Jo Ritzema – celebrating 20 years with WCF!
Jo Ritzema, Managing Director at WCF, is proud to be celebrating 20 years working for the business.
Jo reflected on the last 20 years with the company: “It would not be an exaggeration to say the past 20 years have flown by.
“No two weeks are ever the same at WCF, and I have been lucky enough to be part of a period of considerable change, not only in terms of the businesses we own and run, but the culture and engagement of our team.
“Witnessing them embrace the concept of being employee-owners, with their own voice to benefit both their working environment and their own personal influence on our success, has been one of my proudest achievements, as well as diversifying into new income streams that will hopefully help sustain the legacy of WCF for another 110 years.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to work here.”
Inspirational
Phil Murray, Deputy Managing Director for WCF, added: “Jo has been such an inspirational leader to everyone here at WCF and her selfless dedication to the business is clear for all to see. She embodies our employee-owned culture, putting others before herself, and takes a genuine interest in the welfare and well-being of everyone who works at WCF. Her passion for the business is only surpassed by her passion for visiting remote spots around the world, and she’s never short of an incredible story or two from her travels!
“On behalf of everyone who knows Jo, we want to pass on our congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. She’s made WCF bigger and stronger than it was when she took over as MD, and we’ve absolutely no doubt she’ll continue to achieve great success in the future. Thank you, Jo!”
Congratulations to Jo from Fuel Oil News!
Firefly Green Fuels and Wizz Air win award at first ever SAF Investor Awards
Firefly Green Fuels is thrilled to be part of the ‘Strategic Investment of the Year – Europe’ award won by Wizz Air at the first ever SAF Investor Conference in London.
Firefly and Wizz Air have been recognised for the significant investment package they brokered together last year. The deal, which contained a £5 million equity investment, also contained an offtake agreement for up to 525,000 tonnes of SAF over 15 years.
A significant deal
This substantial offtake deal was crucial to supporting Firefly’s development, and will allow Wizz Air to supply SAF to its UK operations from 2029. The supplied SAF will also carry the potential to save as much as 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-eq.
This award comes as the company currently seeks to secure a further £40 million investment through Series B funding. This next round of funding will finance the development of Firefly’s pilot facility – an important step towards planned commercialisation of their innovative SAF pathway.
Firefly CEO James Hygate said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see Wizz Air receive this award today. Wizz has been a fantastic partner and we’re excited that we get to work with a company that is completely aligned with our decarbonisation goals.”
Darrell Stuart of Craggs Energy – going above and beyond
Craggs Energy, the West Yorkshire-based distributor, would like to say an extra big ‘thank you’ to employee Darrell Stuart, Senior Fuel Consultant.
Volunteering to help during busy periods, Darrell will happily go out and complete emergency fuel deliveries for customers in need.
Darrell said: “I did my Ranger training last year in preparation for the busy winter season. It’s great to know I can help get emergency deliveries out, especially to our cold weather priority customers.
“Teamwork is the key to success, and we are lucky to have a fantastic team. My colleagues help to cover my work in the sales department whilst I help our transport and operations team.
“It’s nice to get out of the office occasionally and to visit different locations. My favourite so far has been Bolton-by-Bowland in the beautiful Ribble Valley!”
If you have an employee who goes above and beyond then please do let Fuel Oil News know: claudia@andpublishing.co.uk
The IPU Group – raising dough in more ways than one
The IPU Group, the West Bromwich-based design and manufacturing company, held a charity bake sale in aid of Red Nose Day last month. Sundas Salim was crowned Red Nose Day Baking Champion and won the coveted IPU apron!
Melissa Payne, Marketing Manager, said: “Fundraising through bake sales is a big part of the office culture here at IPU and Red Nose Day is a fantastic cause.
“There were some amazing bakes, but after a blind-judging, Sundas Salim was crowned the winner with her macarons. The mango ones were divine and were very worthy of the coveted IPU apron! Our JustGiving page is still active for anyone wishing to donate – thank you!”
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnd24-ipu-group
Congratulations to Sundas!
WCF Chandlers – quizzing for charity
WCF Chandlers, the Lincolnshire-based distributor, is proudly raising money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance (LNAA) service. In March, the team organised a charity quiz night to raise money for the charity.
Charlotte Carratt, Head of Sales and Marketing at WCF Chandlers, said: “WCF Chandlers is honoured to stand behind the lifesaving efforts of Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance, delivering critical Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. With an average of four missions per day, every day of the year, this charity relies entirely on public donations to sustain its vital operations, each mission costing approximately £3,500.”
A night of heartfelt generosity
“On Friday, March 1st, quiz enthusiasts and charity champions gathered for a night of heartfelt generosity. Belton Park Golf Club graciously opened its doors to host the event organised by WCF Chandlers.
“Teams of up to eight competed for victory and prizes were generously donated by local businesses. The victorious team, named “The Magnificent Seven”, won an exclusive tour of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance Headquarters, as well as receiving a bottle of wine for each member, courtesy of The Oil Tank Company and North Shoes.
“We are overjoyed to report that the event exceeded all expectations, with every ticket sold and a staggering £3700 raised through ticket sales and the raffle. This significant sum holds the power to save lives, thanks to the unwavering support and generosity of our local community.
“A profound thank you extends to the businesses that donated raffle prizes, the dedicated staff of Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance for their invaluable assistance, and Belton Park Golf Club for their warm hospitality. Together, we have made an impact in championing this important charity and its lifesaving mission.”
Proud
WCF Manager, Lynn Casson, added: “I am incredibly proud of the team for hosting such a successful event. We have been working with Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance since 2021, and it is incredible to see how dedicated our team is to fundraise on their behalf. What makes this truly special is that our team are fundraising within our community for a charity that many of our customers have benefited from.”
We would love to hear from you if you are also proudly sponsoring charities, teams, or individuals this year. Please contact claudia@andpublishing.co.uk
Image credit: WCF
