ND predicts turnover growth despite recession
31 July 2009
Malcolm Wilson, managing director of Norbert Dentressangle’s (ND) UK logistics arm, predicts that the division will increase its turnover by around 6% this year, despite the recession.However, he believes the second half of 2009 will be “more difficult” and that economic conditions will remain broadly the same during 2010.
The firm grew logistics turnover in the UK by 16% in 2008, through both organic growth and new business wins, and has seen the upward trend continue this year, albeit at a lower rate, with turnover up during the first half by 6%-7%.
He says: “Although the recession has hit some of our large customers with a consequent downturn in some of our activities, we are still growing. We are not seeing customers going away [from ND], but we have found it a more challenging environment in which to attract new customers.”
However, he believes the restructuring that took place at the ex-Christian Salvesen business following its acquisition by ND and which was finished before the recession fully hit, has left it in a healthy position.
He adds: “We were left in an enviable position compared with many of our competitors in that we had already gone through a period of change and realigned ourselves to a very much smarter way of working.”