The UK removals sector is becoming more productive, but sales and profit margins continue to suffer, according to market researcher Plimsoll Publishing‘s June 2026 Mid-Year Review.
The report is based on accounts from 312 of the 750 removals companies tracked by Plimsoll, with a further 341 expected to publish results during the second half of the year.
More than half (55 per cent) of the companies that have reported updated figures have seen sales decline, up slightly from 53 per cent previously. Average sales growth has also fallen sharply, from 2.1 per cent to -5 per cent, while the sector’s average profit margin has decreased from 0.8 per cent to just 0.7 per cent – well below the UK average of 1.2 per cent.
There were, however, signs of greater operational efficiency. Average sales per employee increased by 5.5 per cent, rising from £110,000 to £116,000, while the proportion of businesses reporting falling productivity fell to 42 per cent from 43 per cent. Meanwhile, average cash growth has risen to 1.6 per cent, from zero previously, with fewer companies reporting declining cash reserves.
Despite these improvements, the report says the sector continues to face difficult trading conditions, profitability remains weak and sales are behind the wider UK economy.