BROWNS TRANSPORT GOES INTO ADMINISTRATION

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Stuart Peskett

A freight transport firm which was founded more than 60 years ago has gone into administration. Receivers have been appointed for Browns Transport Ltd, which is based in Sevenoaks, Kent. According to the company's website, Browns provides transportation services to France and other European countries. Kenneth Touhey, administrative receiver for Chantrey Vellacott, which is handling the company's affairs, said: Browns went into receivership on 1 December, and we closed the operation down, given that it wasn't viable and we were unable to find a purchaser for it. We are winding up the company as we speak. The lorries have been sold, and now it's a matter of winding down the company's affairs and realising the assets.' He added that all members of staff had been made redundant - about 20 people in all. Freight forwarder Anglo Overseas had used Browns as a supplier for about 15 years, and Anglo's general manager Michael Gill told Harpers: We were just disappointed to lose them as a supplier and a valued supplier, too. For every four trailers entering the UK, there is between one to two export loads available. Market forces dictate that export rates are driven down, down to what is now way below actual costs, as there are many trailers chasing fewer loads. I think it's a sign of the times - there's so much pressure on export rates, and with import rates not increasing to balance them, it causes difficulties for hauliers.' Richard Sharrock, director of Schenker's wine division, added: They were extremely good. They were one of the best operators that we dealt with in Europe. Schenker has been working with them since the wine division started in the UK. We're very sad that they've gone.' A spokeswoman for Browns refused to comment.

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