Pictured above: Andy Connor, Managing Director of Hellmann UK

Lichfield based Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK has announced its first quarter figures which see revenue increase by 7.5% and gross profit by 10% when compared to the first quarter last year. The global logistics operator has also recorded a 20% increase in European transportation shipment volumes, despite the strength of the pound pushing up the price of European products. 

With the majority of the growth coming through sales from the end of last year, a general up turn in UK export levels, due to the strength of the Euro and the affect of the devalued pound on British manufacturing, have helped contribute to the dramatic increase. The Hellmann air freight product has also seen a 9% increase in revenue and 12% increase in gross profit, bringing it to a break-even standpoint for the first quarter due to a continued focus on export development, and ocean freight has also seen an increase in net result. 

Andy Connor, Managing Director of Hellmann UK, said:

"As the Austerity Budget starts to bite, the future for the UK's growth prospects is unclear. Whilst the first quarter was a very positive start to 2011 we're still uncertain as to the direction the rest of the year will take. We're quietly optimistic but suspect the Government cuts will mean the high street will be stagnant until the fourth quarter."

He continued:

"We're particularly pleased with the European Transportation results because European products are now more expensive than they were two years ago. We're hoping that the air freight trends continue into the back end of the year despite it being a luxury supply chain product, and are thrilled to see the fruits of our labour with ocean freight, where margins have been stable for five months despite a challenging six months in 2010."