Most recently, Rory has been appointed Chair of Hull4Heroes, the respected Hull-based charity supporting service personnel.
A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Rory served with the United Nations in Cyprus and in Northern Ireland before building a successful career in the fuel distribution industry.
He succeeds former Royal Navy Chief Jim Fishburn, one of Hull4Heroes’ founding members. During his tenure, Hull4Heroes has supported more than 5,000 veterans and their families.
Commenting on the transition, Jim said he was “immensely proud” of the charity’s achievements and confident that Rory’s experience would support Hull4Heroes as it evolves to meet future needs. Rory, who joined Hull4Heroes as a trustee in 2024, described the appointment as “a huge honour”, paying tribute to the work undertaken by Jim and the charity since it was established in 2016, to assist service personnel transition from military life to civilian life.
Rory has been part of the Hull family firm J R Rix & Sons Ltd for over 30 years. Alongside his new role at Hull4Heroes, he holds an MBA, sits on the advisory board of Hull University Business School, and was named one of Business Week’s Top 20 Most Inspirational Business Leaders in Hull and the East Riding in 2022. He also served as UKIFDA President from 2021 to 2023.
In further recognition Rory has also been named as one of five recipients of an Honorary Degree from the University of Hull
University honours
Rory will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University’s Winter Graduation ceremonies, celebrating what the institution described as his “visionary leadership and commitment to regional business growth”.
A Hull University Business School alumnus, Rory earned his MBA in 2011 and is a member of the Logistics Institute advisory board. He will join fellow honourees at January’s degree celebrations.
Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, said the honorary awards bring together “generations of change-makers, ready to shape a fairer, brighter and better future for all”.
Together, Rory’s appointment as Chair of Hull4Heroes and his recognition by the University of Hull underline a career defined not only by business success, but by leadership, service and lasting impact on both those in the industry and in the communities it serves.
Allan Stobart: Glitz, glamour and generosity
Allan Stobart Lubricants and Fuels, the Carlisle-based fuel and lubricant distributor, is proud to be supporting the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
The team recently enjoyed a night out at the Great North Air Ambulance charity ball. Beth Hindmarsh, Sales Office Manager, said: “A fantastic night was had by all at the Great North Air Ambulance Emerald Ball.
“We’ve been fortunate to fundraise and work closely with the GNAAS team throughout the year, proudly becoming a corporate partner of theirs recently.
“We would like to wish a huge well done to everyone involved for putting on such a wonderful evening and raising vital funds for such an important charity.”
Compass Fuels: Supporting local charity at Christmas Markets
Lancashire-based Compass Fuels was proud to join forces with local Lancashire businesses to help raise money for Galloways, the charity supporting people with sight loss across the region.
David Chyriwsky, Head of Marketing, explained: “Two festive markets were held in early December. Both events were a huge success, full of festive cheer, live entertainment and local community spirit, and every penny helped support a fantastic cause.”
Hampers packed with local goodness
“To raise funds, Compass Fuels created two exclusive hampers,” David continued. “A wine one and a beer one, both packed with premium Lancashire products; Carron Lodge Cheeses supplied the finest local cheeses and Honeywell Farm Shop provided biscuits, crisps, meats and luxury snacks. Every item was produced or supplied locally, ensuring that the fundraiser did not just support charity, it also supported small Lancashire businesses.”
“Both hampers proved extremely popular and sold out at both markets with people eager to support Galloways while taking home a taste of Lancashire.
“Thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated or bought tickets or hampers, we raised £225 to support Galloways’ ongoing services, resources and community support for people living with sight loss.
Lancashire businesses coming together
“One of the most rewarding parts was the collaboration. Every company involved was local and every contributor gave up time, stock and support without hesitation. “It was a real demonstration of Lancashire businesses coming together with a common goal to support a local charity that makes a real difference.
“A heartfelt thank you to the community of Penwortham, Galloways staff and volunteers, the local businesses who donated products and everyone who bought tickets and entered the prize draw. Together we made a difference and proved once again that Lancashire spirit is alive and well.”
Image credit: JR Rix & Sons
