Oilfast, together with La Sierra Casa, (a songwriting retreat based in Spain co-founded by Kyle Falconer of the Mercury-nominated band The View and Michael Ward, a veteran of Scotland’s music scene), launched the Oilfast Trust Fund – an initiative designed to support aspiring songwriters from low-income backgrounds.
The Oilfast Trust Fund: A commitment to equal opportunity
James Hughes, Business Development Manager for Oilfast said: “We believe that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their dreams, regardless of their financial background. That’s why we launched the Oilfast Trust Fund, offering two scholarships. These scholarships will cover the cost of camp, accommodation, food, and more. Ensuring that talented songwriters from low-income backgrounds can thrive in an environment designed to foster their talents.
“The selection process focused on individuals who showed exceptional promise and a passion for music, but who may not have the financial means to attend such a prestigious retreat. We offered two scholarships – to Kieran Fisher and John Harrison. They have since returned from La Sierra Casa and have updated us on their progress.”
Kieran Fisher
Philip Storm, Digital Marketing Co-Ordinator, provided an update on Kieran Fisher: “He’s been doing brilliantly since La Sierra Casa and has many fond memories of the camp. His favourite moment was creating the song ‘Broken Bottles’ with Kyle Falconer in an impromptu music session at the back of the camp.
“Kieran said this experience made him realise anything is possible. Before winning the scholarship position, he would never have imagined having the opportunity to attend the camp. Setting his sights to the future, he would love to go on tour. He and his band TONTO have been very busy in recent months and are due to release their new album ‘Hope, Faith and Carnage.’ Please listen to a snippet of one of their new songs ‘Kisses like Whisky’. Big things are on the horizon for the band, so be sure to keep an eye out!”
John Harrison
Philip continued with an update on the other scholarship winner, John Harrison. “John’s a massive fan of The View and has been following them since he was a teenager, so when he found out he was a winner of the Oilfast scholarship, he couldn’t have been more excited. He recognised that people from his neighbourhood don’t often get these kinds of chances.
“He said that the atmosphere at the camp was amazing, and everyone was in such good spirits through the whole process. John loved working with Kyle, and he also had the chance to write a song with him, creating ‘Million Miles’ which can be seen on his Facebook page.
“John said he learned a lot from the camp but one of the things that stuck was that a song doesn’t need to be perfect the first time. If a lyric isn’t hitting right, leave it and finish the song. These things can be fixed after.
“Since the camp, John has now agreed to support Kyle Falconer in HMV Dundee on the 7th of February. He’s also working on some new music but doesn’t have a release date yet.”
La Sierra Casa April 2025
James added: “Oilfast is pleased to announce that after great success with the camp last year, we are continuing with the scholarship and offering a place on the Jamie Webster and Kyle Falconer camp on the 21st of April! We will be announcing the winners of the scholarship places on our socials soon!”
Your NRG: Awarded Renewable Fuel Supplier accreditation
The national bulk and liquid fuel distributor, Your NRG, has been recognised as an RFAS (Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme) supplier.
An important milestone
Gordon Wallis, Head of Marketing and Communications, explained more about the importance of the recognition: “This important milestone demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality renewable fuels. As a leader in sustainable fuel solutions, our innovative HVO Fuel drives meaningful progress within the fuel industry.
“RFAS, designed and managed by the Zemo Partnership, verifies companies’ claims of supplying renewable fuels to commercial operators. The Zemo Partnership is an independent, non-profit organisation working alongside the government’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) to provide verifiable methods for guaranteeing that fleet operators are purchasing sustainable bulk fuels from reputable suppliers.
“Regular monitoring by RFAS guarantees supplier fuel quality while promoting environmental responsibility within the industry. As one of the few certified suppliers, Your NRG must maintain a fully auditable and validated supply chain to ensure supplier legitimacy and product integrity.”
A commitment to a greener future
“At Your NRG, being an RFAS-verified supplier extends beyond industry compliance. It represents our commitment to quality and a greener future. By adhering to rigorous industry standards, we ensure that our customers can achieve their net zero goals when using our high-quality HVO Fuel, while also promoting productivity.”
Jeremy Royle, Managing Director, commented: “As Renewable Fuel Suppliers under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) Your NRG are delighted to be certified to supply Renewable Diesel–HVO with 100% renewable fuel content in the UK. Another major milestone in Your NRG supporting our customer’s future ambitions for net zero!”
New Era Energy: Celebrating 10 incredible years with Laura Lewis
Harlow-based New Era Energy has recently had a great cause for celebration – the distributor’s Commercial Sales Manager Laura Lewis has reached the amazing milestone of 10 years with the business!
Announcing the special anniversary, New Era described Laura as “a true powerhouse” acknowledging her decade-long contribution to the business driving success, building lasting relationships and consistently going above and beyond for both her team and clients. Highlighting her dedication, passion and expertise as “brilliant” the distributor expressed appreciation for everything she brings to the business saying it “couldn’t be more grateful”.
Here’s what Laura had to say about her journey: “I’ve had the privilege of being with New Era for 10 years and I’ve watched both the company and myself grow and flourish. I started as an Account Manager back in 2015, learning the business from the ground up. After that, I built and led a new business team for four years, an incredibly rewarding experience.
When the opportunity came to step into the role of Commercial Sales Manager, I embraced the challenge. It’s been exciting, sometimes demanding, but above all, fulfilling to contribute to New Era’s success.
Most recently, I returned from maternity leave and couldn’t have asked for more support in balancing my personal and professional goals. Here’s to the years ahead, bring it on!”
The New Era team share Laura’s enthusiasm for the future: “Laura, thank you for being such a vital part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of success together!”
A vital part
Laura has been working with John David, Sales Director at New Era Energy who said he “Couldn’t be prouder!” with James Hunt, CEO at New Era Energy adding: “Congrats Laura, a great milestone. Wow that has flown. Thank you for all your hard work and commitment to the company for the last 10 years, here’s to 10 more.”
Oilfast: Exciting new website launch
Motherwell-based, independent fuel supplier, Oilfast, has launched a brand-new website for customers.
Lorraine Stewart, Marketing Manager, explained more: “We have introduced a new website demonstrating how Oilfast can help customers stay fuelled all year round.
“As a leading independent family-owned fuel supplier, Oilfast provides a comprehensive range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of residential and commercial customers.
“The new website offers enhanced features. It showcases a vibrant new colour scheme and an innovative redesign that reflects Oilfast’s refreshed brand image while enhancing the browsing experience. Navigation has been thoughtfully organised into distinct sections, For Home and For Business, allowing for a seamless and intuitive exploration of Oilfast’s offerings.”
The best online experience
Speaking about the new website, Managing Director of Oilfast, Stephen Anderson, said: “Our amazing team put in a lot of hard work to ensure our customers receive the best online experience possible. We’re excited for customers to try the new and improved website and hope they enjoy the smooth and informative journey that has been created.”
LCM Ltd: Nominated for industry awards
LCM Ltd, the Lancashire-based, fuel, energy, and infrastructure specialist, has been nominated for two awards at the Red Rose Awards 2025.
A spokesperson for the Red Rose Awards said: “The awards provide a platform to promote success with the aim of encouraging trade within Lancashire. The awards are about the businesses that keep the county flourishing – the heroes of the Lancashire economy.
“Since the awards were launched in 2011, it has steadily grown and become a centrepiece attraction for the business community with the sell-out ceremony taking place at the magnificent Winter Gardens in Blackpool.”
Hard work, dedication and passion
Richard Wallace, CEO LCM, added: “We’re honoured to be nominated for the prestigious Red Rose Awards – in the Scale up and Transformation categories. It’s fantastic to be considered alongside such an impressive group of businesses.
“This nomination is a testament to the incredible hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire team. Every single person has played a vital role in our success, and this recognition is truly theirs. We’re so grateful for the LCM team’s unwavering support and commitment and excited to move forward in the process and see what the next stage holds.”
Good luck to the LCM team!
Image supplied by New Era Energy/Laura Lewis
