PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED

Executive Summary

PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED is a micro-sized freight transport operator, positioned as a niche player within the highly competitive UK road freight sector. Its financial scale and asset base are modest compared to industry norms, reflecting a small, owner-managed operation that faces typical sector pressures such as cost volatility and regulatory demands. While limited in scale, its micro status allows for operational agility but restricts growth and investment potential relative to larger competitors.

PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13622520

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 14:30 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED operates in the “Freight transport by road” sector, classified under SIC code 49410. This sector primarily involves the transportation of goods by road using lorries, vans, and other commercial vehicles. Key characteristics include high dependency on fuel costs, regulatory compliance (e.g., driver hours and vehicle safety), and competitive pricing dynamics. The industry is fragmented with numerous small operators alongside a few large logistics firms.

2. Relative Performance
   As a micro-entity with minimal filing requirements, PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED is significantly smaller than most typical players in the freight transport sector, which often feature medium to large companies with extensive fleets and larger turnover. The company’s net assets declined from £2,162 in 2023 to £1,050 in 2024, indicating some asset contraction or increased liabilities. Fixed assets are minimal (£596 in 2024), reflecting a likely small fleet or leased vehicles. Current assets and liabilities have both decreased, with net current assets falling from £1,268 to £454, suggesting tighter working capital management or reduced operational scale. The business has maintained a single employee (likely the owner/director), consistent with a sole trader-style operation within the limited company structure.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The UK freight transport sector has recently faced several headwinds: rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and driver shortages have increased operating costs and constrained capacity. Additionally, environmental regulations and shifts towards decarbonization are encouraging investment in greener vehicles, which may be capital intensive for small operators. Brexit-related customs complexities and evolving e-commerce demand patterns also influence market dynamics. For a micro business like PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED, these trends mean cost pressures and a need to adapt quickly to customer demands, though smaller size offers agility advantages.

4. Competitive Positioning
   PETER COLMAN SERVICES LIMITED appears to be a niche micro player, possibly serving local or regional freight needs with a very small asset base and workforce. This contrasts with sector leaders who leverage scale, sophisticated logistics technology, and expansive networks. Strengths include low overheads and potentially close customer relationships. However, weaknesses include limited capital to invest in fleet upgrades or technology, vulnerability to cost volatility, and challenges in scaling operations. The company’s financials reflect typical constraints of micro freight operators with modest assets and equity, relying heavily on direct management by the principal.