231-year-old Liverpool commodities warehousing and logistics business Henry Bath sees a return to profit for the first time in four years despite a 14% fall in revenues to £39.6m. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool commodities warehousing and logistics business Henry Bath has reported a pre-tax profit for the first time since 2021.

Located in Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters, Henry Bath was founded by Cornishman Henry Bath as a copper trading venture in 1794 and is one of the city’s oldest firms. It is now owned by two Hong Kong entities – CMST International and Mecuria Asset Holdings.

In its annual accounts for the 12 months to December 31, 2024, Henry Bath says revenues fell by almost 14% to £39.6m. However, after three years of pre-tax losses, the company is now reporting a pre-tax profits of £73,000.

Principal activity of Henry Bath, which employs more than 60 people, is the provision of warehouse and logistics services for non-ferrous metals, cocoa and coffee. It operates subsidiaries in the Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, China and the US.

In the annual report, it said: “The results display a more favourable financial performance in 2024 compared to 2023.

“Although there has been an overall decrease in revenue we have seen an increase in operating margin due to a reduction in lease costs and an increase in stocks and rental income.

“The directors and managers will continue to see new locations and opportunities in 2025. The directors are of the opinion the group and the company results will improve with the profitable result forecast for 2025.”

Henry Bath’s headquarters are located at 10 Princes Dock in Liverpool Waters. In July 2023 the company agreed a new 10-year lease at the site for a 4,150 sq ft office suite.

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Although founded in 1794, the business did not start in Liverpool. In 1816 the founder’s son, Henry Bath II, became a partner and the business relocated from Cornwall to Swansea and operated a fleet of ships.

In 1846, he married the daughter of Charles Lambert, another prominent Swansea shipbuilder and copper merchant, merging both family businesses in copper smelting operations.

Henry Bath opened its first office in Bentinck Street in Liverpool in 1875 and the city later became its home.

In 1888 the company started a ship-breaking business, acquiring Great Eastern, a vessel designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. At the end of its life it was broken up and sold for scrap. The ship’s mast is still the main flagpole at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium.