“LOR will be a smaller, but a higher converting and more profitable refinery,” says general manager Jacques Beuckelaers The Lindsey Oil Refinery (LOR) will be adapted, along with its logistics activities, to improve its efficiency and enhance its competitiveness by reducing its costs and cash breakeven. After having studied several options for the refinery in the past years, including a divestment, and encouraged by strong motivation of a competent management and workforce, Total has now defined an adaptation plan that will ensure a sustainable future for Lindsey Oil Refinery’s industrial and business activities within the Total European refining system. Up to 180 jobs are under threat; the government has said it ‘stands ready’  to work with Total to support those affected.“Total has developed a viable plan for the future of Lindsey Oil Refinery,” states general manager Jacques Beuckelaers. “The refinery operates in the most competitive market in Europe, which itself is facing strong international competition, rising costs, falling petrol and diesel consumption, and continued overcapacity. Modernisation programmes at Lindsey have yielded encouraging results over the last years. These efforts will be further consolidated by streamlining the refinery’s production capacity and organisation. With our solid industrial capabilities and our professional and dedicated teams, we will adapt the refinery to ensure its future: LOR will be a smaller, but a higher converting and more profitable refinery.” Throughout Europe, petrol and diesel consumption has continually decreased over the last decade. Although more than 10% of the European refining capacity has been closed in the same period, overcapacity remains and competition from overseas is growing. In this context, Lindsey Oil Refinery is facing lower domestic sales and lower utilisation rates which dangerously threaten its profitability.  www.total.uk

Only strong disciplinary action by the courts will act as a serious deterrent to those involved in the fuel laundering trade says the Freight Transport Association (FTA). The FTA has called for law enforcement authorities to make every effort in their attempts to shut down illegal fuel laundering operations following a report by the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) that the number of border area fuel laundering plants and filling stations selling illicit fuel is ‘alarming’. Seamus Leheny, FTA’s policy & membership relations manager for Northern Ireland, said: “Every effort must be made to prosecute the owners of these fuel laundering sites who supply a minority of commercial goods vehicle operators in Northern Ireland, enabling them to use this saving to undercut the overwhelmingly compliant and legitimate operators across Northern Ireland.” In the Irish Republic the Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) has extended its quality assurance scheme for petrol retailers in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. Designed to combat adulteration, David Blevings, IPRA spokesperson said:  “While the Irish authorities have had some success in curbing laundered fuel where agricultural fuel is illegally processed so it appears to be legitimate for consumer use, a new threat has appeared in the form of ‘petrol stretching’ where substances such as kerosene are used.  This has seen many motorists with damage to car engines.” FTA supports any joint enforcement by the authorities on either side of the border and suggests that additional means of prosecution should also be considered against fuel launderers or the owners of sites where this activity occurs such as environmental legislation enforced by the Northern Ireland Environment Fuel represents approximately 40% of operating costs for a haulage company, therefore the illegal fuel trade makes it harder for compliant operators, who purchase their fuel from legitimate sources, to make a sustainable profit, costing the Northern Ireland economy jobs and limiting investment and growth in the local logistics industry. The authorities must also pursue the consumers of laundered fuel, thus reducing demand for it and depriving the fuel launderers of their target market. www.ipra.ie www.fta.co.uk www.britishirish.org  

Inver Energy has negotiated major new funding facilities to fund the growth of its fuel import and marketing business in Ireland and the UK. The financing facilities include a €100m asset based lending facility and term debt and ancillary facilities of €15m. The asset based lending facility is the first of its kind in the Irish fuel sector and will fund Inver’s working capital requirements through the provision of a multi-currency revolving credit facility comprising letters of credit, inventory and receivables finance. The asset based lending syndicate comprises of Barclays, Bank of Ireland, BNP Paribas and Credit Suisse. Barclays and Bank of Ireland are mandated lead arrangers of the receivables and BNP Paribas is the mandated lead arranger for the inventory. The term debt and ancillary facilities are provided by the Bank of Ireland. Inver CEO Chris O’Callaghan said: “These new facilities will provide a robust, flexible and cost effective financing platform for Inver’s future development. We are very pleased with the support of a banking syndicate that combines the strength and expertise of major international banks with Bank of Ireland’s know how in the market.” FOR MORE NEWS FROM INVER ENERGY – SEE THE MARCH 2015 ISSUE – OUT SOON!

A diesel laundering plant, capable of evading £1.4 million in duty, has been dismantled by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in a commercial premises in Sunderland city-centre. The laundering plant, with the potential to produce 2.5 million litres of illicit fuel a year, and an illegal filling station were uncovered earlier this month.  HMRC officers, accompanied by Northumbria police, searched the city-centre property and discovered the filling station, where it is suspected fuel was being laundered and sold to the public as legitimate road fuel. Forecourt pumps, 3,200 litres of suspected laundered fuel, tanks and equipment were seized during the operation. Investigations are continuing. Pat Curtis, National Oils Co-ordinator, HMRC, said:  “We believe that fuel was stored, laundered and sold from this property, without any safety precautions, endangering any motorist buying fuel there. “Motorists may think buying illicit fuel is a bargain, but you have no idea what you’re getting, and you can be sure that you are lining the pockets of criminals. We ask anyone with information about this type of activity to contact us on the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000.” Follow HMRC on Twitter at @hmrcgovuk.

Over half of the companies exhibiting at this year’s FPS EXPO in April will be introducing new products and services. Demand for space at FPS EXPO 2015, which takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, has seen the event extend into another hall. FPS EXPO 2015 is the 35th year of the exhibition and the last event in Harrogate before the show moves to the new Liverpool Exhibition Centre next year.. Bulk fuel logistics companies, Brit European and Norbert Dentressangle Tankers are the latest companies to reserve a place and the event has secured its first tyre wholesaler, Treadsetters.  Other companies exhibiting for the first time include Applied Pumps, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, European Automation Projects, Samoa and KDC Contractors. Dawn Shakespeare, FPS marketing and events manager comments: “FPS EXPO is always extremely popular but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event. “Having a first night exhibitor and visitor drinks reception on the opening night of FPS EXPO 2015 means that exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day of the show and make the most of this fantastic opportunity, and individuals will now have a chance to network on an informal basis. “Visitors will benefit from exploring the extensive array of new and innovative products on display including tankers, testing and safety equipment, computer software and oil storage equipment plus all the necessary ancillary equipment – there’s much for visitors to the show to see,” added Dawn. “Visitors can compare the latest developments in tankers and oil distribution industry equipment, explore new technology, learn from industry experts, and talk with manufacturers — and each other — face to face.” For more information and to book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015, please view www.fpsshow.co.uk or contact Dawn Shakespeare on Tel: +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or Fax +44 (0) 1565 631 314 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk  

Jeremy Hawksley – welcome news for the industry and the 1.5 million UK households who use oil for heating Oil is now the cheapest of all the major heating fuels, costing £119 less per year to heat an average three-bedroom home than mains gas, the second cheapest option. According to the Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of data on comparative UK domestic heating prices, the price of kerosene has fallen by nearly 30% over the past two years and it is the first time the price has fallen lower than mains gas since 2010. Cost comparisons and projections Comparing the cost of heating the same average home with either LPG or electric storage heaters – the other main heating methods used by off gas grid households – and oil remains considerably cheaper, currently coming in at 47% less expensive than LPG and 37% cheaper than electricity. Most analysts agree that the price of oil is set to stay low for the foreseeable future and this is supported by DECC’s most recent Fossil Fuel Price Projections Report which even forecasts the potential for further falls over the next three years. Jeremy Hawksley, director general of OFTEC, said: “This is welcome news for the industry and the 1.5 million UK households who use oil for heating. With sustained low prices forecast, we envisage many households currently using LPG and electricity will look to switching to oil. We may even see some mains gas households changing to oil, particularly if they need to replace their boiler.” Pie in the sky The reduced price of oil is also expected to further dampen demand for the Government’s domestic RHI scheme. The Sutherland Tables show that the running cost of electricity driven Air Source Heat Pumps are significantly greater than those of a condensing oil boiler. Even after taking into account RHI payments, running costs are likely to remain considerably higher. Ofgem’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Quarterly Report published in November 2014 shows that in the first nine months of operation, the domestic RHI scheme has only attracted 2,402 new (non-legacy) accredited installations and, when launched, DECC’s initial impact assessment stated that the RHI aimed to support around 750,000 renewable heat installations by 2020. This equates to approximately 10,800 new installations per month so, with the current rate of take up, this target is clearly ‘pie in the sky.’ A more pragmatic approach In light of this, OFTEC has again been calling for more pragmatic approaches to be taken to reduce heating costs and CO2 emissions. The trade body has written to all the major political parties proposing the introduction of a simple boiler scrappage and energy efficiency scheme which gives financial incentives to all oil and gas homes so they can upgrade to a condensing boiler and full home insulation.www.oftec.org.uk

Campaigners led by Plumb Center, Honeywell and the Katie Haines Memorial Trust, want to see carbon monoxide alarms in every home in England and Wales when using any carbon burning fuel.

Last year’s StocExpo broke all records, attracting over 2,940 visitors, making it the most successful show in its history. StocExpo 2015 returns on 17-19 March at the Ahoy, Rotterdam, bigger still with an expanded show floor and its strongest ever conference programme and speaker line-up. Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Event Director commented on the show’s progress: “The momentum behind the show is absolutely fantastic. This is the 11th edition of StocExpo and in that time it has grown beyond all recognition, becoming the most important bulk storage event anywhere in the world and a must attend event for Europe’s terminal operators, oil companies, traders and regulators. We don’t take this position lightly. That’s why we have worked hard ensuring we’ve the best speaker line-up possible and a packed exhibition hall of top industry suppliers.” Over 200 major international exhibitors from right across the tank storage supply chain have already signed-up for the event and others are coming on board fast. The current exhibitors include A. Hak Beheer B.V, Kanon Loading Equipment, Emerson Process Management, Endress+Hauser, J. de Jonge Flowsystems, FOAMGLAS Industry, Lightning Master Corporation, CTS Netherlands BV, Dantec, Fabricom and Honeywell Enraf. With many exhibitors using StocExpo’s international reach to launch new technologies or make major announcements, visitors to the show will be able to see the absolute latest developments in tank design, construction & maintenance, metering & measuring, pumps & valves, automation & loading equipment and inspection & certification services. In addition to the exhibition, 150 senior decision-makers are expected to attend the paid for, three-day conference which runs throughout StocExpo. Last year 100% of delegates rated the content as excellent, and the organisers have worked hard to maintain this standard, with a line-up of 25 industry experts confirmed to speak. They include Erik Klooster, Head of Government Affairs Netherlands at BP, Urs Beckmann, COO at TanQuid GmbH & Co. KG, Didier de Beamont, Commercial Director at VTTI and Onur Capan, Manager at Wood Mackenzie. The speakers will be discussing the region’s critical issues – everything from market analysis, latest trends and developments, business opportunities and finance through to innovative new technologies, plus latest thinking on terminal efficiency, operational health & safety and cost reduction. For more information on visiting the exhibition, booking as a delegate for the conference or becoming a media partner, please call +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or visit the event website: www.stocexpo.com.

With the price of heating oil at a four-year low, Which? has taken another look at the heating oil market; a market that has seen a 23% fall in price between December 2013 and December 2014. Fuel Oil News provided Price Totem information for the article in which OFTEC ‘suspects that prices will remain low at least until March, and may indeed continue to fall.’ The article also contains a table of comparative costs of different energies including renewables being used to heat a three-bedroom home. Getting the best heating oil price Figures from Fuel Oil News Price Totem (based on ordering 1,000 litres of kerosene heating oil) showed a drop from an average of 56p per litre in December 2013 to 43p in December 2014. Looking more closely at heating oil prices, Which? got a small sample of quotes in January from online heating oil companies delivering to a postcode in the north and the south of England. On average, the price quoted was 39p per litre when ordering 1,000 litres of standard kerosene with standard delivery and a regular tanker. Aimed at heating oil users, the guide highlights a number of ways to keep the costs of heating oil down. The Which? news story and heating oil guide can be found at http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/heating-oil/

The OFTEC team joins the campaign to fight fuel poverty. Last winter (2012/13) there were 18,200 excess winter death in the UK, the majority of which were caused by living in cold condition. Approximately 80% of oil heated homes have the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G.  In Cold Homes Week, OFTEC once again calls for improvements in energy efficiency. Run by the Energy Bill Revolution (EBR), Cold Homes Week brings together more than 200 businesses, charities and organisations in support of ending fuel poverty. This week OFTEC will write to the major political parties and rural MPs to highlight the issue and urge for more practical measures to form part of their election manifestos.WANTED – better insulation and a boiler scrappage scheme “Even though oil prices have plummeted in recent months to a four-year low, fuel poverty is still more likely in oil-heated households,” says OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley.  “This is due to poor insulation levels and the high number of old, inefficient boilers still in use. “We are urging all the political parties to add a generous boiler scrappage scheme covering all condensing types, to their manifestos ahead of the general election. Also to provide particular support to better insulate rural homes which tend to be least energy efficient.” According to EBR, one of the main problems is that UK homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, resulting in higher energy bills. As the majority of oil using homes are older, rural properties with the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G – approximately 80% of oil heated homes in England fall into this category – OFTEC is keen to support the cause. “Simply upgrading to a modern condensing boiler could see average fuel bills cut by as much as 50% compared to this time last year, with better insulation measures resulting in even greater savings. Fuel poverty is an urgent issue which needs to be tackled now.” OFTEC has also teamed up with Age UK to produce a booklet for older people, who are most at risk, to help them keep warm and well during the winter.  www.oilsave.org.uk

Maxol Lubricants is now supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces with high quality lubrication oils In mid December Maxol Lubricants secured a contract to be sole supplier of lubrication oil to the Irish Naval fleet. The lubricants supplied as part of this contract will be used to service their eight vessels patrolling Ireland’s one million square kilometres of sea. The contract will span a minimum of two years with the possibility of a third. General manager Owen O’Neill said: “Maxol Lubricants has established a highly successful business as a supplier of premium quality lubricants to a wide cross section of industries throughout Ireland. As a family owned Irish company we are very proud to be supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces.” Operating out of Haulbowline, Co.Cork, the Irish Naval Services is one of the three standing branches of the Irish Defence Forces. Lieutenant commander Stuart Armstrong commented: “It is imperative that our fleet is maintained and operated to the highest standards at all times and we trust Maxol Lubricants to provide the high quality lubrication oils needed for our vessels.”www.maxol-lubricants.ie

Tony Mills joins Fairbanks with a ‘large network of contacts’ Last week Tony Mills joined Fairbanks to assist with the delivery of the company’s global sales and marketing strategy. Formerly with OPW in the US, Tony Mills has joined the Fairbanks leadership team which includes joint managing directors Steve Jones and Bob Conlin. “We’re committed to growing the business and I’m delighted that Tony has joined us,” said Bob.  “His previous role with OPW as director of engineering and new product development for fuel management products in the US gives him significant experience that we’re delighted to acquire.” Steve Jones added:  “We were impressed with his passion and drive along with his depth of understanding about our industry which, combined with his large network of contacts, will help us reach new customers in previously uncharted territories. We look forward to introducing him to our existing customers in the coming months.” Fairbanks delivers intelligent fuel management services to many leading oil companies, hypermarkets and retailers across 35 countries and provides data analysis that enables faster decision making via a secure web based system.www.fairbanksglobal.com

In his ambassador role, Nicholas Hamilton will be assisting the JET brand with campaigns, promotions and events in 2015 Nicolas Hamilton, who recently saw his brother Lewis crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014, has  been appointed as JET’s ambassador for 2015. Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, is an avid racing driver himself and vocal campaigner for disability in motoring.  He will help to promote the Phillips 66 vision of providing energy –  improving lives and  the JET theme of On the Journey Together. Throughout the year, he will be getting involved in campaigns, promotions and events, including Silverstone Classic in July, where JET will once again be the official fuel partner. “I am really excited to be working with JET and Phillips 66,” said Nicholas. “There are many similarities in how we both approach achieving our goals and ambitions – yet also areas we can learn from one another.” “Despite living with a challenging and debilitating condition, Nicolas has made it his life motto to Exceed Expectations, said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing. “Having met with Nicolas at the Silverstone Classic last year, we knew straight away that he would make an excellent ambassador for JET as it is our continued goal to exceed the expectations of our JET network.  We are very much looking forward to working alongside Nicolas over the next 12 months and to giving our dealers and distributors the opportunity to find out more about and be inspired by this dedicated young sportsperson and campaigner.”www.phillips66.co.uk

Hoyer Petrolog driver trainer Chris Hill spent two weeks in Tanzania delivering a variety of training In its latest link up with Transaid, Hoyer seconded one of its most senior driver trainers, Chris Hill, to a professional driver training project at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. “We’re delighted to support the excellent work Transaid undertakes,” said operations director Allan Davidson.  “We truly believe that the work undertaken by Transaid to assist with transport management and to develop driver training in developing countries has made a real difference in improving road safety in Zambia and Tanzania. “Our driver trainers have contributed significantly to this worthwhile cause and have openly admitted that the experience has not only developed them professionally but also from a personal perspective. Chris Hill, who is based at Hoyer’s Hythe terminal, commented:  “It was a busy two weeks covering a variety of training, mainly focusing on driving the LGV 1 and practicing the reverse exercise, with classroom training as well all the trainees were very grateful of the training they were given and fully endorsed what was been put across to them.” Despite the challenges of limited availability of equipment that might be considered standard in the UK, being able to make improvements in driver technique and to improve the handling of dangerous goods has proved to be personally and professionally fulfilling for trainers. “In order for Transaid to keep improving road safety in Africa it’s vital that we can work with companies such as Hoyer Petrolog,” said Transaid’s acting chief executive Caroline Barber. “We’re extremely grateful to the company for their continued support and for offering their time and skills to develop the expertise of trainers at the National Institute of Transport which ultimately helps to address dramatic statistics and save many lives.”www.transaid.orgwww.hoyer-group.com

The six new Emco Wheaton products seen here will be joined by more variants in 2015 Emco Wheaton has launched six new products within its TODO range with plans to release more variants in 2015. “The voice of our customers is a critical point of our development process,” said principal engineer Sam Blackmore.  “We listened to our clients’ feedback seeking more sizes of the break-away couplings to support their production needs.” The company welcomes more feedback about further products – see below. NEW marine break-away coupling Available in a 4” diameter and is a version of the tried and tested TODO break-away coupling that has been designed to withstand harsh marine conditions. Engineered to disconnect under straight pull force, separation takes place if a vessel moves too far.  The valves, that are present in each half of the equipment, snap shut thereby minimising any potential spill of liquids into the environment or loss of client product. The marine break-away has a maximum working pressure of 25 bar.

Ken Rivers is one of the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit On Wednesday 21st January, Ken Rivers and Judith Hackett will be among the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit II in London. With its focus on the launch of the UK Process Safety Management Skills Strategy 2015 – 2018, HSE chair Judith will look at how the industry has been changing and how well process safety is understood by the new players that have entered the sector; the implications of the new COMAH 2015 regulation; public performance reporting and the Better Regulation Executive’s focus on enforcement. With more than 35 years experience of the downstream oil industry, Ken is passionate about safety in the oil industry. He recently returned from New Zealand where he was running the country’s only oil refinery and was previously responsible for Shell’s refining and petrochemical operations in the UK. Recognised as an industry expert, Ken chaired a joint industry/regulator task force in the wake of the Buncefield terminal explosion. He has also been appointed chair of the COMAH Strategic Forum tasked with improving the effectiveness of major hazard legislation in the UK and comprising both the regulatory authorities and the oil and chemical industries. Also speaking are Allan Laing, CEO Pentagon Chemicals and chair of the Process Safety Management Project Board; and Malcolm Sarstedt, Europe operations manager – process safety, at Unilever. An exhibition will also give the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of companies offering a variety of safety-related services to the process industries.www.psmsummit.com

Spaces at FPS EXPO 2015 are filling faster than ever reports the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. With just over three months to go before the exhibition takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, the FPS has confirmed that more than 80% of the exhibition space has already been sold. “FPS EXPO is always extremely popular because of the diverse range of industry experts that exhibit but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event,” says marketing and events manager Dawn Shakespeare. “In addition to the industry-renowned exhibitors that return year-on-year, we have a number of new firms exhibiting this year including Applied Pumps, Brit European Transport, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, and KDC Contractors, which we’re very excited about.” Viewed as the main event in the oil distribution industry calendar, FPS EXPO 2015 is set to cover 5 halls at the Harrogate International Centre for the first time. “There are some changes to this year’s EXPO,” said Dawn. “We hope visitors and exhibitors will welcome the changes which include a visitor and exhibitor drinks reception on the first evening. The Awards dinner is not being held in 2015 but this means we can really make the most of the Driver of the Year and Depot of the Year awards by presenting each award at the winner’s depot. “Having a first night drinks reception means that lots of exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day and network on an informal basis.” The 2015 event will be the 35th year of the exhibition and the show’s last year in Harrogate. It will feature representatives from industry leading distributors, manufacturers, software firms and equipment suppliers, all displaying the latest breakthroughs in technology and innovation within the oil distribution industry. Spaces and tickets have been reserved by companies and individuals from around the world, and interest has even been expressed for the show in 2016 when the event moves to Liverpool’s new Arena and Convention Centre for the following three years. “From new products on display and forums on best practice, to networking opportunities and raising awareness for your company and interacting with key decision makers within the industry, FPS EXPO 2015 has it all – for exhibitors and visitors alike,” adds Dawn. “With less than a quarter of the exhibition space now available, any company thinking of reserving a stand or individual wanting to book a ticket should do so sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t miss out on the industry event of the year.” Book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015 at www.fpsshow.co.uk. To contact Dawn Shakespeare call +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk ​

l-r: – Mark (2nd from left) and Amanda Hobbs at the new depot with Brian Colquhoun, Rob Spearman and Paul Shepard of Clydesdale Bank Hobbs Bros recently moved to brand new purpose-built premises on a two acre site in Gloucester. Funded long term by Clydesdale Bank, Hobbs Bros moved from its previously rented premises to the newly purchased site in the autumn. Established more than 100 years ago Hobbs is a fourth generation family business with a turnover of £18m, which distributes Texaco fuels and Chevron and Exol lubricants throughout Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. The new depot features four 200,000 litre tanks, two each for gas oil and kerosene plus 150,000 litre tanks for diesel and Premium paraffin. The company’s 19 staff includes four members of the Hobbs family – owner Mark Hobbs is the great great grandson of the original proprietor Clem.  Mark’s wife Amanda is company secretary, his sister Jane is lubricants manager with step son Chris being one of the tanker drivers for the company’s 11-strong fleet. “We’d been in talks with Clydesdale Bank before and decided that now was the right time for us to transfer our full banking to them,” explained Mark.  We’re confident that the move to the new premises will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality of service to our customers throughout Gloucestershire. “In a family business environment, it’s easier to provide the highest quality of customer service,” added Mark.  “We can make our own decisions straightaway without having to speak to a head office.  I know if a worker calls in sick, I will take on their work and make sure the job is always done.” “Hobbs Bros is a well-known, respected business in Gloucestershire which has always ensured that the local community has a regular supply of fuel and heat,” said Rob Spearman, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester. “We’re delighted that Hobbs was able to take advantage of one of the new lending initiatives we launched this year to help purchase their new premises.”   www.hobbsbros.co.uk