Oily Rag Autumn 2023

CUSTOMER NEWS

AUTUMN 2023

The

Proud to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to Witham Group

INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

115 Years of Great Suffolk Enterprise

GREASE IS THE WORD!

We explain all the different types...

Oliver Scott, Bradford Estates - 'Driven by the principle of looking after tomorrow'

THE BOTTOM LINE

Nigel Bottom - Group Managing Director

As the nights are already starting to draw in, harvest is in and we turn our thoughts to Autumn, I look back with pride and admiration for our whole Team, for what has been achieved over the summer months and what we have planned for the future at Witham Group.

Over the past quarter our free time has been short, but as the late philosopher, Elbert Hubbard said “If you want anything done, ask a busy person to do it.” This has certainly been true of all of us at Witham Group. We have all been extremely busy fulfilling our responsibilities and order completion for our expanding customer base.

A Very Special Royal Visit for The Witham Group...

On the top of the ‘proud tree’ for magnificence, was a Royal Visit by HRH Duke of Gloucester which took place in early July to see our 102 year old company and some of our environmental improvements. We were thrilled and it was my sincere honour to welcome HRH, plus his guests to Witham Group headquarters in Lincoln.

We spent a very concentrated hour with him and his guests where we not only fitted in a presentation about the company, a visit around the factory to see our Blendtek Solution – our unique carbon neutral blending process, but also a number of meet and greet opportunities with the Team and find out more about what we are doing as a business.

The time just flew by and after the event it was humbling to think that His Royal Highness had taken the time to come and see ‘little old Witham Group’ and gave us his Royal seal of approval.…. I wonder what the founding fathers of the business would have thought to this visit. I was so super proud of our whole Team and the company.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Nigel Bottom - Group Managing Director

Witham's Partnerships Grow From Strength To Strength The Lubricants Industry is always evolving and at Witham Group we pride ourselves on keeping on or hopefully just ahead of this curve of progression. We meet with many UK and Global suppliers to discuss these trends and their own thoughts on how the industry is changing and will change over the coming years. One of our long-standing base oil suppliers, ExxonMobil recently shared their experience and wisdom relating to EV (electric vehicles) and where they saw the future for transportation which was extremely interesting. On this visit we showed them around our site and they were extremely impressed with our continued growth and environmental achievements. ExxonMobil’s commitment to supply the very highest quality base oils direct to ourselves enables Witham Group to have confidence to keep pushing the boundaries of supply at the highest level and maintain the quality lubricants we are known for. We thanked them for their continued partnership.

On a recent external visit, we met with the GWCT (Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust) Allerton Farm Trust project near Uppingham in Rutland. This is a fascinating project where they research the effects of different farming methods on wildlife and the environment, sharing results of their research through advisory and educational activities. This is undertaken on their 800-acre demonstration farm.

Witham are proud to be supplying the GWCT's Allerton Farm Project in Leicestershire.

They identify land and agricultural management that delivers multiple benefits for our rural landscape. The work covers natural capital accounting, Agri-environment schemes, and regenerative farming systems. From soil and water to woodland and environmental habitat that increases biodiversity, their aim is to build farmland resilience.

Visitors to the project include local and national businesses, policy makers, non-government organisations, regulators, farmers, advisors, students, and schools. They have several initiatives that involve the local community to help improve a shared understanding of agricultural and environmental issues. Commercial farming and environmental rejuvenation will be successful with considered policy and interventions from those that manage the / our countryside. In short, the Allerton Project is an award winning, pioneering blueprint for future rural landscapes. Witham Group have provided alternative environmental and sustainable products for their farm project and have supplied three new colour coded bulk storage tanks, filled with Qualube – Heavy Duty Engine Oil, Hydraulic Oil and Tractor Transmission Oil for their extensive yard of machinery to use.

We have also recently enjoyed a visit from one of the largest Farm procurement Groups (approximately 1,500 members) in the UK who talked to us about how they stand side by side with farmers nationwide, purchasing farm inputs, marketing crops and acting as an extension to the members farm office.

Their Teams provide independent advice and market leading expertise, enabling the member to make the best purchasing, trading, and administrative decisions for their business.

Witham Group is the largest and longest (over 40 years) supplier of Lubricants, Greases & Paints to this Group, and they are keen for us to do more and more as the membership recognise our high levels of service and quality products.

We are proud suppliers of Agri Buying Groups supporting farmers throughout the UK

Show Season Of Success Over the month of June, we have enjoyed the ‘Agricultural Show Season’ exhibiting once again at Suffolk, Lincolnshire, and Royal Norfolk Shows.

All three events returned impressive results of participation on our stands measured by the limited stock left over of Adnams Beer, sourced direct from our customers Adnams Plc. and Elderflower Presse, again sourced from Belvoir Fruit Drinks, a lubricant and paint customer of Witham Group.

We welcomed many existing and new faces to our show stands, with a record breaking number of people attending our flag-ship Lincolnshire Show stand over the two days. With hard work from our Show Team and support from our amazing customers who lent us vehicles and machinery for the stand display, we were so pleased and proud to be awarded best stand at both Lincolnshire and Norfolk Shows. More details over the page.

Committed Still To Industry Improvements Witham Group, through myself and others, continue to support our Industry as a whole through membership of the UKLA (United Kingdom Lubricant Association). I hold a responsibility on the Board of the UKLA, and along with many UK matters, I represent the UKLA on Competition and Technical issues within the EU at (UEIL) The Union of the European Lubricants Industry. The next meeting in Brussels, is in September. I have been a board member for over 20 years now and Chairman of the Technical Committee for the last 5-years, but from September 23’ I have decided to step back from being Chair so I can focus more on other responsibilities and give others within the UEIL opportunities to drive the committee forward. I will remain as the UKLA representative and member of both the European Technical and Competition committees as the free and unrestricted access to technical information, amongst other things is so pivotal to the UK Lubricants industry and all Witham Group customers of course.

The VLS (Verification of Lubricant Specifications) have continued to check many different oil companies’ products within the UK which have been reported, see the VLS website - VLS - Verification of Lubrication Specifications (ukla-vls.org.uk), some with very harrowing results! It just goes to show how important it is for users of lubricants to choose a quality brand with the precise credentials and approvals to ensure you get the correct oil for the correct application at all times. We have been saying this for well over 100 years and to still find some end-users choosing to purchase a non-approved, frankly not-fit-for-purchase and dangerous product beggars’ belief.

Witham Reaches 103rd Birthday!

We have in between all this, held our 103rd Annual General Meeting of the Witham Group, where the previous year’s performance and next 1 to 5 year strategy are discussed and agreed. Our companies, I am pleased to report, continue to grow and invest in the future despite challenging times. The solid foundation put down in the past is never ignored and always respected as is the future direction and appetite to move forward at all times by the current Team. It was a pleasure to discuss and agree much at our meeting and we look forward to keeping the promises of Quality, Value and Service to all our customers and Team in the future.

Exciting Times Ahead...

As the summer holidays got underway it was a new era for our family with our youngest daughter completing her GCSE’s and now moving onto 6th form and our eldest, finishing her A-level exams, ending school life forever, and soon to move onto Harper Adams University where she is to study Rural Estate & Land Management. I am reminded what a customer once said to me when I told him my wife and I were expecting our first child 19 years ago …. “Time flies past so quickly, so work hard but enjoy the family breaks and give yourself time to do so” … thank you Richard A. Wise words for all of us with young and growing families.

So, I hope everyone has had a great summer with your friends and family, a successful harvest if relevant and you are all feeling ready for what lies ahead – an Indian Summer maybe?! Thank you for your business, for your support, contributions and feedback to us. Please enjoy the Witham Oily Rag Autumn edition with our news, progress and plans for Witham Group which we are proud to share.

Thank you,

Nigel

It was fantastic to see so many people at the County shows at the start of the summer.

It was great to catch up with customers at the three shows – in all types of weather as is traditional for a British summer! The county shows are key events in our annual calendar, and we have been exhibiting at some of them for over 75 years!

Thanks to everyone who helped with the set up and implementation of the shows. It is hard work but its great to see us all pulling together and deliver award winning stands! Great team effort!

o We had a marvellous tw ine days in glorious sunsh e hir lns co Lin the at We Show in June. be were delig hted to Sir award ed with the ied All nd ard for “Best Sta Joseph Nickerson Aw for our with a Silver Award to Agricult ure”, along rave n Oil, wh ich is receiving new Biodegrada ble Gu nasties! qualities without all the reviews for its gun care

lnshire ryone at the Linco Thank you to eve and our azing Witham team Showground, the am ch inery, nds Agricult ural Ma guest exhibitors Sa Dyson rs, ile g Ltd, Bailey Tra Truckmasters Handlin arity, Ch Fenwick Bros, Lives Farming, Pioneer Plant, Classic ton & Son, the RAF SG Haulage, LJ Brump mers all our wond erful custo Motorcycle Team and to visit us. and friends who came

It was great to see old friends and catch up with customers at the Suffolk Show at the end of May. We had lots to see on the Witham stand, including all our lates t lubricants and paint products, and of course our good old fash ioned Witham hospitality!

We would like to thank Thurlow Nun n Standen, Househam Sprayers and Bailey Trailers for the loan of their mach inery displayed on the stan d. And thanks to the Suffolk Show team for yet another great show!

We had a time wonderful at the Royal Norfolk Show at the end of June and we were honoured to be presented with a trophy for ‘Best Trade Stand’. It was great to catch up with customers over the two days in all types of weather!! The rain didn’t stop us having a great show though and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at the Norfolk Showground & Events Centre, the amazing Witham team and our guest exhibitors Sands Agricultural Machinery and Stag Machinery.

Prince William even made a surprise visit. News of his arrival was kept a closely guarded secret and show-goers were delighted as he walked across the Norfolk Showground. It was the first time Prince William had visited the show, although he has very close links to the county including a home at Anmer.

WITHAM GROUP NEWS

Welcome Back Martin!

Martin King, pictured far right, our factory foreman, has returned to the Witham team after a prolonged injury and has bought his trademark organisation and high standards of operation back to the new generation of the production team.

It is very easy to take for granted the collective skills and experience of the whole senior members of the production team until it’s absent, at which point it is sorely missed. Welcome back Martin, great to have you on-board again!

New Trees Planted As A Tribute To Our New Monarchy Two trees have also been planted at the front to commemorate the coronation of their majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla. These were inspected by HRH Duke of Gloucester during his recent visit, and we hope these grow into real statement specimens as a lasting tribute to our monarchy.

The planting of commemorative trees to celebrate King Charles' coronation is a remarkable tribute that unites communities, honours the new monarch, and contributes to a greener and more sustainable future. As these trees take root and grow, they embody the resilience and strength of the monarchy and serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with power. These living memorials will continue to flourish, serving as a symbol of unity and inspiring generations to come in their commitment to environmental conservation.

Factory Visits In May we welcomed the Rutland Ploughing Match Committee Members for a factory tour and talk. Organised by Philip Ecclestone, Secretary and Ed Griffin, Chair – the group were very appreciative of the tour and heard all about how lubricants are made.

In July, we welcomed Roger Warnes of Roger Warnes Transport and colleagues who came to look around Witham Group HQ and then onto one of our customers to take a visit around an extensive private collection of vintage and classic tractors, cars and lorries.

Witham Head Office Car Park Gets A Face Lift!

The parking facilities at our Head Office in Lincoln were in much need of an update and so we were pleased to complete these improvements. We recently transformed the area into a smooth, tarmacked surface, with parking spaces for 16 vehicles, a dedicated disabled parking space, electric vehicle charging spots and a safety walk way around the outside. We look forward to welcoming you!

In addition, the front elevation and car park area were painted in our Woco Supercote RAL5011 which now looks fantastic. We also had the iconic oil jug at the front, repainted too and a replacement graphic applied to complete the refurbishment.

At the rear of our factory, we also had the bulk base oil tanks cladded to fit in with the exterior of the buildings and improve safety. This has tidied up the elevation of the premises immensely and keeps our delivery yard ship shape!

WITHAM GROUP NEWS

New Lab Equipment Reduces Environmental Impact of Lubricant Testing We recently installed a new piece of analytical equipment into our laboratory that has helped to reduce the environment impact of our lubricant production. The XRF machine is used to test lubricants and analyse the elemental composition of a lubricant sample. This new valuable tool in lubricant testing helps to make sure the additive chemistry is present in the appropriate proportions to ensure the quality is correct for the various vehicle specifications.

Previously, to complete this analysis, we had to use the element argon – the production of which, like many industrial processes, can damage the landscape and environment. The new XRF machine allows us to perform these tests, more accurately and without using argon so reducing the environmental impact. It is also another success story in our continuing sustainability objectives to improve our supply chain of raw materials wherever possible.

Young Workers Gain Experience During Busy Summer Season This year’s summer temporary staff have been a great help around the factory for the past few months and a welcome addition to our manufacturing team.

Three new young members, Josh, Louis & Henry joined the Witham team at the start of the summer.

Prior to coming to Witham, Josh was doing some landscaping work and he hopes to join the RAF one day. Louis is on his summer break from A-levels and has previously coached rugby tots and worked behind the rugby club bar, and he hopes to become an environmental consultant one day.

Henry, a keen hockey player, joined us after finishing his A-levels and hopes to go to University in the Autumn.

They have helped with picking, filling, labelling and general maintenance jobs around the factory and have hopefully learned some new and useful skills for life as well as being a great help during the busy summer months.

WITHAM SOHAM WINS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD We were delighted and very proud to win an award for our environmental efforts recently. In an initiative run by Soham Town Council – the ‘Seen to be Green’ award was presented to give recognition to a local business that has taken steps towards improving their impact on the environment.

At a recent Soham Annual Town Meeting, we were awarded the prize for our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and our environmental impact.

Soham Town Council explained further why Witham was chosen as the winner: "They have taken several admirable environmental measures, from reducing the use of paper in their office by moving to electronic invoicing, to introducing an innovative new system of blending lubricant which substantially reduces the use of energy.

They have also managed to re-engineer the types of materials used in their lubricants which means that less lithium is used. In addition to all this, they are also going out and talking to others to help them do similar.”

We have donated the prize money back to the town council (along with an extra donation) which will provide a seating area in one of the green spaces in the Town. The bench will also be made from recycled material.

Helps Visitors To Lincoln & Soham Did you know that we are now able to direct visitors to the office and deliveries to the back gate using ‘What3Words’.

What3words is a proprietary geocode system designed to identify any location on the surface of Earth with a resolution of about 3 metres, making it more exact than a postcode.

We will be including the What3Words locations for each depot on our website to help visitors and delivery drivers to find us.

Hopefully this will avoid situations like this one below, where we had a delivery of base oil from “ISO Tank” arrive to the front offices instead of the back gate!

WITHAM GROUP NEWS

OUR GUN CARE RANGE GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH E STATE R AN GE We were delighted that our new Biodegradable Gun Oil won an award at the Lincolnshire Show recently.

The award we received was ‘Best New and Improved Product’ and recognised the environmental aspects of this gun oil, which is made with lanolin oil from sheep’s wool, and is a powerful natural lubricator, water repellent and corrosion protector.

Positive Customer Reviews

The new gun care range is receiving great reviews on our website and we are delighted the new products are giving the results for our customers….

"I used both products this morning after my clay shoot; the barrel and choke cleaner did a good job and left the gun shining (nice smell too!). The gun oil was easy to use which made it easier to get to the trickier places on the gun".

Robin Palmer - CPSA Member "I was especially impressed with the efficacy of Witham's Gun Barrel and Choke Cleaner, which swiftly eliminated debris from my gun barrels, leaving them impeccably clean with minimal brushing required. The gun oil has a favourable viscosity that prevents it from running off once applied. It does not leave any sticky residue, unlike some other oils. My father cleaned his gun with his normal gun cleaner and when he was finished I used some of Witham’s Gun Barrel and Choke Cleaner and removed a surprising amount of grime from the barrels".

William Gilbert - England Olympic Trap Team

New Gun Cleaning Guide Created

We are delighted to have created a new “How to Clean Your Shotgun” best practice guide with the help of William Gilbert, who is in the Olympic Clay Trap Team and one of our customers. William’s personal experience and recommendations on cleaning a shotgun are on our website blog and will shortly be available on a download document to read at any time. For more information visit www.withamgroup.co.uk.

of Walsham Open Day We were proud to recently attend the Clarkes of Walsham Open Day. Clarkes are one of the largest independent suppliers of Building, Farming and Garden Materials in East Anglia, and fast becoming the number one outlet for Cartridge and Shooting Accessories in East Anglia and beyond.

We had a fantastic day talking all things Witham with the customers who visited during the day.

Clarkes are a distributor and supplier of Witham Group products, see our interview with their MD Richard Balls later in the magazine.

Website Improvements Underway!

The project is under way to help improve our website user experience for customers and viewers, making it easier to use and ensuring future compatibility with Odoo. The new improvements include much clearer menu and navigation to sectors and products, improved check out process, easier to leave a customer review, product codes added to each online shop item.

In addition, we have a new lubricants oils and greases section with much better product descriptions, specifications and benefits for each type of product. Our website is a great place to find out all that we offer at Witham Group, from a list of all our products, to the services we offer, downloads and brochures, our online lubricant finder to help you get the right oil recommendation, technical information about oil storage, all about what we are doing for the environment, our history, awards and accreditations and so much more. If you haven’t visited for a while, why not take a look: www.withamgroup.co.uk

Home page with updated navigation and icons

New colour coded sector menu has icons which are easier to select

New clearer product menu under each 'parent category' PAINTS & COATINGS

BARN PAINT

CREOCOTE

DECORATIVE PAINTS

EQUESTRIAN PAINTS

FENWICK AND TILBROOK

FLOOR PAINTS

INDUSTRIAL FINISHES MARINE & ANTI FOULING PAINTS OSMO OILS

Latest Paints & Coatings News

PAINT ACCESSORIES

POWDER COATING

SPECIALIST PAINTS

SWIMMING POOL PAINTS

THINNERS

UNDERCOATS & PRIMERS WOODCARE PAINTS & COATINGS

New left navigation styling and updated packaging images

Product code reference added to all specific product pages for paints and lubricants

New specific Paints & Coatings information page

Updated Lubricant Finder page with colour branded icons

New Environmentally Sensitive information page

Updated Contact Us page with What3Words location reference and clearer layout

LATEST PAINTS & COATINGS NEWS

WITHAM GROUP IN THE NEWS LUBRICANT INDUSTRY The latest issue of the UKLA’S Lube magazine features a 3-page interview with our very own Witham MD Nigel Bottom. The ‘In Conversation with..’ article sees Nigel describe his first career aspirations, his passion for business and the challenges of the oil industry. Read the article in full: www.lube-media.com/ wp-content/uploads/DE01-Nigel-Bottom-WEB-ONLY-Article-Aug23-02.pdf

PROLAN IMPRESSES THE CLASSICS! We were delighted to see that our Prolan lubricant range has received some fantastic reviews in ‘Tractor & F arming Heritage’ magazine and ‘Tractor & Machinery’ magazine recently. One of the reviewers said, “All three products were clean, easy to use, and have the bonus of being kind to the environment.”

AGRICULTURAL MEDIA Our article about rust prevention was featured in Farmers Mart magazine and in the Agri Machinery News email and social media.

We put together an article with a selection of our farming customers’ handy lubrication tips for harvest equipment and it was featured in the Agri Machinery News and the Tillage & Soils subscriber emails and shared by some of the Buying Groups.

NEW PLANT & OFF-ROAD FOCUS

With a renewed focus on the Plant & Off Road sector, we have created a new advert and been working with Planet Plant Magazine to raise awareness of the Witham Group in this area. The June issue of their magazine featured a 2 page article about Witham, as well as our advert. They also featured the story about our Royal visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester on their website and social media.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

We were recently featured in Transport Operator in their special lubricant feature last month and continue to work with the commercial vehicle media.

GUN CARE RANGE GAINS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Our new Gun Care range continues to receive some great media coverage. We have continued with our monthly ‘Spot the Clay’ feature in the CPSA’s member magazine ‘Pull!’ where each month a reader can win a can of our Gun Cleaner and Gun Oil. We have also been featured in The Field magazine’s 170th Birthday Issue where they offered our ‘Gun Care Bundle’ as a prize.

SOCIAL MEDIA COVERAGE It is fantastic to see some of our customers and business partners sharing posts about the Witham Group on social media. If you don’t follow us already, why not stay in touch on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts and let us know how you are getting on with our products.

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New Environmental Objectives for 2023/24

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Our aim is always to operate within a climate of excellence. That means not only the best performing products and service but also our methods of manufacturing, energy use, waste disposal, packaging, fuel efficiency and welfare of those affected by our activities are being constantly monitored. As part of our commitment to put the environment at the heart of what we do, we have reset our environmental objectives for the year ahead:

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PROMOTE THE USE OF LANOLIN BASED, NON-TOXIC AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LUBRICANTS as alternatives to conventional products. In particular this year we have developed a new award winning Biodegradable Gun oil which is designed to protect and lubricate firearms for game and clay shooting but without all the nasties. Not only is it biodegradable but it is safe to waterways, agricultural land and forestry and non-carcinogenic for the user. Furthermore, we have introduced a new Calcium based grease as an excellent alternative to lithium based grease. The impact to the environment from the mining and extraction of lithium is considerable and with recent demand of lithium for the use of car batteries, this natural resource is now in limited supply across the planet. The Calcium based Anhydrous grease will be encouraged for use wherever applicable and possible.

2

PROMOTE THE INVENTION OF CARBON NEUTRAL BLENDING PROCESS TO THE LUBRICANT INDUSTRY. We continue to invest in Blendtek – our unique, award winning ultrasound blending technology, which has reduced the need to heat lubricants using gas or other fossil fuels. This technology is now available to others to drastically reduce gas usage, carbon footprints and we will continue to promote the use of this method and considerable benefits to other manufacturers and the environment.

3

INSTALL NEW ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT INTO OUR LABORATORY THAT WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE ENVIRONMENT IMPACT OF OUR LUBRICANT PRODUCTION. The XRF machine is used to test lubricants and analyse the elemental composition of a lubricant sample. This new valuable tool in lubricant testing helps to make sure the additive chemistry is present in the appropriate proportions to ensure the quality is correct for the various vehicle specifications and detect any contamination or abnormal wear that may affect the lubricant's performance. Previously, to complete this analysis, we had to use the element argon – the production of which, like many industrial processes, can damage the landscape and environment. The new XRF machine allows us to perform these tests, more accurately and without using argon so reducing the environmental impact. (2880 litres of argon a year were previously used) and the cost savings will also be significant.

(Over £16k per year) based on 2022’s usage).

4

INTEGRATE INTO OUR DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ON OUR COMPANY WEBSITE, to provide clear and precise locations for deliveries. This will help avoid needless miles by both distribution and sales team looking for places and the various options of access to deliveries.

5

REDUCE THE USAGE OF PAPER AND ADHESIVE BASED LABELS. We have developed some software and developed a process to produce our own labels on an “on demand” basis rather than ordering hundreds of labels that may never be used.

This will minimise wasted paper based adhesive labels when specifications change and reduce multiple deliveries of finished labels as all blanks can be sourced together from one supplier.

6

REDUCE OUR DELIVERY AND PICKING ORDER PAPERWORK. We have developed a new software for the adoption of hand-held digital devices which the production team can use for picking and fulfilling orders and the distribution team will use for all deliveries. This will be minimising the need to produce multiple paper copies (over 10,000 sheets of paper per year).

LATEST MIRKA, RONSEAL, PURDY & CROWN PRODUCTS NOW IN STOCK! We have recently expanded the large range of products we offer at our Trade Decorating Centre at Soham. We are now stocking MIRKA, Ronseal products, and have increased our range of Purdy brushes and rollers, as well as an exciting new ceiling paint from Crown. All our painting and decorating products are available from the shop or can be ordered direct.

Mirka supply a range of abrasives and sanding equipment to the decorative and automotive industries. They are market leaders for their ORBITAL SANDERS range of dustless sanding machines, which through powerful filtration and vacuum system remove the dust as it is generated, before it can escape in the atmosphere. This provides a better working environment for the user and decreased preparation time and an improved finish for our customers. We now stock a range of orbital sanders and the related pads.

PAINTS & VARNISHES

We now stock a new range of internal and external varnishes, stains and paints from Ronseal, famous for their catchphrase "Does exactly what it says on the tin".

We have increased our range of Purdy brushes and rollers to include larger sizes up to 18inch.

BRUSHES & ROLLERS These are prefect for large masonry and floor paint jobs and will leave a fantastic finish. Over the summer we have been promoting several special offers on Brush and roller kits, these have selling well through the shop.

Crown Trade ExtraMatt Low Reflective Emulsion is for ceilings and walls and offers an extremely low reflective finish, which alleviates visual imperfections and eliminates flashing. This makes PAINTS it the ideal product for ceilings and also touching up. An excellent quality, high opacity formulation which is 99% VOC free and quick drying, this new product makes the indoor decorating experience more effective and reliable.

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DON'T FORGET WE ALSO STOCK A HUGE RANGE OF OTHER WELL KNOWN, TRUSTED BRANDS SUCH AS...

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Please contact us and we can gladly give you all the advice and technical support and arrange any orders you need. Tel: 01353 723373 or 01522 521192

GREASE IS THE WORD!

We often get asked what the different types of grease are and how do you know which grease to use? Here we explain more...

WHERE DOES GREASE COME FROM? The word “grease” originates from the Latin word “Crassus” meaning fat and is the earliest known examples of lubrication when simple animal fats were used to lubricate the axles of chariot wheels by the ancient Egyptians more than 3,500 years ago.

Right up until the industrial revolution, machinery and mechanisms were still being lubricated by vegetable oils and animal fats, but then, in the early 19th Century, rapid developments in engineering, developed a need for more sophisticated lubricants, including making use of the newly discovered petroleum and its associated products and so the first modern greases were born.

WHAT IS GREASE?

Animal fats were used to lubricate the axles of chariot wheels by the ancient Egyptians.

Grease is a semi-solid lubricant that is produced using three main ingredients from a base oil with extra additives and thickeners to give it the properties it requires. Grease is an essential component of all aspects of engineering due to its defining property that when placed under pressure (shear), it behaves in a way that has approximately the same viscosity as the base oil used in the product, so providing and mimicking the lubricating qualities. The addition of the thickener is what differentiates a lubricating oil from a lubricating grease. The thickening agent is useful as it forms a thick layer between moving parts, preventing wear.

The first greases consisted of a heavy mineral oil fluid thickened with simple soaps. By dissolving or forming the calcium soap in the oil at temperatures above the melting point of the soap and then cooling it gradually, the dispersed soap solidified in the form of a fibrous structure, which retained the oil in a cohesive mass, in a similar way that a sponge retains water.

These early greases, whilst having good lubrication and waterresistant properties, suffered from a very limited temperature range, and could not be used at temperatures above 60°C. Later the calcium soaps were replaced by sodium soaps which could operate at much higher temperatures but the disadvantage of being easily emulsified by water.

It was not until the mid-1940’s, that the most commen grease of today, lithium grease was developed which could withstand temperatures of up to 120°C and excellent water repellent properties.

Lubricating Greases are used the world over in bearings, gears, and heavy-duty machinery.

Lubricating Greases are used the world over in bearings, gears, and heavy-duty machinery. Greases are ideal when you need to only lubricate infrequently, or just the once. It is always preferable to use a lubricating oil as it is easier to handle, flows directly to the

part needing lubrication and conducts heat away from the moving parts. This is why oil makes up around 95% of the total lubricants market. However, the use of oil necessitates the use of an associated reservoir, sometimes with a pump and piping system which is not always practical such as in the wheel bearings of vehicles. In these cases, greases are preferred and can be sealed into the bearing without the need of re-lubrication.

LITHIUM V CALCIUM GREASE...

A NEW SUSTAINABLE OPTION? For the past 60 years multi-purpose greases, based on lithium technology have made up more than 70% of the worlds lubricating grease. However, in recent years the demand for the mining of lithium continues to expand at an exponential rate as car manufacturers are being targeted to reduce CO2 emissions, by using battery operated vehicles, and the consequence of this is that lithium prices have reached an all-time high and the raw material itself is becoming a scarce commodity.

As a result of this a new wave of anhydrous Calcium based greases (contains no water) are now able to offer significant sustainable advantages and savings to lithium due to less impact from extraction and transportation. In addition, the anhydrous calcium-based thickener is stable and more predictable. It is of biodegradable status and is abundant in supply, found in many continents and countries around the world. It also offers a low risk to handlers and manufacturers and is approved for food grade applications due to its low toxicity.

All these advantages are not the only success, the new anhydrous Calcium technology providing outstanding water resistance and surface adhesion, increased corrosion protection and shear stability. This product is ideal for many universal applications such as marine, agriculture, forestry, food grade and environmentally acceptable greases. Suited for the lubrication of plain bearings, wire ropes, chains, rails, and geared applications across a full range of equipment, where operating temperatures are not excessively high.

A WIDE RANGE OF GREASES FOR A WHOLE VARIETY OF USES: Here at Witham Group, we have a wide range of reliable grease products, all designed for many different types of machinery, vehicles, equipment and uses: AGRICULTURE

PLANT & OFF ROAD

FORESTRY

MARINE

AUTOMOTIVE

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

CLASSIC & VINTAGE

HORTICULTURE

Not Sure Which Grease To Use? Witham Group would like to ensure you are using the correct grease for the correct application at all times, and once contacted we can send one of our team to your site to confirm this, offering alternatives if necessary. We will ensure that you are using the most suitable and cost-effective products for your vehicles and machinery and help rationalise the number of different products. The process is entirely free, so please get in touch today.

TECHNICAL LUBRICANT SUR VEY Supporting your business

with quality products and

trusted advice

withamgroup.co.uk 03/23

CUS TOMER S TORIES

UK Crop Sprayers In April, we started supplying Agrifac UK. Agrifac manufactures self-propelled crop sprayers in Holland, and they have a UK distributor based near Peterborough. We have supplied a new range of own label oils and fluids, designed with a bespoke label for the Agricfac brand and look forward to working together in future.

Witham's Paint Helps RAF Vulcan Bomber Restoration We attended an event in June to see the restoration of a Vulcan XM607, the gate guardian of RAF Waddington, which is currently undergoing restoration work. The event was also attended by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, who has been the Honorary Air Commodore for RAF Waddington since 2008.

We are very proud to have supplied all the paint and technical support for this project. We look forward to seeing the finished result very soon, watch this space for a fuller feature in our next customer Oily Rag.

Classic Tractor & Trailer Restoration A 1984 Ford TW 25 and Tye tipping trailer, built originally near York, were sent to father and son team, Andrew and Ronan Marwood, of Full Sutton, near York, for a full restoration.

After several months of stripping, cleaning and welding, the equipment was ready for painting. For the Tractor, we supplied our Woco Paint Twin Pack Anti Corrosive Primer (TDS 608) in Ford Tractor Blue. This product is especially suitable where gloss hold up of the top coat is required. We also supplied Supercote Primer TDS 371, matched in colour for the wheels and roof panel. A new interior cladding kit finished off the interior to an ‘as new’ condition. The trailer received the same type of treatment, and was then painted with Supercote Undercoat Primer, and a Supercote Top Coat matched to RAL 3020. Once a new wooden floor was installed, the two machines were loaded up for return to their new owner.

BEFORE

AFTER

Thurlow Nunn Standen Open Day At the end of April we were proud to attend the TNS Open Day, which took place at their Kennett branch, near Newmarket in Suffolk. This was a great event for all the family and a superb display and information on their agricultural vehicles and ground care machinery, as well as an Easter Egg Hunt. We are proud suppliers of oils, lubricants and greases to the TNS Group, who hold various open days throughout the year.

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New Metallic Paint Finish For Bailey Trailers This is the first trailer that Bailey Trailers have made in a metallic finish, which was requested by one of Baileys customers to match their vehicle fleet colour. It is also the biggest trailer that Baileys manufacture.

This was a very difficult trailer to paint and had to be done in three stages: The chassis painted first, the trailer body painted second and the greedy boards painted separately.

It just goes to show the professionalism of the painters at Bailey Trailers to achieve an even metallic finish on such a large trailer. We were proud to supply our Woco TDS 613 Two Pack Acrylic Urethane Metallic finish in the colour Maplebeck Silver.

Courgette Harvesting Rig Gets The Supercote Treatment Firth Produce are vegetable growers based in Lincolnshire. They recently bought an old cauliflower harvesting rig which they modified and altered into a courgette rig. Courgettes are all harvested and packed on specially designed rigs, this is to eliminate as much handling as possible and ensures top quality fruits. Each harvesting rig operates with 13 people, 7 cutting, 4 packing a tractor driver and a supervisor.

We were proud to supply the products for the Courgette rig, which was painted with our Woco Supercote Undercoat in Pale Grey and our Woco Supercote top coat in mid Brunswick Green.

DURING THE RENOVATION

THE COURGETTE RIG TRANSFORMED

Farming Customer Avoids Corrosion With Our customer, South Pickenham Estates, which is a traditional country estate set in mid Norfolk near Swaffham, wanted to protect their new Amazone fertiliser spreader. It is used to spread Nitrogen, which is very corrosive, and they wanted to protect the paintwork and working parts of the machine.

We recommended Prolan Heavy Grade Lubricant as a rust prohibiter, which the Farm Manager was very happy to use as they had already used it to protect their Sands Sprayer from corrosion when spraying liquid urea and were very happy with its effectiveness.

Thurlow Nunn Workshop Floor Refresh We were invited to inspect and recommend the preparation and painting of the concrete floor at a Thurlow Nunn garage recently. To give them the longevity and finish they wanted, we recommend they shot blast the floor and give it two coats of Woco Two Pack Epoxy Acrylic Floor Paint TDS 622.

After following our recommendations, they are very happy with the finished floor, and from this we are in the process of inspecting the floor at the Thurlow Nunn depot at Luton, to see if we can help further.

We used our trusted contractor Hiat Decorators who painted the floor over 2 days on behalf of the Witham Group.

A total of 290 litres of paint was used to cover a floor area 1104 Sq meters.

BEFORE

AFTER

CUS TOMER S TORIES

New Bulk Storage Tanks For Farmer BEFORE

A Yorkshire based farmer and haulier asked Witham Group to review their lubricant needs. All their machinery had had recommendations by their machinery dealer which had led to a multitude of products from all doing the same thing. After a proper Witham technical survey and a full review of all their vehicles, machinery and equipment, we were able to rationalise their lubricant order and install three new colour coded storage tanks for their Engine, Transmission and Hydraulics oils, with smaller quantities of other products in 25 litre drums. The farm workshop fabricated a stand for the 3 tanks with room underneath for smaller containers. This meant the customer had an easier, cleaner and more straightforward process for all his oil needs. If you would like a free technical survey or help rationalising the lubricant needs of your fleet, however large or small, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

AFTER

Further Tank Installation At Walker Plant Services of Retford, Notts, asked if we could help reduce the amount of waste packaging that their business generates. They are specialists in Volvo Articulated Haulers, including the supply of new and used parts, and servicing and repair of these versatile machines. Most of the lubricants purchased were in 25L drums, which meant the disposal of several empty drums after a service.

It was decided to put three new 600 litre tanks for the main engine, transmission and hydraulic oil used in the servicing side of the business. A certain amount of 25L drums will remain in stock to ship out to those customers requiring them.

A stand was fabricated on site, with room for a further tank if the need arises in the future. Another great tidying up job from Witham Group and a big help for the environment and the customer’s workshop!

Witham is ‘Second to None’ We recently also installed some bulk storage tanks to a Woldmarsh customer in Ramsay, near Huntingdon in Cambs, and after reviewing their needs and recommending the right products for their machinery, new tanks and lubricants were delivered.

We were delighted to get some lovely feedback with our delivery time branded as “second to none!”.

Weaving New Own Label Service Weaving Machinery is a farm machinery manufacturer and dealer, run by the same family since 1983.

Their aim is to offer farmers the best quality machinery at affordable prices. Today Weaving distribute farm machinery such as drills, flails, cultivators and hedge cutters throughout the UK and Europe. Investments in modern design and manufacturing methods have allowed the company to maintain their position in the development of the latest zero tillage seeding equipment. Since importing the ‘Krause Drill’ 20 years ago, Weaving Machinery has strived to provide the farming community with innovative and cost-effective machinery for all farming methods and types.

Witham are proud, after several months of technical development and testing, to be supplying Weaving with paint for all their machinery and the oils and lubes for their working parts.

ESTATE RANGE

Blending Quality, Value & Service since 1921

ESTATE RANGE

NEW GUN CARE RANGE & PAINTED FEEDERS

Offering the highest quality gun oils with a unique biodegradable option and a remarkably effective new choke and barrel cleaner, our new gun care range provides outstanding care, and precision for game and clay shoot firearms. Our popular green painted game feeders offer a more camouflaged effect in the countryside, with top up paint for maintenance. Contact us to find out more.

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CUS TOMER S TORIES

New Samoa Pumps for Mead Plant Hire Mead Plant & Grab supply and deliver a wide range of site plant to trade and domestic clients across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

We recently installed some Samoa waste oil drainers for both the light commercial and commercial workshops, to aid with efficiency and cleanliness transferring oils from their pit to the waste oil tanks, with no risks or hazards created.

Samoa Hose Installed At Biffa Workshop Biffa Waste Disposal based in Lincoln contacted Witham regarding a hose reel in their workshop. The one in situ had easily seen better days, and was leaking and quite weak when reeling back in.

A Samoa reel of equal length and capacity was purchased, along with a digital hose end meter, to help the workshop team when filling the truck engines.

BEFORE

AFTER

Biffa Waste soon installed it in a handy place on the wall so it was available straight away for use during services.

The business was so impressed with the digital hose meter, a second one was purchased straight away. If you would like to know more about all our Samoa fluid and lubrication, handling and dispensing equipment that can save you a lot of time, please get in touch.

New Vehicle Recovery Business On Board We are proud to now be supplying Manchetts Recovery of Burwell, a well-established vehicle recovery service for the Cambridgeshire area. We have bulk storage tanks onorder for the initial set up and supply to all their sites. A great business to work with – Manchetts are well known in the region and operate over 100 vehicles, including some very bespoke machines.

Vintage Fordson ET6 Restoration Project This Fordson ET6 was an impulse buy from eBay and was brought back to Kirstead, Norfolk on the back of Barmby Tractors lorry all the way from Rugby. The customer is a builder by trade and has restored a few vintage tractors in the past so decided to complete the work himself.

As the existing back was quite rotten, he decided to make a new lorry back out of mahogany hard wood. This was purchased from Mitchell Demolition, Norwich – it was the floor of a grain store. The lorry back was varnished inside and underneath. The drop sides, tailboard and headboard needed to be painted green to match the cab.

On a recommendation from Ben Scott of S & G Agri, the customer came to see us the Suffolk Show, and we recommended the appropriate undercoat, primer and topcoat to use. After many evenings preparing the woodwork, the customer then applied our Woco Zinc Rich Primer which is an extremely heavy duty, anti-corrosive coating ideal for extending the life of steelwork. A form of cold galvanising, this product has been awarded “Best Buy” in Practical Classics magazine. This was then followed by our Supercote Primer Undercoat and the customer was very pleased with the results and took the Fordson to display at the Norfolk Show in June.

DURING THE RESTORATION

THE FORDSON ET6 FULLY RESTORED

Fram Farmers Trials Day Attracts Record Attendance More than 300 members and guests of Fram Farmers, one of the UK’s leading farmer-owned cooperatives, attended its annual Trials Day in Suffolk at the end of June.

Visitors came from all over East Anglia and beyond to the event which, for the second successive year, was held at Mowness Hall, Stonham Aspal in Suffolk. We had a great day on the Witham stand talking to customers old and new about their lubricant and paint requirements.

Thank you to Fram Farmers and their team for another great organised event and for making us feel so welcome.

CUS TOMER S TORIES

Customer Makes Special Witham Plaque For Us At this year's Suffolk Show, one of our customers, Paul Saunders, from Agri-Mech Agricultural Equipment, kindly presented us with a plaque that he’d painted using our 370 Woco Supercote, followed by our Yacht Vanish. He wanted to demonstrate how versatile our products can be and we gratefully displayed this at the Norfolk Show.

Massey Ferguson 135 Gets A Supercote Paint Job Thanks to our customer Paul at PJ Williams Agricultural contractors from Ipswich, who has sent in a picture of his recent restoration of this Massey Ferguson 135 using our Supercote paint in Massey Ferguson red. Great job!

Norfolk Farm Machinery Club is a well-supported centre of all things farm machinery and a long established community in East Anglia, Jonathan Tunmore, the club’s County Coordinator kindly tells us more about the history of the club and what they offer: It became apparent that after the Second World War, that British farming would become highly mechanised in a very short time, as new equipment became available to help with food production.

With the advent of the new mechanisation on farms, there became a very obvious and necessary need for training. At this time staff were more accustomed to tacking up horses than cranking a starting handle!

as a machinery instructor for the Norfolk Agricultural Station both realised that there was a large number of farmers, and machinery operators, who were keenly interested in farm machinery and were already using all manner of machines themselves, but were not sufficiently qualified to become members of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers.

The large arable estates of East Anglia were fast to embrace this shift towards mechanisation, given that around 15% of a farms area was used to produce and supply the horses with the feed required for the year and the very obvious time savings associated with the combustion engine as opposed to a horse!

In 1946 the then chairman of the Institution of British Agricultural Engineers, Mr William Newcombe-Baker of Sedgeford and Mr John Cleveland, who at the time was working

Classic Ford tractor

Vintage crop sprayer

It was decided to call a meeting to launch the Norfolk Farm Machinery Club. The meeting took place in April 1946. The founding members were; Ben Burgess (farmer, Howe), Mr S Eglington (farmer, Shipdam), Alan Garrod (farmer, Great Hockham), Mr Neville Langridge (farmer, Postwick), Mr John Mann (Norfolk Agricultural Station and farmer at Bridgham), Mr William Newcombe-Baker (Institute of British Agricultural Engineers and farmer at Sedgeford), Mr William Parker (farmer, Babingley), Mr J. R. Ware (Institute of British Agricultural Engineers and farm manager at Bridgham) and Mr R. R. Wright.

The main objectives of the club were as follows:

• To encourage study of and contact with the latest types • • •

of machinery and plant.

The giving of lectures and technical instruction to farm machinery operators.

To hold demonstrations and competitions of farm machinery To help in the development and invention of machines and to make recommendations for improvements to the Institute of British Agricultural Engineers

At the first meeting held by the club in Norwich, William Newcombe-Baker agreed to show a film he had recorded on his own farm called 'A Year on a Mechanised Farm'. The meeting was well attended and another 20 joined, but it was clear that something more attractive was required.

It was decided to hold a row-crop demonstration with the support of trade entries and farmers own designs and to advertise this in the local papers. The first demonstration was held courtesy of Edwin de Grey Seaman at his Fairstead Farm at Gaywood, King's Lynn.

Andrew Ward (YouTube Wardies Waffles) Additionally we have visits to farms, dealers or manufacturers, these typically very well attended, the visit to TNS last season for a talk from Fendt saw 70 members in attendance. Annually we host the farm innovations stand at The Royal Norfolk Show which this year saw some very strong entries. Every second year we also hold the well regarded Normac Demo which is a working demonstration held across 80ha on a selected site in Norfolk, it’s a perfect opportunity to come and see new equipment working in real conditions up close and to quiz sales personnel on its merits. In the non-demo year, we also host a ploughing match in central Norfolk. Additionally, there is the free quarterly magazine “Top Link” that is sent out to members with updates on new technologies and write ups of club visits.

How many members do you have?

250 members across Norfolk, typically farmers, managers, farm workers, contractors and engineers and we are always looking for more of course!! Get in touch with me at: demo@normac.org.uk

If we fast forward now to the present day, I’m sure Mr Cleveland would be amazed at the advancements that have occurred over the last 77 years, 12m drills, 500hp tractors, rubber tracks, GPS, autonomous tractors to name but a few.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved?

I was born in Norfolk in 1978 in the heart of Normac country just a few miles from the first demo site on the outskirts of King’s Lynn. I had always known of Normac as I’d attended Easton College and knew Duncan Russell the then County Organiser, so when I saw the ad in Farmers Guide I thought it was something that I would be very keen to put my time towards as farming and mechanisation have always been huge passions of mine.

What does the club offer?

How has the club changed over the past 10 years?

We hold winter meetings across 7 centres throughout Norfolk, key speakers this year are Bill King of Cheffins and Holt Myers, Grandson of the late Fred Myers founder of Levertons and

The club is almost a victim of its own success of championing advancements in mechanisation leading to reduced numbers

of people actually involved in agriculture, we are evolving as a club and looking to attract a younger audience with an updated website in the pipe line and some fresh ideas with a younger team now coming through the committee ranks.

What are your objectives for the years ahead?

To attract more new members, engage with a wider audience across social networks, secure high quality respected speakers.

How has the last year or so impacted your business?

The usual challenges that most clubs faced but we seem to have popped out the other side after COVID relatively unscathed. Our biggest challenges at the moment are engaging with younger potential members.

Who is your inspiration?

Seeing others getting out and enjoying our wonderful industry.

Promoting safety with agriculture. My love of the agricultural industry is what gets me out of bed in the morning.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would definitely make more time to do an oversees experience, possibly a year in NZ and a year in the US on a harvest team, nothing broadens the mind like travel and being out of your comfort zone.

What are the clubs plans for the future?

To engage with a younger audience, to promote Normac across social networks and raise our profile.

When and how did you begin working with Witham Group?

Through Classic Tractor magazine and our Suffolk Bunch articles. I use your lubricants and coolants in my fleet of classic

tractors, Simon Ranshaw your sales consultant provides an excellent hassle free prompt service that’s hard to beat, saves me a lot of hassle and running about.

What is important to you in a supplier?

A contact that answers their phone, prompt service and delivery, honesty in approach, no-nonsense, hassle free and knowledgeable - that’s why I use Witham.

CONTINUES TH

Our award winning Prolan range is non carcinogenic, biodegradable and environmentally safe. It has excellent rust protection properties and completely frees up rusted and stuck parts. Customers are using Prolan as an extremely effective and long lasting solution to rust prevention and protection of vehicles and equipment. Here are some of our customers latest stories about how they have found Prolan so useful...

HEAVY GRADE Protects Plough Piston One of our farming customers wanted to protect his Mole Draining Plough from rust. The plough has a hydraulic ram on it to lift and lower the implement into the ground, which is in the extended position when not in use.

Prolan Heavy Grade was applied to the chrome piston last year to protect it from corrosion. As you can see from the picture, the piston is rust free, whilst the remaining areas where Prolan was not applied are still rusty. The customer said: “I was very impressed at the ease of application in the aerosol form, and the cleanliness compared with coating the ram in grease.”

Chassis Passes Rust Test At Redwood Commercials Redwood Commercials garage wanted to test the performance of Prolan as an under-body rust protector, so he applied some Prolan Light Grade on his pickup chassis 8 months ago. The customer chose the area above the rear wheel, as not only is it visible, but also is very susceptible to corrosion.

Prolan Light Grade Lubricant was sprayed around the small chassis hole on the left, and the main area was then uncoated to compare.

As you can see from the photo, the hole on the left that was sprayed with Prolan, has significantly less surface rust than the hole on the right.

E FIGHT AGAINST RUST Tractor Gets The

Treatment

A Farming customer recently serviced a tractor to get ready to help with maintenance of some horse grazing areas.

The linkage on the tractor had seen little use recently and many parts of it did not move freely and consequently had rusted due to the lack of use. As the tractor was going to be in horse paddocks and a garden area, the Farmer used Prolan as a safe substitute to standard oil: “I sprayed Prolan Medium Grade to the areas of the rear linkage that were sticking.

This helped free off these parts, reducing the noise when operating, and protecting from future corrosion.

On the same tractor, a front-end loader is fitted, and the hydraulic connections were also covered in surface corrosion. I coated this area with a spray of Prolan Heavy Grade to protect against the elements, and prevent moisture entering the electrical contacts with great results.”

HAVE YOU TRIED

YET?

Our Award Winning Prolan works on almost any surface including metal, rubber, steel, vehicles, vinyl and painted areas. Each of the 5 viscosity grades offer specialist benefits which include staying on in harsh conditions, lifting rust scale, resisting acids and alkalis, removing dirt and grime and of course as an everyday water displacement fluid. The lighter grades are ideal for day to day lubrication and for eliminating squeaks!

Prolan’s unique lanolin-based formula contains linseed and offers outstanding natural moisture repellent qualities so is also great as a wood preserver preventing outdoor rot and greening. Safe for marine environments, waterways, forestry areas, agriculture and food production plants, it is internationally certified by NSF. Prolan is also non-conductive, so it can be used for electrical wiring and connections such as engine batteries.

Prolan is an ideal lubricant range with unlimited use for any business that helps significantly in the ongoing fight against corrosion, and reducing wear and tear. It is easy to apply and can increase machinery and equipment life and yet is the safer, greener and cleaner way to apply lubrication that will not leave any nasties for the user or the environment.

Prolan lubricant range comes in a handy spray, liquid or thick anti-seize grease depending on which of the five different viscosities you need for the job in hand. As more people and companies address the use of chemicals in their supply chain, and want to improve their sustainability credentials, this unbeatable high quality lubricant is the new popular choice for industry, business, workshops or home.

Please contact us for more information about our Prolan Range or buy online at withamgroup.co.uk

'DRIVEN BY THE PRINCIPLE OF LOOKING AFTER TOMORROW'

Over 900 years after the family’s first

land grants in the area, Bradford Estates now takes responsibility for approximately 12,000 acres on the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders. Continuously investing in their land and property and with the future in mind, the Estates Business is guided by its heritage, knowledge and a commitment to doing things the right way. It has developed sustainable practices across its farming, industrial, forestry, property and leisure activities and has created charitable legacies that have benefited many local communities for hundreds of years. Here we talk to Oliver Scott, Bradford Estates' Farm Director to find out more...

What’s the history of your business, how did it get started?

The current family have been stewards to Bradford Estates for 900 years, Bradford Farming is one of several enterprises within the Bradford Estates group. The origins of the Bradford family’s connection with the area began with William I conquest in 1066, which saw the granting of the English land to his countrymen.

The ancestral home, Weston Park, and its 1,000 acres of parkland, left family ownership after the death of the 6th Earl in 1981, gifted by his son to the Weston Park Foundation. Today it is an independent educational and conservation charity.

How long have you been established for?

Bradford Farming was set up in 2019, originally as the farmer in a contract farming agreement (CFA) and in 2020, after a strategic review, the decision was made to take the farm in-hand.

Bradford Farming has been carefully planned; from selecting machinery to making strategic decisions to enhance and protect our land. We successfully harvested our first in-hand crops in harvest 2022 and since then have not looked back.

In 2019, the most recent acquisition of Burlington Farm took Bradford Estates to 12,000 acres in Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Driven by Alexander, Viscount Newport, the future 8th Earl, a new progressive, sustainable land strategy is being created, to facilitate the introduction of regenerative farming and new tree planting on the estates.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved?

I grew up on a Wiltshire farm managed by my father, I followed his footsteps, graduating from Harper Adams in 2005 and have been immersed in farming throughout my life. I’ve worked in Australia and New Zealand and managed farms in West Sussex and Norfolk. I enjoy keeping up to date with cutting edge techniques and practices and continually enhance my knowledge whenever possible.

What products and services you offer?

We are a 12,000 acre landed estate with arable, sheep and wildflower farming, residential and commercial property, leisure enterprises, industrial portfolios and rural opportunities. We

also manage four family charities. With our focus on sustainable practises, we are moving away from the high input, conventional farming of the past. Its negative impact on soil health and the wider environment is becoming widely understood. Our farming business primarily focuses on arable production, and we have a vision to create a market leading agribusiness. We also aim to become a centre of farming excellence, working with local and national education and research institutions, to help advance the understanding of sustainable farming systems and practices. Through regenerative agriculture, we promote

How many employees do you have?

Bradford Estates employ 25 people across all entities.

Who are your customers?

Tenants, farmers, tourists, feed mills and grain buyers, large industrial clients.

How has the business changed over the past 10 years?

The management of Bradford Estates has returned to an in-hand Estates office from land agency firms previously. We farm regeneratively and hold the importance of the environment in high regard.

What is your company ethos?

Through a long term vision, we’re driven by the principle of looking after tomorrow and are committed to responsible and sustainable practices in everything we do.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

more diverse biodiversity, environmental restoration and ongoing enhancement, supported by integrating complementary enterprises, such as livestock. Led by our in-hand farming team, we will prioritise a holistic approach to land use with specific focus on conservation, thereby creating a distinct identity for Bradford Estates within the agri-sector.

Every day is different; presenting new challenges and opportunities. We are currently amid great change within the way we farm in the UK, keeping up with global forces and arable innovation. We have an exciting reservoir project in the pipeline and the estate is constantly reviewing its practices and opportunities to improve. Our new regenerative farm centre will hopefully help us drive the business to net zero by 2030 and we have installed solar panels and low carbon materials in the build. It’s exciting to think that our everyday work is making a difference.

How has the last year or so impacted your business?

The war on Ukraine inflated grain sale price by as much as 100% from February 2022, however after November 2022, these prices have decreased to pre-war levels. Energy and fertiliser prices have also seen astounding increases. The volatilities within these markets have placed great emphasis on budgeting and cashflow to ensure the viability and future stability of the business.

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

Climate change is always on our mind, water security and unpredictable weather conditions impact upon the stability of the seasons. Balancing the requirements of the farm and the wider Estates can be a challenge but that is part of working together on an Estate.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

Can you ask us again in twelve months’ time?!

What has been your proudest moment?

It would be hard to pick just one; perhaps the sight of the combine beginning our first in-hand harvest or the sight of our first sheep leaping from the trailer. I am continually proud of our team and what we have achieved so far, a business is made up of people and we are fortunate to be made up of such capable and caring members.

Who is your inspiration in business?

When it comes to inspiration, we have a vision to create a market leading agribusiness. Focussing on sustainable farming systems, our ambition is to become a centre of farming excellence, to help advance the understanding of sustainable farming systems and practices.

What are your plans for future?

Supporting the community is important to us, we plan to diversify further and are looking into collaborating with nearby farmers in ways which support shared values and utilise knowledge.

When and how did you begin working with Witham Group?

Whilst working at Holkham Estate in 2009, Richard (Scarbs) was a huge help in assisting me with our lubricant needs. When I moved to Bradford Estates, I was keen to ensure that we would be using Witham again. Witham supply all our lubricants and paints for the farm and our many other activities. It’s vital that a supplier provides us with a strong relationship, with back-up, knowledge, understanding and service. The beer on the Norfolk and Suffolk stand also helps!

Witham go the extra mile, are good fun and maintain a great relationship. I have no hesitation in recommending Witham, Nigel or Richard Scarbrough in particular to others. The relationship with Witham is with the person, and not just the business, which is built on support and trust.

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AVAILABLE IN A CHOICE OF 13 COASTAL THEMED COLOURS Blending Quality, Value & Service since 1921

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MD Richard Balls with current owner Barry Clarke

Clarkes of Walsham are one of the largest independent suppliers of Building, Farming and Garden Materials in East Anglia, and fast becoming the number one outlet for Cartridge and Shooting Accessories in East Anglia and beyond. As a family run, independent business, Clarkes pride themselves on offering a personal service that is valued by both trade and counter customers alike. Here we catch up with Richard Balls, Managing Director and driving force behind this innovative Suffolk enterprise…

How long have you been established for & what’s the history of your business?

Clarkes was founded 115 years ago in 1908, by Horace F. Clarke. Horace was the son of a well-known auctioneer and took over his father’s business in the early 1900’s. The auctioning of agricultural requisites led to him establishing a timber yard, which after the First World War had become a builders’ merchant, called Horace F. Clarkes and in 1954 Clarkes timber yard back in 1908

was made a limited company. Still a family business, four generations of the Clarke family have been actively involved in the business which occupies discreet 10-acre premises in the unspoilt village of Walsham-le-Willows. Barry Clarke, head of the Clarke family and Horace’s son was born in London but evacuated to Walsham- le-Willows during the 2nd World War at the age of two. After he left Walsham primary school, he joined his father selling to local farmers. Clarkes of Walsham have been serving the building & agricultural trades and more recently the public. As a family run, independent business, Clarkes of Walsham pride themselves on offering a personal service that is valued by both trade and counter customers alike. We started off employing 5 people and this has grown to around 86 staff today and continues to expand.

Clarkes Country Store

Tell us about your background with the business and how you got involved?

In 1983 I was working at an Accountancy Firm in which Clarkes were one of the main clients. I have been involved with the business since then, as I used to come in to conduct audits. I started at Clarkes in August 2000 as Company Accountant, and have since progressed to Company Secretary, Finance Director and finally to my current role of Managing Director.

How has the business changed over the past 10 years?

If you were to see Clarkes 10 years ago it would be unrecognisable. The business has been modernised throughout, as customer’s needs are continually changing and evolving. Historically, Clarkes would have been aimed more towards Farming and Agriculture. However, in recent years we have made it our mission to become more retail based with the development of our on-site stores, we feel this comes hand-in hand with maintaining our excellent customer service reputation.

evolving, particularly in our Customer Sales and Trade Counter.

A lot of effort has been made by staff to extend the product range for our customers as well as making the shopping experience smoother, this meant completely revamping the layout of the store. This has progressed massively throughout the last few months.

How has the last few years impacted the business?

Clarkes were very fortunate during Covid with the sector we work in, and we remained open throughout. I would say that we came out of the other side of Covid in a much better position than we could ever have imagined. We were then able invest more into modernising the company and getting it to where it is now.

What’s happening in the business at the moment?

A recent business venture that stands out is the expansion of our site to Summer Road, our new Aggregates Centre. Here we offer an extensive selection of loose and bagged products for both trade and public use. This introduced a new service, where loose aggregate is now available for collection. It would be difficult to pinpoint individual milestones to share with you. Our products and services base are continuously

Clarkes Sales and Trade Counter reconfigured for a better shopping experience

“At Clarkes we always want to ensure we maintain the family values whilst adopting the corporate mentality that you need to run a business in the 21st century."

Clarkes yard

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would say the biggest challenge everybody faces at the moment is the cost-of-living crisis. The rising cost of everything has a huge impact on the customer’s confidence in where they can spend money. Clarkes are quite fortunate though to have built a strong and loyal customer base over the years particular with SME’s in the building sector.

I am proud of what the company has achieved in the last 3 years that I have been Managing Director and I wouldn’t change anything.

Who is your inspiration in business?

When I was starting out in my career I was always inspired by the Owners, SEO’s and Managing Directors of the companies I was conducting audits for. I saw their achievements as somewhere I wanted to get to one day. I have maintained relationships with those people and still keep in contact with them now to discuss business. Barry’s inspiration in the family was certainly his father and working for such a long established business keeps me driven and inspired every day.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I enjoy coming in to work as I love my job, the company, and the staff. I find myself enthusiastic and motivated for the day ahead.

What has been your proudest moment?

It’s difficult to define one moment that has made me the proudest. I feel a sense of pride every time I cross the bridge onto the site and see the business running efficiently. I am proud of the exceptional customer service we offer and the way we treat our customers.

On top of all the long-term loyal staff we have here at Clarkes I also feel a sense of pride that we are able to employ the younger generation and they hold the same proactive mentality whilst offering fresh ideas to the business.

Barry Clarke, would also add that his proudest moment would be when his uncle sadly passed, and he was to buy the widows share of the business so the Clarkes family had full ownership.

What are your plans for future?

The plan is to continue to grow and modernise the business and empower the staff within the company. At Clarkes we always want to ensure we maintain the family values whilst adopting the corporate mentality that you need to run a business in the 21st century.

A busy delivery fleet of lorries.

Clarkes is a great place for people to work. Nobody is a number here, we are all treated as equals and everybody knows each other. We would like to say that we are very fortunate to have such excellent staff to assist the progress of the company.

Witham supply to us a range of paints and oils to cater to our agricultural and trade customers for the use of general and tractor maintenance. This includes but is not limited to; Wood Primer, Barn Paint, Undercoat, Supercoat and Floor Paint and a whole range of Lubricants.

We have 86 members of staff currently, some of which have been working at Clarkes for over 30 years. We recently had a staff member retire after 48 years of service.

Over the years we have built up a loyal relationship with Witham and can only but praise the service they deliver.

The products are always great quality, the paperwork trail is excellent, delivery is always prompt and without issue.

Important qualities to define a great supplier to us, would include quality products, stock availability and an attentive supplier that cares about the products and customer.

Witham provides all these as well as a great relationship and fun together at the Norfolk Show!

Witham Group proud to support the Clarkes open day

A busy Clarkes team

When and how did you begin working with Witham Group?

We have been a loyal customer to Witham Oil for 33 years.

In the mid-1990s Witham Oil and Grease Ltd bought United Paints in Lowestoft, before this our Agricultural and Industrial paints were supplied by Signpost Paints of Haverhill, Signpost after two takeovers were absorbed into Akzo Nobel who discontinued some lines which our customers needed, therefore the change to the Witham Group was made easier because the excellent representative Brian Taylor who we had known since 1975 decided to work for Witham Oil and Paint and with his help we expanded the range to take in Oil as well as our paint requirements.

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Sentry is an employee owned Agricultural and Rural Advisory Business, with over 50 years of trading experience and a footprint in over 15 counties.

Sentry farms over 20,000 hectares of land across the UK, operates a leading agricultural buying group and provides rural advisory services to farmers, landowners and investors across the UK, enabling them to run successful agricultural and rural businesses.

We were proud to catch up with Richard Peck, Senior Farm Business Adviser who kindly tells us more about this diverse and enterprising agricultural solutions business.

Sentry has a rich heritage, and was originally founded in 1972 by an American insurance company. Initially farming operations were on land owned by pension schemes and over time, this was extended to contract farming for private individuals.

In 1986, following the sudden death of the President of the American insurance Company, Sentry Farm Management (along with all the Company’s non-insurance activities worldwide) was put onto the market and a management buyout was undertaken aided by city equity houses and a merchant bank.

promotes the quality of our teams on the ground and a longterm alignment of interests with our employees and clients.

This means employees voices are heard. The Sentry team work pro-actively and collectively to ensure that it is a great company to work for as well as providing opportunities that are rarely seen in other companies.

1990 saw the Company merge with Associated Farmers plc in a reverse takeover, and Sentry Farming Group plc began its journey from the third market, via the USM, to become the only farming Company with a full listing. However, it soon became obvious that the growth and profit expectations of a fully listed company were incompatible with a farming company, and in 1999 the plc divested itself of all its assets, with employees, customers and machinery transferring through a management buyout to Sentry Limited.

This management buyout was possible in 1999 as Sentry’s employees provided the total finance required in exchange for ‘A’ shares in the Company, which equates to 50% of the Company’s total share capital. The remaining 50% of the finance required was provided by three corporate partners in exchange for ‘B’ shares in the Company.

Due to employees owning 50% of the Company’s total share capital, Sentry has been able to operate as an Employee-Owned Company for the last 20 plus years. Employee Ownership

Sentry employs over 60 people in a variety of roles. This can vary seasonally, as the company upscale staffing on our farms and for our clients.

We have a wide range of clients, including farmers, landowners, investors and other professional partners operating within the agricultural and rural sector.

How has the business changed over last 10 years?

Who is your inspiration in business?

In the last decade, a new Managing Director and group of Directors has been appointed, and Sentry has welcomed a new generation of talent into the company. As an employee-owned business, our engagement across the business has improved significantly.

Within the industry we have seen significant change, as the focus has shifted onto environmental and land stewardship.

We have been focusing our own farm strategy and working with our clients to optimise every part of the farm, as we prepare for subsidises to fade away.

Caroline Drummond, who was the driving force behind the charity LEAF. She was an inspirational leader and a passionate advocate of helping consumers better understand agriculture and its connection with their food Initiatives such as ‘Farmer-time’ which were set-up by LEAF, fortnightly calls between farmers and the classroom, bring the countryside to life providing invaluable education on agriculture and food production.

If you could do it all again, what would you do differently?

I would have gone back to the 1980’s and told Sentry Insurance CEO not to sell the land, as it would be worth a lot in the future – after all, they’re not making any more of it!

What has been your proudest moment?

The management buyout in 1999, when the whole team bought into the company and we became Employee-owned.

We have significantly grown our farm advisory services over the last few years, which allows us to take the best-practice of our farming enterprises and share it with our clients. Working with farming and rural business across the country, supporting them, and enabling them to realise their business goals and ambitions has been hugely fulfilling, and we expect this side of the business to grown considerably in the forthcoming years.

What are you most proud of?

A passion for growing the business and providing the same opportunities for future generations, which we have been lucky enough to enjoy.

It’s our 50-year anniversary. We’re very proud of coming from humble beginnings as an American insurance company, to today’s employee-owned business, farming ourselves, running a leading farm buying group and working with a brilliant range of suppliers, including Witham Oil.

What are your biggest challenges at the moment?

Conversely the many challenges across the world, has resulted in record commodity prices, which has been reflected in farming returns. This increase in returns has been very positive for the industry, and has offset the impact of declining subsidies.

We are now adjusting to higher input and operational costs, against a back-drop of reducing subsidies and falling commodity values, which means the need for professional farm management has never been more important. Knowing and controlling costs is critical.

What are your plans for future?

Keep growing the business and focus on the legacy of the business. We are excited about the next phase within UK agriculture, where the need for healthy food and a healthy environment run side by side and we see our job as to deliver it.

We are positive, that despite the obvious headwinds, this remains a very exciting time to be in agriculture and we are always pleased to talk to landowners and farmers about joining our group of members and clients.

Our Vision:

“Together with our clients to be the leaders in our industry.”

Our Mission:

“In line with our values to continually innovate and develop the strength of our soils, farms, employees and businesses while safeguarding the environment.”

Our company values highlight what we strive to achieve: PROFESSIONAL We strive for excellence in everything we do.

CUSTODIAN Our actions benefit you for the long term.

CARING We work to get it right for you.

TRUST We believe this creates a better working environment.

FORWARD THINKING We challenge ourselves to shape the future.

A challenging future lies ahead for British agriculture, Sentry is up to the task, Witham faces similar challenges and together we can make a difference in making businesses profitable and sustainable in the future.

2020 - Agri Advert Proud to Support SENTRY 133x190 HR.pdf

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Proud to be the preferred supplier to Sentry Limited

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Sentry and the Witham Group

Sentry has a long-standing relationship with the Witham Group, stretching back over three decades. Witham, as one of Sentry’s preferred suppliers, join some of the industry’s best that supply us with quality products and the reliability of service that we need.

Quality and backup are paramount when selecting suppliers, be that tractors, agrochemicals, oils or indeed any of the necessary requisites needed for the modern farming business.

Witham are able to deliver a complete package of lubricants to our farming teams across the UK. Witham deliver consistent quality with excellent technical back up. With the technical backup that Witham offer, the correct lubricants across our machinery fleet are selected and used, removing all issues on quality and warranty.

PAINTS & COATINGS

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT & FUNDRAISING

Lucy Lavers Boat Looks Ship Shape!

We are delighted to continue our support for the Charity Rescue Wooden Boats and supply the paint for their flagship restoration project, Dunkirk Little Ship and lifeboat ‘Lucy Lavers’.

We helped in the original restoration to get her back on the sea back in 2015 and we were thrilled to see the new Witham flags on board and ready for the new season ahead.

You can book a trip on the beautiful Lucy Lavers vessel with Curlew Coastal Charters, based at Wells Next The Sea on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast.

We were also happy to help provide a new poster board for the Maritime Heritage Centre in Stiffkey, which is a great place to learn all about Lucy Lavers and the wooden boat building heritage for the crab, whelk and fishing communities steeped in history.

Woldmarsh Golf Day Raises Over £7000 For LRSN We were proud to support the Woldmarsh Producers Ltd Golf Day at Blankney Golf Club in May, which raised a fantastic £7,000 for the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network - a well needed charity in the rural community.

The Witham Group were proud to sponsor the event and provide some delicious golf themed cupcakes for the players! Well done to all involved.

Witham Supports St Barnabas' 40th Year With Paint For Linc's Biggest HEART Trail We were delighted to support the 2023 St Barnabas HeART Trail campaign, which saw 30 wonderful HeART sculptures placed at points of interest across Lincolnshire. The charity created this county wide trail with the help of local artists, schools and businesses to celebrate its 40th anniversary year.

We donated our paint for the plinths that the hearts are displayed on, including the The Witham Group Heart, which is located on the sea front in Skegness and will be there all summer for people to visit. Our HeART depicts various activities that take place in Lincolnshire.

Witham Group was invited to the launch event and Graham Dawson our Commercial Finance Manager and Ali Bottom, our Group Marketing Director went along to support it. Ali was interviewed and spoke about how delighted we are to support St Barnabas and the trail. The monies raised from this campaign will go towards allowing the charity's incredible team at St Barnabas Hospice to continue the great work they do every day.

Witham Support Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Golf Day We had a wonderful time supporting the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Charity Golf Day at Blankney Golf Club in August. There were 41 teams playing, and the conditions and course were perfect. The Witham Team put on an admirable performance and finished in the top third. Witham Group supplied golf themed cupcake refreshments and goodie bags which went down well with the golfers and helped support the day.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT & FUNDRAISING

Nettleton Clay Shoot Raises Funds For Air Ambulance And LIVES We supported a Charity Clay Shoot at Nettleton Shooting Ground in Lincolnshire in June.

The event was well attended, and we donated some of our Gun Oil and Gun Barrell and Choke cleaner as prizes for the winners and raised over £3,500 for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and LIVES. Well done to all involved!

Witham Manager Completes Outlaw Triathlon & Raises Over £1,000 For MS Charity Congratulations to our Witham Commercial Finance Manager, Graham Dawson, who after a year of hard training, completed an Outlaw Triathlon raising over £1,000 for the Lincoln MS Therapy Centre, a local Lincoln charity supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis.

He completed the gruelling challenge of the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.3 mile run in an amazing 12 hours and 3 minutes which placed him in the top 30% of the overall competitors. He’s already planning his next event and hoping to achieve below 12 hours next time.

Well done Graham!

Tractor Game Raises Money For The Air Ambulance At the Lincolnshire Show, Brown & Co / JH Walter had a bean bag game as part of their charity fundraising for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance. The game had been made from empty cleaned paint cans, arranged in the shape of a tractor, and painted using our Supercote paint aerosols to resemble a John Deere tractor. Over the two days of the show, they were able to raise over £270 towards the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

Witham Provides Liquid Lubrication For Lindum Cricket Club!

This summer we supported a local Lincolnshire sports club, Lindum Cricket Club and sponsored one of the barrels at the Lindum Beer Festival to help 'lubricate' the guests! The Cricket Club are using our Woco paint products in the refurbishment of their club house.

Supporting Our Young Farmers Congratulations to Harmston Young Farmers who won the 4th prize for the 'Decorated Trailer Competition' at the Lincolnshire Show in June. We were proud to support the team by donating our Woco Paint for the build of their amazing ‘Disney’s Tangled' themed trailer! We also supported other Young Farmer Clubs with their trailer paint too.

Lincolnshire Young Farmers Rally In May we also supported the Lincolnshire Young Farmers Rally which is a competition where all the members from across the County come together to compete on behalf of their clubs in over 70 classes.

We were proud to assist this event by advertising in the programme and we also donated a Trophy for the Junior Tug of War competition which was won

by Harmston YFC.

WITHAM MOTORSPORT

MOTORSPORT UPDATE

We have had a really busy few months supporting our customers and teams at some exciting motorsport events around the UK – with some great results! We are still supplying a wide range of products to many different customers in their exciting motorsport arenas.

WITHAM MOTORSPORT PARTNERS WITH UK PIRELLI WELSH CHAMPIONSHIP In March we were given a late opportunity to be technical lubricant partners to the Motorsport UK Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, also giving us an exciting opportunity to have a new major distributor for our Qualube brand in Wales.

During the rally season, we have attended some fantastic rounds including the Rallynuts event in Builth Wells in April, the Plains Rally in Bala, and the Nicky Grist stages rally based in Builth Wells. We were proud to see our driver, Matthew Hirst, doing so well and leading the championship – powered by the lubricants we supply. The championship is still in full swing, finishing in November at the Wye Dean Stages Rally. Good luck to all the competitors!

PROTYRE ASPHALT CHAMPIONSHIP We have continued this year to be in partnership with the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship and have supported some exciting rounds over the past few months. It has been great to see our team - Roskell Motorsport, leading the championship for much of the season.

Unfortunately, a mechanical failure in the final round at Rali Ceredigion in Llandudno Wales, led to them finishing 2nd in the championship – but still a very worthy result! Congratulations to the 2023 Champion, Callum Black and thanks to Paul Morris and the rest of his team for a superbly organised championship.

BOSTON CLASSIC CAR SHOW

BRITISH F4 We have enjoyed supporting our team, Chris Dittman Racing, who are doing well in the British F4 Championship. Returning to the team for 2023, Jack Sherwood (pictured right) has had a positive first half of the season, scoring a podium finish on the opening round and winning the Pirelli Hardest Charger Award at Thruxton.

We were proud to attend the Boston Classic Car Show in August hosted by the Boston Classic Car Club. The show was well attended with several hundred cars of all ages and conditions proudly shown by their owners.

We showcased our Witham Classic Lubricant Range and Environmentally Friendly Prolan products. We were on hand to provide advice on the right product to use in their treasured classic. Our stand featured a 1999 Rover Mini 1.3 Balmoral Special Edition, which is fully serviced with Qualube products, and with only 13K original miles on the clock it drew many admiring looks.

WITHAM MOTORSPORT SPEEDWORKS TEAM ACHIEVE PODIUM AT DONINGTON

The Speedworks run Toyota Gazoo Racing UK team had a fantastic weekend at Donington in the British Touring Car Championship recently. Drivers Rory Butcher, Ricky Collard and George Gamble have been battling to get some top ten finishes in their British-built Toyota Corolla GR Sports cars. The Donington round saw some great work from Rory who battled hard to win the final race and a great result for Ricky taking home a P4, alongside a P13 for George. The BTCC season continues with live tv coverage culminating in the final at Brands Hatch on 7th and 7th October 2023.

GREAT BRITISH SPORTSCARS AT SILVERSTONE FESTIVAL

JOE DALGARNO TAKES 1ST PLACE AT CADWELL PARK IN THE TYPE R TROPHY Congratulations to Joe Dalgarno who achieved his first win of the season in the 750MC - Honda Civic Type R Trophy at Cadwell Park last month in his Witham Motorsport sponsored Honda Civic. However, as Joe explains, it wasn’t all plain sailing: "By the mid-point of race 2, my fuse box that is located right above the clutch pedal fell down, this made it incredibly difficult to use the clutch pedal but nevertheless, I pushed on and managed to take my first win in the Type R Trophy!"

We were proud to see our long-term partners Great British Sportscars at the recent Silverstone Festival event which had an amazing line-up of classic car races, parades and displays. Their ever popular GBS Zero race car was on the global tyre manufacturer Yokohama’s stand and Witham Motorsport is proud to supply GBS with all their lubricants other workshop products for their amazing manufacturing site in Nottinghamshire.

RICHARD’S SUCCSSFUL RALLY CO-DRIVING DEBUT Congratulations and well done to driver Mark Kelly and co-driver, our very own Sales Director, Richard Scarbrough, who won the Abingdon Motorsport Car-Nival Stages Rally in June in their Ford Fiesta R5! The charitable weekend saw drivers compete in a 70 mile plus stage rally. It was Richard’s first time navigating for 35 years so an amazing achievement and experience for him. We were very proud and Richard now has the racing bug again and hopes to be competing at Cadwell Park later in the year.

SUCCESS AT THE SOUTHERN 100 PRE TT CLASSIC The brilliant RAF Classic Racing Team were on the Isle of Mann competing in the Southern 100 Pre TT Classic in May. This was a first time racing here for Andrew Green on a Drixton Honda CB350 K4.

The bike had its original megaphone exhaust back on and was feeling a lot better for it. Green qualified for the race first time out, plus another 8 seconds faster in the race over qualifying time. In the race he spent all 7 laps in a 4 way tussle.

Green was rewarded with an 18th place and knocking off a huge 8 seconds from his best practice time. Witham Group are proud to be lubricant partners of this RAF Racing Team.

BRITISH SPEEDWAY We have continued to support the British Speedway Premiership in the British Speedway Premiership with the Peterborough Panthers team. Our customer, CBL Engineering in Peterborough is the support garage for Panthers rider Patryk Wojdyło.

Patryk pictured here on the right with our sales executive Jack Baker.

Patryk is having a great season and was recently the Panther’s stand out rider in a narrow loss to play off challengers the Ipswich Witches.

BLAKENEY GARAGE EVENT Great to see our oil drum tables being put to good use at our customers, Blakeney Garage in Norfolk. The oil drum tables were ideal for their Bentley Drivers Club event recently, and we’re proud to continue our lubricant partnership with the garage and their racing team.

WITHAM MOTORSPORT MGJ CIRCUIT RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP We are delighted to be the preferred lubricant partner of the MGJ Engineering Circuit Rally Championship next season. The 2023/24 Circuit Rally Championship will feature a choice of nine popular one-day circuit-based stage rallies at seven different spectator-friendly venues, with a competitor’s best six scores to count. The Championship will run from early November 2023 to mid-April 2024.

In April we attended the 2022/23 season final Circuit Rally Championship at Cadwell Park, where we supported our driver John Griffiths, who finished 2nd overall at Cadwell but won the Championship in his Fiesta R5 car. We are proud to support John and supply his business, Mercury Garage, with our oils. We were also supporting Dan Bird, from Keith Bird Motorsport in his Fiesta R5 – who came in the top 10 at Cadwell Park.

MINI COOPER REGISTER OPEN DAY BEAULIEU

SPEED SUCCESS FOR BEN DUCKWORTH Congratulations to our customer Ben Duckworth of Duckworth Motor Group, Lincolnshire who was competing at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend and finished 7th in the Britpart Off-road arena ‘Competitive Safari Shootout’. Well done, Ben & Team Duckworth Motorsport!

We spent an enjoyable day with the Mini Cooper Register at their annual Mini Cooper Day at Beaulieu. This event welcomes hundreds of Mini owners from across the UK and Europe for their annual meeting. The weather was bright and sunny, and the show was extremely busy with over 3,000 people through the gates of the show. Our Classic Mini 20W-50 product was of course extremely popular with visitors to the show, with many returning customers from the previous year.

OVENDEN MOTORSPORT RACING UP A RALLYCROSS STORM! Former DOUBLE Swift Sport Champion Tristan Ovenden, now competing at the top Supercar level in the 5 Nations British Rallycross Championship took victory inIreland in June and has been leading the championship. His son, Will Ovenden scored a double win in the Motorsport UK Junior Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park on the same weekend. In August they had a great weekend at Pembrey Circuit in Wales with Will Ovenden finishing P2 in the Junior BRX and Tristan Ovenden squarely got his season back on track in the Intermediate stage and now sits in second place in the points standings by a single point.

NORFOLK CARS HATTRICK VICTORY AT CADWELL

CALUM LOCKIE FURTHER CLASSIC RACING SUCCESS! Historic Racing Driver, Calum Lockie, bagged yet another Masters Gentlemen Drivers win by cornering the International Trophy for Classic GT Cars at the Silverstone Festival driving the Daytona Cobra.

Congratulations to our customer Norfolk Cars Ltd - Mini Specialist for a fantastic performance at Cadwell Park in the MINI CHALLENGE CLUBSPORT championship back in April! Well done to driver Jack in the Cooper class, who won three out of three races!

This comes off the back of his success at Snetterton earlier last month, driving the Main Line Timber Porsche 968 in the CALM All Porsche Trophy races, where he bought home the triple!!

QUALITY LUBRICANTS FOR ALL PLANT & OFF ROAD MACHINERY

A wide range of award winning lubricants and greases, maximising performance, helping reduce CO2 emissions and extending the life of vehicles and equipment whatever the operating conditions.

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