Why does the same train run late every day because of the stopping service in front?

Every time I get the express train in the morning I find that it comes into manchester on time then wait at the signal where the conductor apologises that we are either waiting for a platform to become available at the next station or the local stopping service in front is holding us up. There is only one line and this is the train which leaves 10 minutes before mine. It seems that my train can NEVER get there on time because the timetable will not allow it. Is this deliberate? Does the train company get a fine for being late and is the late charge ped on to me?