UPN upbeat as profits surge

United Pallet Network (UPN) more than doubled its profits last year and is looking to the future with optimism.

The pallet network generated revenues of £13.7m in the year ending 31 March 2022, 33% higher than the previous year, which it had described at the time as a “landmark”.

Pre-tax profit increased from £2.1m in 2021 to £4.8m last year, a rise of 127.5%.

UPN said Covid-19 did not have a significant impact on the network and the directors were confident of continued growth and long-term stability, with pallet numbers forecast to increase.

JW Suckling drivers at the company’s Essex and West London sites and Hoyer drivers in the North West will begin their strike from 4am on Monday 27 March, initially for a week. Drivers employed by JW Suckling at Grangemouth will begin all out action from the same time.

n Drivers using the M25 face ‘Highway to Hell’ journeys this spring as workers employed by Connect Plus Services, who provide maintenance and undertake emergency responses on the motorway, ballot for industrial action. More than 150 workers have rejected a pay offer of 5.3%.

“The company will continue to develop its internal systems and IT infrastructure in the coming year which will maintain UPN’s position as a market leader within our sector,” it said.

“To help continue with the expected growth, the company has invested in a second central hub at Fradley Park. This will allow the network to continue to grow in the forthcoming years.”