Connect Group appoints new chief exec at Tuffnells to “look at long-term prospects for business”

Connect Group has appointed Smiths News chief executive Jon Bunting as interim chief executive of its Tuffnells division to conduct a strategic review of the mixed and irregular freight 3PL.

The review will, Connect Group said, consider the actions and investments needed to create a sustainable recovery for Tuffnells, looking at the long-term prospects for the business within the group.

Bunting replaces outgoing Tuffnells chief executive Jos Opdeweegh, who has stepped down after being appointed in July 2018.

Connect Group acquired Tuffnells in 2014. For the year-ending 31 August 2019 turnover in the division fell 6.4 per cent year-on-year to £164.6 million (FY2018: £175.2 million) and an adjusted operating loss of £14.1 million, a decline of £9.1 million from its 2018 loss of £5 million.

Declining parcel volumes, combined with a high proportion of operating costs at a depot level being fixed, resulted in continuing losses in the second half of the financial year, Connect Group said.

Overall turnover at Connect Group was up 4.3 per cent to £1.47 billion, while pre-tax profit fell 18.3 per cent year-on-year to £23.2 million.

Connect Group chairman Gary Kennedy said: “In a challenging year, we have been resolute in pursuing a recovery plan that balanced improvements to profitability, with necessary investment and prudent capital management.”

Kennedy said that the revitalised performance of Smiths News, its newspaper and magazine wholesaling business, and the progress with its central restructure had established a solid foundation for the group’s medium term recovery.

“The turnaround of Tuffnells remains our most pressing challenge. The strategic review of that business reflects our focus on delivering improvement and removing its impact on overall group performance.

Kennedy said he was certain that Bunting’s “clear leadership and unwavering dedication will serve Connect Group well, as we push forward to deliver improved performance”.

Furthermore Michael Holt (non-executive director of Connect Group) has been appointed as executive chairman of Tuffnells. Holt was chief operating officer at FedEx Express Europe from May 2016 to September 2018.

By Christopher Walton