THE boss of Ireland-wide forecourt operator Maxol revealed that business across the island is already recovering from the massive dip it endured in the spring during the first phase of the Covid lockdown.
And he confirmed that the company's entry to the electricity supply market as part of a joint-venture with Derry renewable energy firm Evermore "will go live in Northern Ireland in the next week".
Brian Donaldson, chief executive of the Maxol Group, was speaking as the northern operation of the family-owned operator posted increased sales and profits for 2019.
It was its fourth consecutive year of growing profitability at Maxol Oils (whose ultimate parent is McMullan Bros Ltd incorporated in the Republic).
It had sales of £209.4 million in 2018 (up on the previous year's turnover of £206.6m), with gross profit rising to £11.1m. On a bottom-line basis, the company banked £3.1m.
During the year Maxol invested £1.9 million in its network in the north, including a large shop refit at Glenabbey and another at Portrush (work here ran into this calendar year).
In Northern Ireland, Maxol now operates 31 company-owned stations, almost all of which are freehold, as well as 64 independent dealer locations.
But Mr Donaldson, who has been with Maxol for 34 years, revealed the crushing damage caused by the pandemic since quarter two of this year.
"Fuel is the key component of our business, and with more remote working and much less travel across the island, our volumes are down 30 per cent in the Republic of Ireland and 15 per cent lower in Northern Ireland," he said.
"But some of this has been offset by increased revenues in convenience retailing and through our food-to-go offer."
While admitting that the company's overall performance for the whole of this year will take a hit, Mr Donaldson said Maxol was mitigating for the pain by diversifying parts of the business making a significant move into the renewable energy sector.
In partnership with Ciaran and Stephen Devine, Maxol Group has set up Bright to simplify the over complicated energy market and make it easier for customers to buy electricity.
“Such a move was an intrinsic part of our growth and diversification strategy, but it was crucial we partnered with the right people with the experience, technical know-how, entrepreneurial spirit and vision to make it happen.
“This is great news for consumers and the local energy market and is a fitting way for Maxol Group to mark our centenary year as we celebrate the past while looking to the future.”
Earlier this year Maxol also renewed its long-standing partnership with Henderson Group to supply fuel under its own brand to 30 Henderson Group-owned service stations, while Henderson will continue to supply 24 Maxol service stations under the Spar brand.
The five-year deal is worth £425 million and is one of the biggest collaborations in the north.
Maxol Group was established in 1920 by William McMullan, and lavish plans to mark its celebrates were scrapped because of the pandemic (though a book outlining its history will be published next month).
However, Mr Donaldson insisted the group's efforts to raise funds for its chosen charity AWARE are continuing, and he added: "Over the next eight weeks we will donate 10p for every hot drink bought at participating Maxol service stations across Northern Ireland, with the aim of raising £20,000.
“We're proud of our partnership with AWARE, which provides much needed services to those who suffer with mental health issues, and are aware it has seen a 50 per cent increase in demand for its support service this year, which makes our support and this annual Christmas Coffee Cup fundraiser more important than ever."
