WHERE TO FIND HAULAGE BUSINESS
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A New Feature Outlining Industrial Conditions in Various Parts of the Country TN this new weekly feature of The 1Commercial Motor, dealing with trade conditions in various parts of the country, reference is made chiefly to localities in which the staple industries are improving. Generally speaking, this is an indication that business opportunities for hauliers are likely to present themselves.
Northumberland and Durham.
There is some improvement in the coal industry, but the iron and steelmanufacturing business is slack.
Yorkshire.
Here there is a general all-round improvement in trade. There is a better demand for coal, whilst the woollen industry, even if it be slack and likely to be so for a week or two after the turn of the year, shows definite signs of continuing to improve, especially in Leeds, Reighley and Huddersfield. The boot and shoe trade in Leeds is good. In Sheffield the cutlery trade remains steady ; some steel mills are slack, but the Hadfield concern is reported to be prospering.
In Middlesbrough the steel manufacturers are slack, with the exception of Dorman Long and Co., Ltd.
There is a fair quantity of corn and timber in the docks at Hull, but, at Present, not much movement.
Lancashire.
The business in cotton appears now to be definitely on the up-grade, although some temporary slackness in the first week or two of the New Year is to be expected. Reports are good from Stockport, Manchester and Burnley. The boot and shoe trade is quickening, especially in the Rossendale valley. In Manchester the demand for coal slack and coke for industrial purposes shows improvement, as is also the case in Liverpool.
The silk industry in the Manchester area is quiet, but improvement is expected when the spring orders begin to be placed.
There is a slight improvement in the brick-making trade in this district.
Midlands.
The most promising field, just now, in this area is the light-castings trade, which is active in Birmingham, Leicester and Derby. The rolling mills are quiet, but lately there has been a slight improvement in the iron and steel industry, especially in Stafford.
There are two interesting items of news. The premises in Birmingham lately occupied by A. J. Stevens and Co., Ltd. have been acquired by the
Ever Ready Ltd., and in Walsall a new factory Co.,or the manufacture of metal window frames is shortly to open.
The grain market and the motor industry are not brisk, South Wales.
Business in South Wales is expected to be quiet during the first week or two of the New Year. The sheet metal trade is showing definite signs of improvement, as also is that of iron and steel manufacture generally. There is activity in light castings, but coal mining is quiet.
Scotland.
The suspension of work on the new Cunard liner has had a depressing effect on the engineering trades, but there is an improvement in the sheet-metal industry.
Seasonal Fluctuations.
Considerable diminution is now to be expected in connection with the business in imported timber. The haulage of the season's sugar-beet is nearly finished, although there may still be some sugar to carry.
The cold weather will have a detrimental effect on the building industry.