From Kirkby to the UK: Building a Fuel Business for the Future

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Published: May 27, 2025

At Standard Fuel Oils, we’re proud of our roots. While today we’re a leading national fuel supplier, we’ve never forgotten where we started, right here in Kirkby. It’s not just a place on the map for us; Kirkby is home. It’s where we laid the foundations for our business, where many of our team members still live, and where we’ve chosen to keep our headquarters as we continue to expand.

Our journey began with a simple but powerful idea: to provide customers with reliable, trustworthy, and straightforward fuel delivery. Over the years, this commitment has helped us build lasting relationships with our clients. We’ve learned that people want more than just fuel; they want a supplier who they can rely on, who listens to their needs, and who provides clear, transparent service. This philosophy is at the core of everything we do, and it’s the reason why we’ve become a trusted partner for thousands of customers across the UK.

Today, we employ over 50 people, each one an integral part of our story, and our reach extends from Kirkby to the furthest corners of the UK. Whether it’s heating oil for a home, specialist fuels for businesses, or the latest alternative fuel options, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our growing customer base. And as our company continues to grow, so does our commitment to providing exceptional service and value.

Growing Responsibly

Growth isn’t just about increasing numbers for us. We’ve always believed in growing responsibly, making progress while staying true to our values. As we expand our business and customer base, we are committed to ensuring that our growth doesn’t come at the expense of doing things the right way.

We’re proud to be a Certified Carbon Neutral Business. This certification is a testament to our dedication to minimizing our environmental impact. We don’t just talk about sustainability, we take real, measurable steps. We carefully measure our emissions, reduce what we can through operational efficiencies, and offset the remainder through verified carbon offset programs. For us, this is not just a marketing tactic; it’s simply how we choose to do business. We understand the responsibility we have to the planet, and we take it seriously.

In addition to our carbon-neutral commitment, we’ve also expanded our fuel range to include HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable diesel alternative. HVO significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel and can be used in most existing diesel engines. This gives our customers the opportunity to make an environmentally conscious fuel choice without needing to invest in new equipment. We’re excited to see more of our customers exploring HVO as a cleaner fuel option, and we’re committed to supporting them throughout the transition.

Local Commitment, National Reach

While we are proud of our national presence, we’ll never forget the importance of our local community in Kirkby. It’s not just about being based here — it’s about the people who make up our team and contribute to our success. Kirkby is where we built our business from the ground up, and we continue to invest in the local workforce, offering career opportunities and stability to those who live and work in the area.

Simultaneously, our reach extends well beyond Kirkby, with businesses and industries all over the UK relying on us for their fuel needs. We serve a wide range of sectors, from logistics companies and manufacturers to farmers and construction firms. These businesses turn to us for reliable, high-quality fuel, straightforward service, and expert advice. Whether it’s a small business or a large corporation, we provide the same level of dedication and care to all of our clients, big or small. Our ability to deliver consistent service to a growing number of clients across the UK reflects the strength of our operations and the trust our customers place in us.

Looking Ahead

The fuel industry is changing, and we’re determined to evolve with it. From growing environmental concerns to the introduction of new regulations, the landscape of fuel supply is shifting rapidly. But rather than being daunted by these changes, we see them as opportunities to innovate and lead the way forward.

As we look ahead, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve by continuously improving our offerings. Whether it’s introducing lower-emission options, supporting our customers through new regulations, or investing in cutting-edge technology to streamline our operations, we’re focused on maintaining the same high standards that have served us so well over the years. Our ability to adapt to change, while staying true to our core values, will allow us to continue being a trusted partner for years to come.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we are committed to progress. We are constantly learning, evolving, and making decisions based on our experience, our values, and our customers’ needs. Our focus is on action — and we’ll continue to move forward, step by step, with the same determination that has driven us since day one.

Let’s Talk

If you’re looking for a fuel partner with a national footprint and local values, we’d love to help. At Standard Fuel Oils, we combine the reliability of a large-scale operation with the personal touch of a local business.

standardfueloils.co.uk