Warrington logistics giant Eddie Stobart reports a pre-tax loss of almost £900,000, despite a rise in revenues, after seeing a profit of almost £5m last year. Tony McDonough reports

Logistics giant Eddie Stobart has reported a pre-tax loss of £883,000 for the 12 months to December 31, 2024, accounts filed on Companies House show.

Warrington-based Eddie Stobart reported an almost £5m pre-tax profit in the previous year. In the annual report the business blamed the loss on “increases in short-term vehicle lease expenses”.

However, the company did see a rise in revenues of more than during the year to £556.8m. It added: “Challenging market conditions continue to impact the business, however the directors are satisfied that the company continues to provide customs with a market leading service.”

Now owned by the Culina Group, the company was founded by Eddie Stobart in Cumbria in 1957. He had been born into a farming family. He started the company in 1946, primarily to distribute fertiliser.

He acquired his first Eddie Stobart lorry in 1957 and secured a contract with Imperial Chemical Industries. The business grew into one of the most recognisable names in the UK and the lorries are now a regular sight on the road network. Eddie Stobart himself died aged 95 in November 2024.

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It provides supply chain and transport services to major retailers and e-commerce businesses across Europe. The firm operates more than 2,700 vehicles and 3,500 trailers, employs over 3,600 staff and runs 43 depots nationwide.

The report also said: “The company is well funded and financially robust, so the directors are confident the business is well placed to meet the challenges of the economic climate and market conditions.”