Fuel Oil News May 2020 | Page 11

Industry Focus James D Bilsland Ltd – taking the rainbows to the customers Gratitude for Kinch Fuels from key worker With rainbows popping up in so many Daniel Smith standing customers’ windows Jodie Allan, assistant proudly by manager at James D Bilsland Ltd, was inspired his dad’s Bilsland lorry to show appreciation for key workers as well as to take some smiles to their customers, by asking a sign writer to create some rainbows for the tankers. Jodie explained; “I had the idea one night and my kids thought it was great, so I phoned the sign writer we use the next day. He had enough product to do the job, left them on his doorstep for us to collect and our guys put them on themselves. “It was fun to encourage our customers to spot the rainbows and send us a picture, taken from a safe distance, of the vehicle doing the delivery. We have had some good feedback from customers and from our drivers’ kids and one of the photos is Daniel Smith, the son of our driver Martin, who was so excited about having a picture with his dad’s lorry with a rainbow” Gratitude towards fuel oil suppliers who continue to deliver to customers has been experienced in many ways. Kinch Fuels received a recommendation from a customer thanking them from “the bottom of our hearts…” for delivering fuel to “a vulnerable lady” and her daughter, who is an NHS key worker. Richard Kinch, manager of Kinch Fuel Oils, explained; “When the customer rang to place the order, we were experiencing some delays on deliveries. The customer explained that they were completely out of oil and we managed to speed up the delivery and help them out!” Richard continues; “We are phenomenally busy but we are lucky to be able to carry on and help our customers. If we’d have had to go into lockdown as well, it could have badly affected many who rely on us. During this crisis the feedback, understanding and honest gratitude from customers has been incredible.” Nicholl Fuel Oils noted for working tirelessly “It has been very challenging at times over the past few weeks but as a company we feel that whilst we are continuing to practice the recommended social distancing in all of our depots across northern A Nicholl delivery driver found an appreciative note Ireland, we have attached to the oil tank worked tirelessly and successfully as a team to continue to supply our customers with their fuel. We have received an outstanding amount of messages via email and Facebook thanking our drivers and office staff for their hard work and commitment throughout this difficult period, with some even leaving thank you notes attached to their oil tanks for our drivers to find.” A Nicholl Fuel Oils spokesperson continued; “It is overwhelming to see the support across not only Northern Ireland but the entire UK for our key workers. For people who put themselves at risk to help others in need, it shows the true meaning of humanity. Rainbows drawn by Mya and Zoe show Nicholll’s We would like support for key workers to thank our credit controller Emma White for encouraging her two daughters, Mya (aged 11) and Zoe (aged 8), to draw us some beautiful pictures of rainbows in support of the NHS and all the key workers that pass our head office on their way to and from work. They have really brightened up our office. We ask that you all continue to follow the guidelines set out by the WHO, government and the health agencies to keep us all safe and to all key workers, we are clapping for you!” Proudly displayed in Benzie’s Gleaner vehicle Gleaner driver proud to display rainbow Gleaner have also been at the receiving end of handmade gifts when out delivering. Children of the Sims’ family drew a picture for driver Ian Mackenzie, whose nickname is Benzie, when he was out delivering kerosene to the family. It is now proudly on display within his vehicle and highlights the appreciation of customers for distributors. Craggs Energy Group driver inspired by customers’ rainbows Lee Westwell, a driver for Craggs, was on the road in Rathmell, North Yorkshire, fulfilling a steady stream of orders when he had the pleasure of seeing a rainbow light up the sky ahead. “With everything that’s going on I’ve noticed a lot of rainbows in peoples’ windows as I’m passing. I thought getting a photo of the tanker in Rathmell under a rainbow would be lovely for everyone to see!” The stunning image captured by Craggs driver, Lee Westwell Fuel Oil News | May 2020 11