A FAMILY-run fuel delivery business that began with a different type of horsepower in the late 1930s continues its expansion plans.

Ford Fuel Oils, at Defford, was started by George Ford by borrowing £25 just before the start of World War Two which he used to invest in a horse and cart to deliver milk and coal in the local community.

Today the family business deals in fuel and lubricants and extends to seven depots across the South West. It is run smoothly by the current members of the ford family - Richard, Adrian and Michael - while a fourth generation of the family has also stepped in to continue its growth through John, David and Teelah.

For the past 22 months Ford Fuel Oils has been operating and supplying heating oil, derv, gas oil and lubricants throughout Worcestershire following the acquisition of the fuels business from Countrywide Farmers Plc.

The Defford branch is based at Defford Mill, in Earls Croome, in what still is the Countrywide stores warehouse. With Presteigne and Finmere depots working to the flanks of Defford, the business is currently delivering product across the whole of Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.

Operating at the heart of the business is a team of local professionals supported by the experience and values of the Ford family who have been supplying fuels and lubricants across the south west of England since the early 1970s.

In November 2013, the board of directors made the decision to further grow the company with the acquisition of the Countrywide Oils wet fuels distribution business. The business has grown from strength to strength supporting the local community supplying heating oil to homes, as well as fuels and lubricants to local farms and businesses by staff who know their business and communities well.

Another recent acquisition to the business comes in the form of Rob Robinson, who lives in Pensham, near Pershore, and who has just been appointed as depot manager.

Mr Robinson comes with a pedigree. His oil working career began as a key account manager for Total UK Ltd.

"I have worked closely with Ford Fuels who was one of my biggest lubricant customers and is now my employer. The step up from key account management to depot management offers a whole new challenge and an opportunity to further develop my career.

"My remit within Ford Fuels is to grow the business at Defford, Presteigne and Finmere which involves working with a team of office and sales staff as well as fuel tanker drivers. Myself and my wife moved to Pensham for the country lifestyle, choosing to live in a traditional cosy cottage.

To contact Ford Fuel Oils, ring the Defford base on 01386 570509 or go to the website: www.fordfueloils.co.uk