HAULAGE firm Stobart said disruption caused by stores launching promotions to offset the tough economic conditions had held back profits over the past six months.
The group said promotions by shop chains to boost sales had caused volumes to fluctuate, which created problems in planning loads.
The Cumbria-based group, which handles distribution for blue chip companies such as Tesco, Coca-Cola, Mercedes and Unilever, said attempts to improve its reaction times to potential problems had pushed profits back in line with earlier expectations.
Pre-tax profits fell by 5% to £14.7m in the six months to August 31 – though revenues rose by 15% to £281.1m. The outlook for the year is broadly unchanged.
