Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead at Fuel Oil News, spoke with Luke Nolan, Sales Manager at Nolan Oils and Emma Osborn-Wilkes, Managing Director at Halso Fuels UK and EL-Oils to discuss how they feel about working with family, how things are changing and their thoughts on being responsible for fuelling the future.
The family business
“My father, Mark Nolan, formed Nolan Fuel Oils in 1988, following the acquisition of Ultramar Golden Eagle by Kuwait Petroleum,” Luke Nolan shares, explaining the background to the family business. “He had previously been a director of Markim Fuels, which was my grandparents’ business – Margaret and Bert Nolan.
“Markim Fuels started in the early 1970s, in Launton and was the first appointed distributor for Ultramar in the UK. My first role in the business was as a “drivers mate/tea-boy” and my current role is “wearer of many hats/tea-man”!
“Unofficially, I joined the business 34 years ago at birth. I have many fond memories of being out on the tanker with dad. I wanted to get a trade before I officially joined the business so, from leaving school to my mid-twenties, I worked as a carpenter.
“In 2014, I joined an engineering company that provides equipment to oil and gas pipelines globally. This enabled me to travel the world, and I was eventually promoted to Sales Manager for EMEA. However, when I wasn’t working my 9-5 job, I was always helping the family business with weekend deliveries. I officially returned to Nolan Oils in 2022.”
Emma explained the background to Halso Fuels: “Halso was founded by my grandfather, Sid Osborn, in 1967.
“I have always been a part of Halso, immersed in the fuel industry from a young age. My Dad, Paul Osborn, always said that we have oil running through our veins! I started my journey with the company at the tender age of 16, working as a Saturday girl, filing and answering the phone.
“Over the years, I diligently worked my way up through various roles, and today, I am proud to lead the company as the third generation Managing Director of Halso and EL-Oils.”
The decision to join the family business
Claudia asked whether Luke and Emma always felt certain that they would be a part of the family business, or whether other industries or careers had been seriously considered.
Emma reflected: “I was initially planning to go to college to study Business Studies, and I even applied to be on The Apprentice! However, I found my true passion in the fuel industry.
“Fuel is essential to daily life, powering everything from transportation to heating homes, which gives me a strong sense of purpose. I also appreciate the problem-solving opportunities it presents, whether optimising logistics or exploring new energy sources.
“Building strong relationships with clients and partners is another aspect I value, as is continuing the family legacy started by my grandfather. Working in this industry allows me to honour our traditions while driving the company towards a bright future.”
Luke added: “I always knew I wanted to join the family business, but I wanted to make sure that I had good experiences beforehand. I felt it was important to me, and good for the business if I could bring innovative ideas and a different perspective when I finally joined.”
Family members
“My father, Paul Osborn, part of the second generation, was meant to take a back seat, but he still can’t resist coming by the office and even delivering fuel to customers. His passion for the business is unwavering.” Emma explained that family members are still involved in the running of the business.
“My aunt, Sue, also plays a vital role in our team, specialising in event fuel logistics. My mother, Julie, still plays a role within the business too as part of our finance team and is a continuous support to myself and Paul. I hope my son, Oscar who is 14, will take the business into its fourth generation, he already comes in and helps in the warehouse and goes out on the tanker with my Dad.”
At Nolan Oils, Mark Nolan continues as Managing Director, but Luke commented, “He is now starting to hand over much of the responsibility so he can enjoy some free time. And rightly so when you’ve worked as hard as he has!”
Honouring legacy
Luke reflected on the importance of family values within the business: “I believe family is very important. I enjoy working alongside my father and continuing to maintain and grow the business which is a rare opportunity for most people.
“The fact we are a family business means we instinctively care more about our customers and their families. A lot of our customers have dealt with us since my grandparents’ day which is really heartening.”
Emma added: “My grandfather, a man of unwavering integrity, led Halso with a simple yet profound philosophy: customers always come first. This founding value has been the cornerstone of our success, deeply ingrained in our family and our business.
“Today, we not only uphold this principle but also build upon it with a commitment to innovation and expansion. Family values are at the heart of Halso. Our dedication to honesty, hard work, and putting people first has fostered lasting relationships with our clients and partners.
“These values drive us to continually improve, embrace new technologies, and seek opportunities for growth, ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ needs. This combination of being tradition yet forward-thinking is what makes Halso thrive, allowing us to honour our legacy while steering the company towards a bright future.”
Succession planning
Claudia asked Emma and Luke whether the succession plan was always for the business to stay within the family. “There was never any pressure to join the family business, and my parents always encouraged and supported us to be whatever we wanted to be,” shared Luke. “However, I always knew I wanted to be part of it eventually. We will see what the future holds.”
Emma shared: “Continuing the family legacy has always been our plan, and as a woman in a predominantly male-oriented industry, I am particularly passionate about shaping the future.
“Leading Halso and EL-Oils, I am not only dedicated to the company’s growth and success but also to paving the way for more women to enter and excel in the fuel industry. My journey is about breaking barriers and creating opportunities, ensuring that our values of integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity continue to drive us forward.”
A typical day in a family business
As we know, a typical day in the fuel distribution industry can vary hugely, but Emma and Luke shared what a usual day might look like for them:
• Emma – Halso and EL Fuels
My alarm goes off at around 5am, I always hit snooze until 5.30am! I often have a gym class at 6.15am, my favourite class is spinning! I’m back home for 7.15am and then wake my teenage son up for school, which can be a challenge!
I walk my four dogs, one rottie and three Frenchies, have a quick shower and do the school run. Then the real fun starts at Halso and I love that every day is different. I like facing the multiple challenges that the oil market brings. I’ll usually finish around 5-5.30pm and then it’s home time to relax with my son and have a wine depending on how the day went!
• Luke – Nolan Oils
My usual day starts with speaking to existing and potential customers, checking the market prices, checking the loads to go and driving in the winter when required. There are lots of other duties, too many to list but mainly making the tea!
Blending tradition with innovation
Emma reflected on what her greatest strengths are within the family business: “I think that my greatest strength as the next generation working in the fuel sector is my ability to blend tradition with innovation.
“Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the industry, I have a profound understanding and respect for the core values and principles that have driven our success. At the same time, I bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to embrace new technologies and sustainable practices. This dual approach allows me to honour our legacy while steering the company towards a forward-thinking, innovative future.
“Additionally, as a woman in a predominantly male industry, I am committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, paving the way for more women to excel in the fuel sector. My passion for continuous improvement, combined with a deep commitment to our customers, positions me to lead our company with integrity and vision.”
The best advice
When asked what the best advice was that they had received in the industry, it was clear that family had great advice to pass down to the next generation. Luke said: “My father, Mark, has always reminded me that providing a good service is key to business success.
“I really think it’s important to listen to other’s opinions, to keep an open mind and to accept when you are wrong. My father has spent his whole life in this industry and his experience and opinions are very valuable. However, at the point we can’t agree, a pint in the local usually sorts it out!”
Emma added: “The best piece of advice I’ve received was dare to be different and never give up – that was from my biggest supported, my father.”
Fuel Oil News would like to say a huge thank you to both Luke and Emma for sharing their family history and their experience of life growing up in the fuel industry. If you would like to share your experience as part of a family-run business, or if you feel there are unique strengths to being part of a larger corporate that you would like to share then please do get in touch – claudia@andpublishing.co.uk
Image provided by Luke Nolan
