Firm 'won’t be the last to quit city' (From Daily Echo)
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Elite Transport Services ''won’t be the last firm to quit Southampton'
4:43pm Friday 28th December 2012 in Business
By Luke Tugby, Senior reporter
WE’RE sorry – but we won’t be the last business to pull out of Southampton.
That is the bleak warning from bosses of a UK transport firm after they announced plans to close a city depot.
As revealed in yesterday’s Daily Echo staff at Elite Transport Services were hit by the “heartless” festive bombshell when they were told just days before Christmas that they would be losing their jobs.
The 50 workers were informed at a crunch meeting on Saturday that the company is closing two of its six depots, in Southampton and Felixstowe, due to a drop in business.
But owners of the haulage firm have today assured employees at the Eling Wharf site in Totton that they will receive statutory redundancy payments.
David White, owner of Elite Transport Services, said the depot had become “financially unviable”, claiming that trade at the city’s port had plunged by around eight per cent per year over the past 24 months.
Mr White added: “The reason for the closure is that the Southampton port has been very quiet. “It was costing us a fortune to keep Southampton and Felixstowe open. It was a drastic situation. We expected things to pick up during the Christmas quarter, but they haven’t.
“The bottom line is there just isn’t enough business coming through Southampton’s port any more. It does not look good there at the moment and I’m sure we won’t be the last company to leave.”
In a message to those who have lost their jobs Mr White added: “We are sorry that it’s come to this, but we had to make a decision. This has allowed us to keep operating as a company and keep 170 out of 250 jobs.
“Those involved will be getting redundancy payments through the Government scheme.
“We aren’t trying to do anyone over.
The drivers are being paid for the work they have done and we will be working with them to make sure they get the redundancy payments they are entitled to.”
Doug Morrison, ABP port director for Southampton, said: “Rail has increased its share of the container transportation market from 27 per cent to around 36 per cent, so you can see where Mr White is getting this eight per cent drop from.
“Yes, times are hard at the moment and the haulage industry is finding it particularly tough with the cost of fuel and competing with rail. But the container terminal continues to be busy and I am confident that next year we will see growth in the container business – that’s why we are making such an investment in the port.
“There are a lot of haulage firms that continue to do well despite the economic climate and I have no concerns about any more of them leaving Southampton.”
Comments(40)
Of the Ilk
says...
5:44pm Fri 28 Dec 12
OSPREYSAINT
says...
5:53pm Fri 28 Dec 12
brian@hhazell6167.freeserve.co.uk
says...
5:59pm Fri 28 Dec 12
saintsteves
says...
6:23pm Fri 28 Dec 12
There hasn't been a loss of business just no new business signed as the whole world suffering.
I think maybe its more to do with a substantial offer to move from the site that is to gain over 150 new homes and a massive supermarket ??? allegedly !
saintsteves
says...
6:25pm Fri 28 Dec 12
Less lorries longer trains thats one of the other reasons
S Pance
says...
7:11pm Fri 28 Dec 12
They have a lot of space at the Wharf at a low rental, something they are unlikely to find in Southampton.
They now that it makes financial sense to pull out now, blaming the recession and they the Government pick up the tab.
S Pance
says...
7:12pm Fri 28 Dec 12
Only a rumour, mind.
bazzeroz
says...
7:21pm Fri 28 Dec 12
brian@hhazell6167.frYor smelling is worz than the daly eko'z
eeserve.co.uk wrote:
the government will not pay any redundancy mony out .becouse ELITE are still solvent .we will only get mony if ELITE go bust .the only way is to go to the courts to get the redundacy
S Pance
says...
7:25pm Fri 28 Dec 12
I don't know if it's connected to "Elite Transport Services Ltd" or who the drivers were employed by.
Just another reader
says...
7:27pm Fri 28 Dec 12
J.P.M
says...
8:45pm Fri 28 Dec 12
News Fanatic
says...
9:06pm Fri 28 Dec 12
S Pance wrote:I seem to remember that Lidl was trying to build a distribution warehouse at Ower but there was a lot of local opposition to the plan. Perhaps Eling Wharf is the new site.
My spies tell me a German supermarket, either a new bigger Lidl or an Aldi.
Only a rumour, mind.
legod7
says...
9:14pm Fri 28 Dec 12
News Fanatic wrote:It is going to be Waitrose
S Pance wrote:I seem to remember that Lidl was trying to build a distribution warehouse at Ower but there was a lot of local opposition to the plan. Perhaps Eling Wharf is the new site.
My spies tell me a German supermarket, either a new bigger Lidl or an Aldi.
Only a rumour, mind.
loosehead
says...
9:14pm Fri 28 Dec 12
News Fanatic wrote:That was going up in Redbridge lane Test Park side but I know the Labour Councillor for that area is/was against it & we've heard nothing about it since.
S Pance wrote:I seem to remember that Lidl was trying to build a distribution warehouse at Ower but there was a lot of local opposition to the plan. Perhaps Eling Wharf is the new site.
My spies tell me a German supermarket, either a new bigger Lidl or an Aldi.
Only a rumour, mind.
All the houses in that part of Redbridge Lane were going & a huge chunk of Farm land was going but the estate that own the land were/are keen to get rid.
But yes it could be that but they wanted a huge chunk of land
loosehead
says...
9:15pm Fri 28 Dec 12
legod7 wrote:How long would they stay? didn't last very long in West Quay did they?
News Fanatic wrote:It is going to be Waitrose
S Pance wrote:I seem to remember that Lidl was trying to build a distribution warehouse at Ower but there was a lot of local opposition to the plan. Perhaps Eling Wharf is the new site.
My spies tell me a German supermarket, either a new bigger Lidl or an Aldi.
Only a rumour, mind.
saintsteves
says...
9:36pm Fri 28 Dec 12
bazzeroz wrote:Some people can't spell as good as others or have dyslexia. You kok !
brian@hhazell6167.frYor smelling is worz than the daly eko'z
eeserve.co.uk wrote:
the government will not pay any redundancy mony out .becouse ELITE are still solvent .we will only get mony if ELITE go bust .the only way is to go to the courts to get the redundacy
Pikey-Biker
says...
10:10pm Fri 28 Dec 12
IronLady2010
says...
10:14pm Fri 28 Dec 12
****-Biker wrote:or can't afford.....
....or cant afford a spellchecker.
Sir Ad E Noid
says...
10:20pm Fri 28 Dec 12
Of the Ilk wrote:The lorry container haulage from Southampton is in decline and now in free fall as the trains take the strain. One haulage boss explained to me that the work on the train bridges, tunnels etc has eased the transport problems for the rail transport of containers and the situation will get worse for the road haulage in the coming years as new containers are manufactured and put into use.
I live next to the railway line in Eastleigh and also drive on the M3 frequently. I have no statistical evidence, but there seem to be more and longer container trains with fewer empty spaces and fewer container lorries on the M3.
arthur boutfaith
says...
11:50pm Fri 28 Dec 12
IronLady2010 wrote:Love it.
****-Biker wrote:or can't afford.....
....or cant afford a spellchecker.
andysaints007
says...
11:55pm Fri 28 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:D*CKHEAD
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
southy
says...
12:00am Sat 29 Dec 12
saintsteves wrote:That is happening all over the country the laying of the W gage line, altering Tunnels and Bridges, its all about an EU directive and Road and Marine Transportation of goods, less container ships but they will be much larger and carring a lot more containers, the WTM have a world plan, its not for the benefits of ordinary people its about bigger profits for the corporations, driving down costs, the EU directive plans are for the UK is to have 2 Hub Container ports one on the west coast the other on the east coast that is the Thames and Severn all other container ports will be feeder ports, and there will be the need of rail link ups to every container port, there is even a new dual rail line beening built from China to Germany the new W gage line, all of this as a date of 2030 to be finished.
Also how many millions of pounds was spent on raising tunnels and bridges for the container railway traffic ??
Less lorries longer trains thats one of the other reasons
freefinker
says...
8:58am Sat 29 Dec 12
southy wrote:.. oh dear, repeats, repeats and yet more repeats.
saintsteves wrote:That is happening all over the country the laying of the W gage line, altering Tunnels and Bridges, its all about an EU directive and Road and Marine Transportation of goods, less container ships but they will be much larger and carring a lot more containers, the WTM have a world plan, its not for the benefits of ordinary people its about bigger profits for the corporations, driving down costs, the EU directive plans are for the UK is to have 2 Hub Container ports one on the west coast the other on the east coast that is the Thames and Severn all other container ports will be feeder ports, and there will be the need of rail link ups to every container port, there is even a new dual rail line beening built from China to Germany the new W gage line, all of this as a date of 2030 to be finished.
Also how many millions of pounds was spent on raising tunnels and bridges for the container railway traffic ??
Less lorries longer trains thats one of the other reasons
Doesn't seem to matter to you that all of this has been debugged several times by others.
You still believe in the philosophy that if you say it often enough it will come true. A bit like your politics, and equally flawed.
loosehead
says...
10:15am Sat 29 Dec 12
andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply?
loosehead wrote:D*CKHEAD
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with?
We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?
Boatman
says...
10:48am Sat 29 Dec 12
brian@hhazell6167.frBrian - you are correct that the government scheme is to cover the case when the employer goes into administration or is insolvent.
eeserve.co.uk wrote:
the government will not pay any redundancy mony out .becouse ELITE are still solvent .we will only get mony if ELITE go bust .the only way is to go to the courts to get the redundacy
Were you an EMPLOYEE of Elite Transport? If you believe you were then you should get advice. If you are not a member of a union go to your local CAB - Junction Road, Totton is a stone's throw away from Eling Wharf.
The company should have 'consulted' for at least 30 days before announcing redundancies. I believe you should be paid for this period together with statutory notice pay, accrued holiday pay and redundancy pay. These can be recovered using the Employment Tribunal at no cost to yourself.
If on the other hand you were NOT an employee then the position is very different. Take your employment contract to the CAB, if you have not been given one, demand one.
andysaints007
says...
12:31pm Sat 29 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:I called you a d*ckhead mate cos you are - do you ever stop whining?
andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply?
loosehead wrote:D*CKHEAD
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with?
We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?
You might be surprised to know that the reasons for the Elite Transport doing what they are doing is absolutely nothing to do with you!
If you think you can run their business as easy as you make it sound why don't you make 'em an offer !!!!
loosehead
says...
2:17pm Sat 29 Dec 12
andysaints007 wrote:Whining? I'm not your mate! try looking in the mirror you call some one a d+ckhead.
loosehead wrote:I called you a d*ckhead mate cos you are - do you ever stop whining?
andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply?
loosehead wrote:D*CKHEAD
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with?
We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?
You might be surprised to know that the reasons for the Elite Transport doing what they are doing is absolutely nothing to do with you!
If you think you can run their business as easy as you make it sound why don't you make 'em an offer !!!!
Exactly why are you standing up for Elite transport?
Is it something to do with you?
This was about a company saying the reason it was giving such short notice to it's employees was down to a lack of work from Southampton Port.
I asked why they couldn't find other freight work in the area?
I also queried the reasons why they were quitting?
So come on you Mouth all mighty is their site going to be part of the redevelopment scheme?
instead of looking for an alternative site to run the business from are they just taking the money & doing a runner?
I couldn't give a **** if they were closing but to use lies to do it well sorry that's wrong.
So come on BIG MAN tell me where I was whining & exactly what is your interest in this company?
xmasjoy
says...
2:44pm Sat 29 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:According to some drivers, Elite has not left Southampton! They have apparently moved to a smaller office, taking some office equipment with them. They are, from there, using sub-contractors to carry out their business. As Brian has previously said, the Government will not pay any Statuory Redundancy as Elite is still solvent. My husband has still not received his last week's overtime and holiday pay etc or his P45. Unfortunately, due to the "close down" during the Xmas period, of CAB, solicitors, Union, Haulage Companies Administration Depts etc, nothing can be achieved re: redundancy, employment etc until at least 2.l.2013 but we still have to eat and somehow pay our bills!
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
Mollydolls23
says...
4:47pm Sat 29 Dec 12
The letter the Drivers' received last Sat stated the Depot at Southampton was ceasing ops immediately.
Fatty x Ford Worker
says...
5:16pm Sat 29 Dec 12
southy wrote:Derv to expensive you got to find the cheaper option, Dont you sent it by Rail and just do the Bump Jobs.
saintsteves wrote:That is happening all over the country the laying of the W gage line, altering Tunnels and Bridges, its all about an EU directive and Road and Marine Transportation of goods, less container ships but they will be much larger and carring a lot more containers, the WTM have a world plan, its not for the benefits of ordinary people its about bigger profits for the corporations, driving down costs, the EU directive plans are for the UK is to have 2 Hub Container ports one on the west coast the other on the east coast that is the Thames and Severn all other container ports will be feeder ports, and there will be the need of rail link ups to every container port, there is even a new dual rail line beening built from China to Germany the new W gage line, all of this as a date of 2030 to be finished.
Also how many millions of pounds was spent on raising tunnels and bridges for the container railway traffic ??
Less lorries longer trains thats one of the other reasons
loosehead
says...
5:31pm Sat 29 Dec 12
xmasjoy wrote:So doing a Wapping then?
loosehead wrote:According to some drivers, Elite has not left Southampton! They have apparently moved to a smaller office, taking some office equipment with them. They are, from there, using sub-contractors to carry out their business. As Brian has previously said, the Government will not pay any Statuory Redundancy as Elite is still solvent. My husband has still not received his last week's overtime and holiday pay etc or his P45. Unfortunately, due to the "close down" during the Xmas period, of CAB, solicitors, Union, Haulage Companies Administration Depts etc, nothing can be achieved re: redundancy, employment etc until at least 2.l.2013 but we still have to eat and somehow pay our bills!
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
I hope you all get your redundancy pay & I hope you find better employers
Rob444
says...
8:26pm Sat 29 Dec 12
arthur boutfaith wrote:The word cant wouldn't register as a spelling mistake in an English spell checker.
IronLady2010 wrote:Love it.
****-Biker wrote:or can't afford.....
....or cant afford a spellchecker.
andysaints007
says...
11:35pm Sat 29 Dec 12
loosehead wrote:Blimey take a chill pill you big girls blouse
andysaints007 wrote:Whining? I'm not your mate! try looking in the mirror you call some one a d+ckhead.
loosehead wrote:I called you a d*ckhead mate cos you are - do you ever stop whining?
andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply?
loosehead wrote:D*CKHEAD
Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton.
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?
have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with?
We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?
You might be surprised to know that the reasons for the Elite Transport doing what they are doing is absolutely nothing to do with you!
If you think you can run their business as easy as you make it sound why don't you make 'em an offer !!!!
Exactly why are you standing up for Elite transport?
Is it something to do with you?
This was about a company saying the reason it was giving such short notice to it's employees was down to a lack of work from Southampton Port.
I asked why they couldn't find other freight work in the area?
I also queried the reasons why they were quitting?
So come on you Mouth all mighty is their site going to be part of the redevelopment scheme?
instead of looking for an alternative site to run the business from are they just taking the money & doing a runner?
I couldn't give a **** if they were closing but to use lies to do it well sorry that's wrong.
So come on BIG MAN tell me where I was whining & exactly what is your interest in this company?
Pikey-Biker
says...
12:57am Mon 31 Dec 12
andysaints007 wrote:I suppose it’s hard for you when someone tries to put their comment in an intelligent way, perhaps you should ‘reflect’ on your postings, instead of just posting moronic comments.
loosehead wrote:Blimey take a chill pill you big girls blouseandysaints007 wrote:Whining? I'm not your mate! try looking in the mirror you call some one a d+ckhead. Exactly why are you standing up for Elite transport? Is it something to do with you? This was about a company saying the reason it was giving such short notice to it's employees was down to a lack of work from Southampton Port. I asked why they couldn't find other freight work in the area? I also queried the reasons why they were quitting? So come on you Mouth all mighty is their site going to be part of the redevelopment scheme? instead of looking for an alternative site to run the business from are they just taking the money & doing a runner? I couldn't give a **** if they were closing but to use lies to do it well sorry that's wrong. So come on BIG MAN tell me where I was whining & exactly what is your interest in this company?loosehead wrote:I called you a d*ckhead mate cos you are - do you ever stop whining? You might be surprised to know that the reasons for the Elite Transport doing what they are doing is absolutely nothing to do with you! If you think you can run their business as easy as you make it sound why don't you make 'em an offer !!!!andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply? have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with? We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?loosehead wrote: Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton. So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here? Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port? Smacks of a take the money & run job to me. What supermarket chain wants to build there?D*CKHEAD
andysaints007
says...
1:13am Tue 1 Jan 13
****-Biker wrote:Nah!! You are alright I don't want to become a moaning minnie like you - and you aren't quite as intelligent as you like to make yourself out to be!
andysaints007 wrote:I suppose it’s hard for you when someone tries to put their comment in an intelligent way, perhaps you should ‘reflect’ on your postings, instead of just posting moronic comments.
loosehead wrote:Blimey take a chill pill you big girls blouseandysaints007 wrote:Whining? I'm not your mate! try looking in the mirror you call some one a d+ckhead. Exactly why are you standing up for Elite transport? Is it something to do with you? This was about a company saying the reason it was giving such short notice to it's employees was down to a lack of work from Southampton Port. I asked why they couldn't find other freight work in the area? I also queried the reasons why they were quitting? So come on you Mouth all mighty is their site going to be part of the redevelopment scheme? instead of looking for an alternative site to run the business from are they just taking the money & doing a runner? I couldn't give a **** if they were closing but to use lies to do it well sorry that's wrong. So come on BIG MAN tell me where I was whining & exactly what is your interest in this company?loosehead wrote:I called you a d*ckhead mate cos you are - do you ever stop whining? You might be surprised to know that the reasons for the Elite Transport doing what they are doing is absolutely nothing to do with you! If you think you can run their business as easy as you make it sound why don't you make 'em an offer !!!!andysaints007 wrote:Come on explain this reply? have you got such a little brain this is all you can come out with? We've had articles about this site & how it was being redeveloped so surely Elite transports site is/was wanted so why call me a D+ckhead?loosehead wrote: Sorry but Eling Wharf isn't in Southampton. So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here? Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port? Smacks of a take the money & run job to me. What supermarket chain wants to build there?D*CKHEAD
Pikey-Biker
says...
3:31am Tue 1 Jan 13
kingnotail
says...
7:59pm Tue 1 Jan 13
Pikey-Biker
says...
2:18am Sun 20 Jan 13
loosehead
says...
8:34am Sun 20 Jan 13
kingnotail wrote:Well quit your job if your not a student. then go home to your paradise & some one else can have a job someone who actually likes living here
You don't have to tell us Southampton is an economic graveyard, we already know.
loosehead says...
5:31pm Fri 28 Dec 12
So Elite transport think an 8% drop in trade is enough to pack up operations here?
Why aren't they actively looking for work out side of the container port?
Smacks of a take the money & run job to me.
What supermarket chain wants to build there?