Bibby Distribution has reported a third consecutive record trading year following the release of its latest company figures.

The latest accounts, year ending December 2010, have confirmed the company's sustained growth year-on-year since 2007.  Profit before tax is up by 21 per cent to £7m on a turnover of £230m. This compares to figures of £5.8m and £185m in 2009. Over the last four years, compound profit growth has been at 25% year on year, despite the backdrop of the challenging economic climate.

The company believes that this success has been achieved by focussing on its core strengths and by aligning its strategy in line with customers' long-term aspirations.

Iain Speak, Chief Executive Officer of Bibby Distribution says the company's strategy for growth encompasses a far wider agenda than the three major acquisitions made in 2010.

"The figures are representative of a strategy that really keeps our customers as a primary focus. The acquisitions of Taygroup, TM Logistics and MRS Distribution have obviously increased our turnover, but they are part of a strategy to improve our infrastructure and broaden our range of services which enables us to create incremental value for our customers."

 "By adopting this approach we have won close to £70 million of annualised new business over the last three years. A significant amount of this has been awarded by existing customers who rely on us for tailored solutions," added Speak.

Bibby Distribution's in-house continuous improvement programme, which was launched 18 months ago, empowers employees to challenge methods of working in existing operations and look for opportunities to generate efficiencies.

Successes to date have included activities to improve asset management, reduce customer lead times and identify synergies by consolidating operations with other customers.

"Customers trust us to really get under the skin of their business, identify the potential for improvements and input measures to bring these to fruition" added Speak.  

"In doing this we operate more as a strategic partner than a supplier and it is though this transparent and open relationship that real value can be created."

Over the last 12 months Bibby has successfully integrated several significant acquisitions, doubled the size of its fleet and transferred in excess of 850 new employees into the business.