Claudia Weeks, Community Content Lead for Fuel Oil News, spoke with Adrian Hancox, Head of Lynx Fuels, to find out more about the new opening and the future of the business.
Life in the fuel industry
“I joined the downstream fuel industry over twelve years ago,” Adrian began, explaining his background and how he arrived in his current role as Head of Lynx Fuels.
“I began life as a management trainee and sales executive, working in sales and learning how to run an operational depot. A few years into my career I then passed my Management CPC and worked my way up to the role of depot manager.
“From 2019-2023, I was a regional manager covering a vast area of the UK and I was involved in many projects including mergers and acquisitions. I then took up the post of Head of Lynx Fuels, in December 2023. I’m also proud to say that I have recently completed my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Staffordshire University too!”
The background of the business “Since the business was founded in 2015, it has been built on offering a quality service to customers,” Adrian shared, explaining how excellent customer service is at the heart of Lynx Fuels. “Service matters throughout the whole business, our customer service team, our drivers, the accounts team, the finance department, general management – we all know how important and vital good service is.
“In the early days of the business, we had just two or three drivers and a small amount of office support. We now have four established depots and multiple ex-rack locations so, as we have grown, the number of support staff we have has also grown, yet we still have the same ethos. We all know how much customer service matters.
“To ensure our service levels maintain an exceptionally high standard, we have also just ordered two more tankers, taking us up to twenty tankers in total by the end of the year. We plan to continue to grow.
“We feel that it’s important to align our ambitious strategy with great people, and Lynx Fuels has a fantastic team and culture; it’s something I am extremely proud to be part of.”
A new depot
Lynx Fuels recently opened a new Jarrow Depot and Adrian shared more about the expansion: “The Jarrow Depot is a milestone for Lynx as a business. We have a strong plan for growth over the next few years, and this further complements our Northeast reach.”
Lynx Fuels currently covers North Yorkshire, the Northeast and Lincolnshire. Claudia was keen to know whether Lynx Fuels has plans for further expansion of current sites or acquisition of other depots. “The short answer is yes,” Adrian began, honestly. “It comes down to customer demand and strategic growth.
We have opened one site, and have two or hopefully three new depots in the pipeline for the near future.
“We want to stay true to our values: to be local, friendly and reliable. Having a friendly, dedicated team, local to the customers we are talking to, and ensuring all customers get deliveries when they want them.”
Problem solving, implementing change and customer satisfaction
Adrian was clear about what he enjoys most about working in the industry: “I have loved my time in the industry over the years. Problem solving, implementing successful change and customer satisfaction are the highlights of my role and why I do what I do.
“I think my favourite part of my current role has been playing a small part in the team’s development, and watching great, talented individuals grow in their careers. The success of Lynx Fuels is down to the team.
“The business is in excellent shape, and I’m proud of what the team have achieved. I am here to help grow and support the business, but the day-to-day recognition belongs to the staff in the office and on the road. The business is successful because of their hard work and determination.”
The customer
Claudia asked Adrian why customers choose Lynx Fuels as their supplier: “The Lynx Fuels team endeavour to do their very best for their customers. We know that communication is key, both internally and externally, for the optimum customer experience.
“When you look at the positive feedback we get, it’s being able to offer customers what they want, when they want it, even communicating and supporting when things don’t go to plan.”
The future of the industry
Claudia asked Adrian for his thoughts on the future of the industry: “The obvious challenge for the domestic market remains heat pumps as we look to decarbonise and work towards net zero.
“I do think that HVO could be an excellent solution, and the important thing is that we have a solution to offer. My own house runs on HVO! It’s proven to work with minimal cost and disruption.
“I have worked alongside UKIFDA, met with MPs and enjoyed the experience of going to the Houses of Parliament. I believe that the use of HVO will be critical for the domestic market. I look forward to the next developments from Ken Cronin and the team.
“Commercially, I believe HVO (or, as I see it, renewable diesel (RD)) will continue to grow. HVO is one type of renewable diesel and technology advancements will, in my opinion, lead to other options of renewable fuel.
“I believe that, one day, RD will be available at all pumps in the UK. It’s still in its infancy, but many large forecourts/service stations have installed, or are looking to install, HVO.”
Growth underpinned by great people
Reflecting on his time in the industry, Adrian concluded: “I have received many pieces of advice over the years.
For me, the best advice has always come down to the importance of working with fantastic people and creating a collaborative and supportive environment. I try not to overcomplicate what we do, and use data to support and enhance our future.
“The vision remains growth underpinned by great people. We want to be the best we can be, and I look forward to watching the business grow and develop.”
Fuel Oil News wishes Adrian and the team at Lynx Fuels all the best for their new depot and looks forward to catching up with them again in the future.
Image credit: Lynx Fuels
