Clipper Logistics reports 'unprecedented' levels of activity

Clipper Logistics reported a rise in revenues on Wednesday, saying it had seen "unprecedented" levels of activity in its UK and Continental Europe logistics operations over the Black Friday and Christmas periods.

For November and December, revenues in the logistics business were up 50% from the corresponding period a year prior, with strong growth in e-commerce activities and non e-fulfilment services, it said.

In the first half of the year, Clipper had reported a 27.9% jump in revenues from its logistics operations to £270.2m.

"Of particular note is that Clipper has fulfilled its one-billionth item of PPE ordered online through the portal established with eBay in the spring of last year," it said. "This service has now been extended beyond local health care providers including GP surgeries and nursing homes, to educational and other communal establishments.

"Whilst additional revenue will not necessarily have a proportionate impact on operating profit given Clipper's contract mechanisms, this level of activity gives management an excellent level of confidence in the year ahead."

Clipper also said it continues to enjoy a strong pipeline of new business opportunities.

Executive chairman Steve Parkin said: "Our strategic positioning in supporting the online trading of retailers both in the UK and Europe places us in a strong position to continue to deliver excellent returns to our shareholders.

"The strength of both our underlying markets and our new business activity provide us with an excellent level of confidence in the year ahead."