wider market."
