The closure of H. Parkinson Haulage, a Preston-based transport company, has been officially announced. The firm’s collapse is attributed to unsustainable financial pressures, including uncontrollable property rents and escalating insurance costs. Administrators have stepped in to handle redundancy claims for affected employees. Some staff will continue under the HPH Group. The focus remains on supporting the impacted workforce during this transition.
The decision to close H. Parkinson Haulage, a longstanding transport company established in the 1950s, marks the end of an era. The firm, which held an operator’s licence for a substantial fleet, was forced into administration due to financial burdens it could no longer sustain. Property rents and insurance expenses were identified as key factors contributing to its economic downfall.
As confirmed by FRP Advisory, the company’s administrators, efforts are now concentrated on asset realisation and assisting employees with redundancy claims. A portion of the workforce will be retained by the parent company, HPH Group, offering a degree of continuity for some staff members.
David Acland, a partner at FRP, expressed regret over the situation, highlighting that H. Parkinson Haulage’s closure resulted from challenging market dynamics that rendered its continued operation untenable. Despite this setback, the administrators are prioritising support for employees, ensuring they receive necessary assistance through the statutory redundancy scheme.
The firm’s last financial records, dating to 30 June 2023, revealed employment of 131 staff members, the majority of whom were drivers. The administrators are committed to guiding them through the redundancy process, reflecting a broader industry trend of financial vulnerability among established transport operators.
The closure of H. Parkinson Haulage underscores significant financial pressures within the transport industry, highlighting the need for resilience and adaptation.
