A significant development unfolds as Sutton Coldfield’s The Haulage Group appoints administrators amid challenging circumstances.
- The company, known for its extensive haulage operations, faces financial difficulties linked to recent legal issues.
- A tragic incident in 2019 involving a fatal accident has played a crucial role in the current situation.
- The Haulage Group’s recent struggles are exacerbated by pressures from external developers.
- The firm’s longstanding history in the industry demonstrates the depth of its current challenges.
Sutton Coldfield’s The Haulage Group has taken an unfortunate turn by appointing joint administrators Edward M Avery-Gee, Daniel Richardson, and Nick Brierley from CG Recovery, due to increasing financial difficulties. Operating from Maybrook Business Park in Minworth, the company, formerly the Howell Group until December 2021, employs approximately 15 staff and holds licences for 70 trucks and 70 trailers.
The firm, founded in 1960, specialises in general and contract haulage, with diversified services including automotive haulage, pallet distribution, and storage. However, it has been navigating tumultuous waters, particularly after a tragic incident in 2019. A depot manager, Neil Roberts, was killed by a reversing HGV at the company’s transport yard, resulting in both The Haulage Group and Turners (Soham) pleading guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
The aftermath of this accident imposed significant financial burdens; The Haulage Group faced a £300,000 fine along with additional costs, while Turners (Soham) was fined £1.9 million. Principal Inspector Amy Kalay commented on the preventability of the mishap, citing inadequate risk management regarding vehicle movement and visibility as critical failures.
Further complicating matters, administrators have highlighted that external pressures, notably from HS2 developers, played a pivotal role. The developers allegedly required the firm to vacate premises within merely a week during the peak of the COVID pandemic, severely disrupting operations.
The absence of responses to requests for comments from both The Haulage Group and CG Recovery adds a layer of opacity to the situation, leaving unanswered questions about the future trajectory of this once-thriving family business.
The current situation of The Haulage Group is a testament to the multifaceted challenges faced by the haulage industry today.
