Gloucestershire oil distribution business receives £2m funding

10th December 2014

A leading Gloucestershire oil distributor is moving to brand new purpose-built premises which have been funded long term by Clydesdale Bank.

Hobbs Bros Ltd, based in Gloucester, was established more than 100 years ago and is a fourth generation family business. It distributes Texaco Fuels and Chevron and Exol lubricants throughout the Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire area, supplying domestic heating oil, commercial fuels, agricultural fuels and lubricants.

The funding, arranged by relationship manager John Cary, is part of Hobbs Bros Ltd’s transfer of its full banking to Clydesdale Bank. The business moved from its previously rented premises on Hempsted Lane to newly purpose built premises on a two acre site at Spinnaker Road, Gloucester. The new site has storage for two 200,000 litre Gas Oil storage tanks, two 200,000 litre Kerosene storage tanks and a 150,000 litre tank for Diesel and Premium Paraffin.

Hobbs Bros Ltd has 19 staff, including one new addition following the purchase of the new premises, and a turnover of more than £18m, with a fleet of 11 lorries.

Currently four members of the workforce are part of the Hobbs family. Owner Mark Hobbs is the great-great-grandson of the original proprietor Clem. Mark’s wife Amanda is the company secretary, his sister Jane is the lubricants manager and his step-son Chris is one of the lorry drivers. Hobbs Bros Ltd has remained one of The Gloucestershire Echo’s top 100 businesses for the last four years.

Mark said: “It’s easier to provide the highest quality of customer service in a family business environment because 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.

“In the severe snowfalls of January 2009 and December 2010, we continued to deliver where we safely could to all of our customers. Back in 2007 when Gloucestershire was subject to terrible flooding, Hobbs Bros ensured a sufficient level of fuel was available for generators, day and night. I think our commitment to each other as a family and our business allows us to work to the best of our ability to ensure our customers remain happy.”

Mark said: “We had been in talks with Clydesdale Bank before, and decided now was the right time for us to transfer our full banking to them. We are 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.”

Rob Spearman, Head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester said: “Hobbs Bros Ltd is a well-known, respected business in Gloucestershire which has always ensured that locals have fuel and heat in any weather. We are very pleased to have embarked on a new banking relationship with this business and will help the family reach their growth ambitions and maintain their standing as a top business in the region.

“As economic conditions continue to improve, Clydesdale Bank remains focused on supporting the growth ambitions of Gloucestershire’s businesses.” Clydesdale Bank recently launched a series of lending initiatives for UK businesses, designed to encourage growth for new and existing customers. As well as capital-free periods for up to five years, the Bank has also introduced high percentage funding for businesses to purchase trading premises.