Page 61 - Linkline Yearbook 2017

Case Study: Macroom Haulage
The Macroom Haulage team receiving their award for Irish Haulier of the Year, 2016
Macroom Haulage is a transportation, distribution, warehousing and associated services business. The company was established by Paddy and Bridie Murphy
in 1983 and has over 30 years' experience in the haulage industry. They currently employ 55 people with annual turnover of €10.5m. They are well regarded within their sector having being awarded National Haulier of the year in 2013 and 2016.
Paddy describes how having started initially with one truck in 1983 the company grew to a fleet of over 50 in 2007. When the downturn came in 2008 the management team had to complete a detailed internal review of the business, which included downsizing the fleet. “The local relationship with AIB was key at this time”, said Paddy. It demonstrated a real understanding of their business and the challenges they faced.
The company is now growing again year on year. Donal Dempsey, Financial Controller, explains “this success has
been a result of combining operational and financial expertise to a strategical plan. This means the business has grown and progressed through the recession and is
now in its current position.”The key was a wide network
of customers with long standing relationships. Innovation and adding value with additional services for customers has been important to retain their customer base.
Over the last three years the company has invested in
their fleet with support from AIB. They have also been successfully utilising Invoice Finance to assist with business growth. Speaking of his experience Paddy said, “you raise an invoice and the cash is there, it's as simple as that”.
The key challenges for the business are managing costs such as fuel and insurance. Paddy also noted finding qualified drivers can be difficult. The company trains up their own drivers on an ongoing basis to overcome
this challenge.
The business has a strategy for long term growth and sustainability, the next generation of owner managers are now in key roles in the business and the management team has been strengthened with external consultants.
Please note that the provision of Invoice Finance does not require licensing, authorisation or registration with the Central Bank of Ireland and, as a result, it is not covered by the Central Bank's requirements designed to protect consumers or by a statutory compensation scheme. Facility criteria terms and conditions apply.
Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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