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10
Mar
Hampsthwaite family firm sells its oil business
A family-run Hampsthwaite company that provides heating fuel to more than 20,000 homes and businesses has announced the sale of its oil business.
Northern Energy said it had sold Northern Energy Oil Ltd to Cheshire-based NWF Fuels to allow it to focus on building its growing LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) business.
More than 30 people employed by Northern Energy Oil will transfer to NWF Fuels, which intends to operate from a new base in the area.
No jobs will be lost as a result of the sale and the business will continue to trade under the Northern Energy name in the medium term.
Northern Energy was founded in 1932 as a haulage contractor delivering farmers' milk to the local dairy. It started supplying agricultural oil to rural businesses in the 1950s, and LPG in the 1980s.
In 2022, it acquired Ripon-based Kettlewell Fuels, and in 2024 it won the award fro Best Employer at the Stray Ferret Business Awards.
Howard Illingworth is a grandson of Northern Energy's founder and his three sons have all joined the business. He said:
Selling our oil business to a larger player who is well-placed to compete in what is a changing oil market is the best way to secure its future over the long term.
In NWF Fuels we have found a buyer who understands the business, is committed to investing in its development, and shares our passion for excellent customer service.
They clearly see the value in a great business with fantastic people and loyal customers and we are confident Northern Energy Oil will continue to thrive under their ownership.
We’ve been very successful in growing our LPG business over the past 10 years and the sale of Northern Energy Oil means we’ll now be investing 100 per cent of our energy, focus and resources into building it further.
NWF Fuels is part of NWF Group plc, a specialist distributor of liquid fuels, food and animal feeds. It employs more than 300 people and serves over 100,000 customers from 27 depots across England and Wales.
It is currently pursuing growth through a strategy of "continued consolidation through bolt‑on and larger transactions".
This acquisition will give it its most northerly foothold.
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