http://www.rix.co.ukhttp://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/heating-oil-prices-have-been-falling/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/heating-oil-prices-have-been-falling/Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT Did you know that over the last few weeks heating oil prices in the UK have been falling.This is good news for a lot of people who are finding themselves having to top up their tanks for the second time since winter due to the cold weather refusing to go away. With this April being one of the coldest in recent years we encourage you to check your oil tanks to make sure you have enough heating oil to see you through the summer months. Order your home heating oil today with Rix. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/rix-choose-dove-house-hospice-for-our-charity-of-the-year/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/rix-choose-dove-house-hospice-for-our-charity-of-the-year/Thu, 03 May 2012 08:54:02 GMT Last week the Rix charity team met and collected all the suggestions we’d received from our staff to choose which charity we would support in 2012. After all the votes were counted the charity that got the most support and therefore bacame our charity of the year is “Dove House Hospice”. About Dove House: Dove House Hospice is a charity providing excellent care for people in the local community with life limiting illnesses. We are specialists in palliative care which is the total care of patients whose illness is no longer curable and for whom the goal must be quality of life.   Their services are available to anyone over the age of 18 years who has an illness which can no longer be cured. Care is provided for patients with cancer, neurological illnesses, heart diseases, respiratory diseases, HIV/AIDS and many other illnesses. Care incorporates physical, social, psychological and spiritual support delivered by a multi-professional team who embrace the family and significant others throughout the patient's illness.  Dove House Hospice is maintained by funds raised in the local community such as by ourselves and support from the local Primary Care Trusts. More information about Dove House Hospice can be found at www.dovehouse.org.uk Rix and our car business Jordans will be organising a number of events throughout the year to raise money for this great cause. We will keep you posted on our progress. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/its-nearing-the-end-of-april-and-still-we-have-cold-weather/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/its-nearing-the-end-of-april-and-still-we-have-cold-weather/Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Can you believe that even though we're approaching the end of April many of us have still got our heating on at home? Although 2011's winter was one of the mildest on record it seems that the colder weather hasn't shown any signs of letting up. Heating oil demand is still pretty strong with customers wanting to ensure they have enough in their oil tanks in case the cold weather stays. Have you checked your heating oil levels recently? It's a good idea to keep checking your heating oil levels especially when the Spring has been so cold. If you need a heating oil quote simply click here and fill in the amount you need and one of our sales team will be in touch. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/heating-oil-comes-out-on-top-according-to-a-new-report-which-highlights-the-excellent-safety-record/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/heating-oil-comes-out-on-top-according-to-a-new-report-which-highlights-the-excellent-safety-record/Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT A new report by the Gas Safety Trust has highlighted the safety of oil-fired heating and cooking systems. The Downstream Incident Data Report, which reviewed carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning incidents in Great Britain between 1st July 2010 and 30th June 2011, is the first to include comparative data from oil and solid fuel installations, as well as gas and piped LPG. During the period covered by the report, there were no reported fatalities caused by CO in homes using heating oil, and just three non-fatal incidents, the lowest of all the fuel types. Even allowing for the difference in the number of homes using the different fuels, oil came out on top as the safest choice for domestic use. Jeremy Hawksley, Director General of OFTEC, said “Every carbon monoxide poisoning fatality is a tragedy, so it’s reassuring for oil customers to know that they’re using the safest fuel for their heating and cooking needs. Oil-fired systems are less likely to release dangerous carbon monoxide than natural gas, LPG or solid fuels, and regular servicing by an OFTEC registered technician will help minimise still further the remote risk of an incident occurring.” Read the full report by clicking here. Does your oil boiler or cooker need a service? Contact our OFTEC registered team of engineers today. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/domestic-homes-face-power-shortages-with-april-snow/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/domestic-homes-face-power-shortages-with-april-snow/Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Domestic homes accross England are still without power as snow hits parts of the country. Make sure you're not without your domestic heating oil as we are forecast to remain in this cold spell for the next few days. According to a statment from Northern Powergrid there were nearly 30,000 customers without power, including 4,000 in County Durham. The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the north of England and the Midlands. Although it's hard to believe after the weather we experienced in March, Winter seems like it is back. Get in touch with your local depot today by clicking locations at the top of this page and choosing your depot or click on the link below for the latest heating oil prices. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/fta-guidance-for-the-storage-carriage-of-fuel/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/5/fta-guidance-for-the-storage-carriage-of-fuel/Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT With the threat of a potential Unite Tanker driver strike, people are urged to ensure that if they choose to transport and store fuel at either a business or domestic premises they do so in accordance with the Law and as safely as possible. Rix do not encourage people to store fuel at home unless: A full risk assesment is undertaken Any Fuel that is stored is done so in the correct container as outlined by Law ( The Petroleum Spirit Regulations 1929 & the Petroleum Spirit Plastic container regulations 1982) Under no circumstances should the fuel be stored in the home itself In the article below the Freight Transport Association (FTA) covers the key considerations in relation to the storage of fuel (petrol and diesel) at work or domestic premises. Health and safety regulations introduced in 2002 mean that the two types of premises / circumstances are dealt with differently. Click on the icon below to download the complete article: http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/do-i-put-the-heating-on-or-not/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/do-i-put-the-heating-on-or-not/Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT Record Temperatures and Snow all within a week. Do you have enough Heating Oil? Last week people were enjoying the sunshine in what has been confirmed as the third warmest March on record. The sunshine saw Scotland set a new record for the highest March temperature for not only one day but three days in a row!! But hey, that was last week. This week has brought weather we were experiencing back in the middle of winter with Snow and Ice returning to Scotland. It has been reported that Aberdeenshire has seen as much as 6 inches of snow fall. The cold weather looks set to stay for the short term, so make sure your heating oil tank is topped up just in case the temperatures stay so low. Can you believe that only a week ago Aboyne in Scotland reached 23.6c and on Tuesday this week the temperature isn't expected to get above -2c. So don't delay, order your heating oil from Rix today.     http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/potential-unite-tanker-driver-strike-information/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/4/potential-unite-tanker-driver-strike-information/Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT “Following the announcement that Unite is calling on tanker drivers serving oil majors and refinery operators to strike, Rix Petroleum is seeking to reassure customers we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to them, comments Rory Clarke, Managing Director of Rix Petroleum Ltd. What is the dispute all about? Unite says the strike ballot is about safety standards and terms and conditions. It says the industry is too "fragmented" and wants a "national forum" which would hold the employers to account over conditions. They insist the dispute is not about pay. Our priority is to help our customers through this difficult situation.          Will there be a strike?   Whilst Unite has a mandate for strike action, on (Friday 30th March) it ruled out a strike over Easter by tanker drivers in a bid to focus on talks. We understand that meetings between those concerned are scheduled for this week. We hope that a resolution can be found soon and that any further inconvenience to our customers can be avoided. Should a strike be called, the union are required to give seven days notice.   What are we doing to address fuel shortages? We are doing everything we can to address the situation by increasing the number of deliveries to our depots &  petrol stations to help alleviate the higher demand for fuel. But we need our customers’ help too in returning to a period of steady demand for fuel in order for us to re-stock the system. We would ask them not to buy more fuel than normal and to look for any ways that they can conserve fuel. We would also urge them not to use jerry cans as this heightens the safety risk, for example personal safety or leaks, and it causes congestion on petrol station forecourts. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary.   According to the website safeworkers.co.uk the following is the legal process when unions are looking to strike: By law, unions must give 7 days' notice of strike action to an employer stating that it intends to hold a ballot, the date on which the union reasonably believes the ballot will take place and any other information the union has which will help the employer make plans. The union must also give the employer a sample voting paper at least 3 days before the ballot. If the company has several sites, a separate ballot may need to be held at each workplace where strike action is proposed. If workers vote in favour of strike action, it must begin within 4 weeks of the ballot taking place. This period may be extended up to 8 weeks after the ballot but only if the union and the employer both agree to it. Source: http://www.safeworkers.co.uk/OnStrike.html For further information about the strike you can read the press release from the Federation Of Petroleum Suppliers simply click here. (opens new window). The BBC also has up to date information on its website: www.bbc.co.uk/news Please note, Rix is not responsible for the content and views expressed on third party websites. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/keep-an-eye-on-your-heating-oil-level/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/keep-an-eye-on-your-heating-oil-level/Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:46:53 GMT Its easy to get caught short by running out of heating oil... With the spring bulbs coming up and the weather warming slightly it's easy to forgot just last month we had snow. Remember at this time of the year the weather can quickly change and frosty mornings can appear from no where. Make sure you don't get caught short by keeping an eye on your home heating oil levels. It only takes a couple of minutes to check your heating oil tank so do the wise thing and keep your oil tank topped up with Rix. If checking your tank isn't your thing, then don't worry because Rix offer an oil alert system that automatically monitors your heating oil levels and then alerts our clever computers that it's time to top your tank up. Find out more about Rix Oil alert automatic. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/warning-on-fake-adblue-products/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/warning-on-fake-adblue-products/Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT As you may know, there are some companies out there, offering their cheaper version of so called, ‘AdBlue’ – Urea Solution (‘Quality Urea Solution’ etc……), as it’s often called. This isn’t of course the real thing, not licensed and will almost certainly over time, cause expensive vehicle problems.  Here’s the ‘main bones’ from a recent independent laboratory sample on one such product being marketed to hauliers up in Scotland – ‘SCR Solution’ they call it……….. In particular, the lab have highlighted;  Insolubles– not sure what they may be – but 50 % more than the standard states. Calcium– tremendously high and you’ve seen what they say about water ‘hardness’ – see web link Sodium– again this and the above – points to Tap water being used? Not least the low content of Urea – at 29.6%! This may not even be automotive grade Urea being used? In essence, it looks very likely - that it’s just a mixture of Tap Water and Urea...... Our advice is only buy offical AdBlue product. Ensure that it meets all the ISO standards and that the distributor is authorised.      Contact Rix today to discuss your Adblue requirements. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/get-your-heating-oil-boiler-an-mot/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/get-your-heating-oil-boiler-an-mot/Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT With the ever increasing cost of fuel it is even more important that the oil tank and fittings are in good condition to help avoid unexpected breakdown bills. These bills can be simply avoided by getting your heating oil boiler checked by one of our engineers when the Boiler is serviced. However, if you would like a free no obligation quotation on your oil tank and fittings please call Phil Garrett to arrange a visit. Please call Phil on 01482 222250 or 07917 267816 for advice on tank supply and replacement. We will give you a written quotation for the work. The work will be carried by OFTEC registered engineers. Phil will be happy to discuss the process with you from “quotation to completion”. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/heating-oil-boiler-servicing-advice/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/heating-oil-boiler-servicing-advice/Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT As with all heating appliances, your heating oil boiler should be serviced on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating efficiently and safely. A qualified and experienced service engineer should carry out the service. There are a number of reasons and benefits why you should get your boiler serviced regularly, such as: An efficient boiler burns less oil to produce the same amount of heat and it will also make it less likely that you will have to spend money at short notice to fix your boiler. OFTEC recommend that boilers are serviced on a yearly basis or as recommended by the manufacturer. Without servicing your oil boiler on a regular basis, you are risking breakdown and considerable costs related to malfunction. A service is far cheaper than repairs so it’s a really good idea to ensure you make an oil boiler service a priority. Carbon monoxide can kill Boilers that aren't properly installed, maintained or ventilated can give out carbon monoxide. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, drowsiness, nausea, breathlessness and stomach pains. Signs are sometimes difficult to identify and can be confused with tiredness or a cold. Unfortunately this silent killer can't be seen or smelt, so it really is important to make sure your boiler is serviced at least once a year to help reduce the chance of this happening. There are many carbon monoxide alarms available on the market which are a very good safety device to have fitted near to your boiler. If you need advice, have a question or would like to have your boiler serviced by a fully OFTEC qualified Rix engineer, simply click on the tab below. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/spring-cleaning-for-your-heating-oil-tank/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/spring-cleaning-for-your-heating-oil-tank/Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT With the 1st of March here tomorrow, the weather warming over the last week and the lighter mornings upon us, the garden is starting to come to life once again. Over the Autumn and Winter months all sorts of garden debris and rubbish can collect around your heating oil tank. It is a good idea that when you start your spring cleaning around the home you also pay some attention to your heating oil tank in the garden. Whether it's clearing the leaves away, trimming back the overgrown plants or generally just checking none of the vents or breathing holes are blocked on the oil tank, its good to know your tank is in good shape. If you need any advice about your heating oil tank or if you think you may need a new one. Please feel free to give our tank experts a call for advice or a free no obligation quote.    http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/cereals-2012/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/3/cereals-2012/Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cereals 2012 - Arable Event Rix Petroleum will be exhibiting at this years Cereals arable event on the 13th & 14th June. The event takes place at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire. Come and visit Rix stand on G818 to find out how one of the UK's biggest independent fuel suppliers can help you with you agriculutral fuel, tank and lubricant requirements. Rix will have our team of agricultural fuel, tank and lubricant experts on hand to help you. If you would like to book a one to one meeting with one of our account managers then please contact us below. See the highlights of CEREALS 2011 in this short video: We look forward to seeing you at the show. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/fuelmate-provide-bespoke-fuel-card-solution-for-woldmarsh/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/fuelmate-provide-bespoke-fuel-card-solution-for-woldmarsh/Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Fuelmate has signed an exclusive deal to help the agricultural buying group Woldmarsh Producers Ltd get access to discounted diesel. Fuelmate, has created a “Woldmarsh” branded fuel card that can used on forecourts throughout the UK. The fuel card has been specifically designed by Fuelmate to suit the needs of Woldmarsh members and is not available from the company as an ‘off the shelf’ product. It is part of Yorkshire firm’s commitment to supplying bespoke fuel card solutions to businesses throughout the UK that help them realise the best deals on fuel as prices continue to rise. Fuelmate manager Johnny Vintis said that, while the deal offers significant savings to members, this could be further increased with a larger uptake. Mr Vintis said: “The more members who take on the fuel card the greater the savings for everyone involved”.   http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/winters-not-over-top-up-your-heating-oil-today/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/winters-not-over-top-up-your-heating-oil-today/Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT After the milder weather some of experienced last week, the lighter mornings and evenings, it's quite easy to think winter is over. Yet this morning saw the frost return with 0 degree temperatures as I got in my car to go to work. As we've been advising all winter, don't get caught short with your heating oil. Make sure you check the level on a regular basis especially in the cold weather when your boiler uses more heating oil. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/dont-run-out-of-heating-oil/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/dont-run-out-of-heating-oil/Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Let Rix take the hassle out of managing your Heating Oil It seems the cold weather snap took a lot of people by surprise this year. Our customer service teams received a number of enquiries from people who had run out of heating oil due to the cold weather forcing people to keep thier heating on for longer and at higher tempreatures. Nobody wants to be left out in the cold, especially when tempreatures fall as low as they recently did, that's why we offer Rix Oil Alert, an automatic tank monitoring system, that takes the hassle out of managing your heating oil. The automatic system regularly checks heating oil levels in your storage tank, then relays the information to us via a small discreet unit in your home. The unit sends data to our computers and when your oil needs refilling, we’ll simply come to your home and top up your tank. No hassle, no messing, no emergency call outs, so you can enjoy complete peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that you’ll never run out of  heating oil again. The Rix Oil Alert Service costs just £2 per month. That's the price of a cup of coffee!! • Never run out of heating oil • Tried and tested technology • Completely automatic – never lift a finger • Easy installation – no wires • Discreet unit • Won’t interfere with telephone, fax, internet access or domestic appliances  Rix Oil Alert is available to all Rix customers who are Homeowners and on a monthly direct debit scheme. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/yorkshire-post-meets-up-with-jr-rix-sons-managing-director-rory-clarke/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/yorkshire-post-meets-up-with-jr-rix-sons-managing-director-rory-clarke/Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rory Clarke sees opportunities for the renewables sector!  The expected boom in the renewables industry will offer “a huge opportunity for this part of the world” and JR Rix & Sons has its own part to play, said Rory Clarke, managing director of Rix Petroleum. “I think it will completely transform Hull and Grimsby. It will create thousands of jobs, ultimately it will increase property values, increase incomes and I think it will be completely transformational" Mr Clarke continued to say: “We think we have a number of skills and resources within our organisation that will be useful to businesses in the renewables sector. That includes land that we’ve got off dock, it includes opportunities for our marine refuelling business and lubricants, for the supply of fuel either land or marine, for the service and maintenance of the work boats that are doing maintenance of the pylons and we have commissioned a wind farm work boat ourselves." A five-year long stint in the army saw Mr Clarke commissioned as an officer into the infantry spending several months stationed in Cyprus. However Yorkshire has been his home for 22 years, most of which he has spent working for JR Rix & Sons. In 1990 he started as a credit manager, later holding responsibilities for the development of biodiesel, and taking the role of managing director of Rix Petroleum seven or eight years ago. Five years ago he became a main board director. To read the full story on the Yorkshire Post website click here. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/staff-snow-photos/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/staff-snow-photos/Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT We hope you managed to order your heating oil!! Although the pictures below taken this past weekend in Doncaster show a beautiful Wintery scene, the weather was very cold outside and homes accross the country were turning their heating up high to keep warm. Don't get caught short...... You'd be suprised how much more heating oil your boiler uses in cold weather, make sure you keep a close eye on the level so you don't get caught short this winter. Alternativily, you could also, sit back, relax and let Rix Rix take the hassle out of managing your heating oil with Rix Oil Alert, the automatic tank monitoring system for homeowners.   http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/delivering-heating-oil-in-the-snow/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/delivering-heating-oil-in-the-snow/Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rix Tankers hard at work in the snow delivering heating Oil As the cold snap continues and the snow is causing problems right accross the country, our drivers are hard at work delivering heating oil to our customers. The snow may look pretty, but it is causing a lot of problems on the roads. Thankfully Rix invested in a lot of extra winter equipment this year, including snow chains for the heating oil tankers tyres. This has helped us a lot on some of the more icy roads. Make sure you stock up on your heating oil, get a quote today from your local heating oil supplier Rix. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/heating-oil-thefts-rise-in-wales/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/heating-oil-thefts-rise-in-wales/Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Latest figures show a significant increase in heating oil thefts Thefts of heating oil around Wales have increased by over 500% in the past five years, according to a recent article published by the BBC. Figures show the equivalent of a theft of oil every day by the end of 2011. The numbers jumped from 68 in 2007 to 364 last year, according to the statistics released under a Freedom of Information request.  So far this year thefts have been reported from the south of England up to Scotland, with one rural householder in Newlandrig, Midlothian, losing more than £1,700 worth of heating oil in a single raid. Opportunist thieves who drive around the countryside looking for homes and businesses to target are also a threat as the temperatures remain low and the economic climate continues to squeeze people’s pockets. Duncan Lambert, Director at Rix Petroleum, said there were precautions people could take to reduce the possibility of becoming victims of the oil theft. He said: “Heating oil is a valuable commodity and all too often during the winter months it is targeted by thieves wanting it for their own use or selling it on the black market. “The situation is not helped by the fact many homes and businesses targeted are in isolated areas where thieves can go unnoticed for long periods of time. To help prevent Heating oil theft from your tank, here are some ideas of what you can do:  Make sure the oil gauge is secured correctly to the tank If your tank has a lid design, consider fitting suitable locks and/or lockable valves where necessary and then ensure that they are used. This may be a legal requirement for some tanks. Your tank installation engineer or fuel delivery company will be able to advise you. Contact Rix Heating services for further advice: 01482 222250 or email us at maintenance@rix.co.uk Monitor your oil tank on a regular basis. Remote electronic oil level gauges are available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges can be located in the kitchen or perhaps a utility room to warn of any potential problem. Rix offer an automatic tank monitoring system, called Rix Oil Alert. Speak to us today on 01482 224422 or email us to find out more If the need arises to replace your tank, consider where you position the tank and make more secure. But remember to leave clear access for the delivery man at the fill point and the gauge can be seen. You MUST never lock or block the tank vent/ breather, as this will cause the tank to split and cause further damage. Consider fitting CCTV to monitor the tank Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy “dusk till’ dawn lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. Please remember that the above points are just suggestions which may help to protect your tank from Oil Theft. We can not guarantee these suggestions will prevent a thief from stealing your oil. Source: Rix and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/hot-water-bottlecheck-cuppa-in-handcheck-heating-oil-in-tank/472/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/hot-water-bottlecheck-cuppa-in-handcheck-heating-oil-in-tank/472/Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Big Freeze Continues! Britain's big freeze shows little sign of relenting with sub-zero temperatures set to bring more misery to commuters up and down the country in the coming days. Motorists taking to the roads have been warned to expect hazardous driving conditions again with ice and freezing fog forecast across parts of the UK. Further flurries of snow could also fall in some parts of England with experts predicting a temperature low of -10C at night as the shivering spell of weather continues to sweep in from Siberia. Victoria Kettley, forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather arm of the Press Association, said: "Tonight (7th Feb) is going to be mostly clear and dry but bitterly, bitterly cold. Across much of England and Wales we will see temperatures dropping to between -4C and -8C and in local spots it could get as low as -10C overnight." Give Rix a call today on 0800 542 4207!            http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/snow-is-here-stock-up-on-your-heating-oil/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/snow-is-here-stock-up-on-your-heating-oil/Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Well the UK saw it's first significant snow fall this weekend as the tempreatures dropped and the winter landscape changed dramatically. As we saw last year, demand for heating oil significantly increases when homes are using more due to the extreme weather. This increase in demand can significantly push the cost of heating oil up. If you're running low or have capacity to store more oil, it is advisable to stock up your oil tank sooner rather than later. It's a shame we don't all have thick fur coats like one of our staff's pet rabbits shown here enjoying the snow this weekend. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/keep-warm-with-rix-heating-oil/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/keep-warm-with-rix-heating-oil/Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Brrrrr.....it's getting cold out there. With tempreatures reaching -7c overnight and the cold weather set to continue, make sure your heating oil levels are stocked up to avoid running out. There is nothing worse than running out of heating oil for your home or business when the weather is at it's coldest. You'd be suprised how much more oil you use when the cold weather kicks in and you increase the tempreature level in your home to compensate. If you're in need of heating oil, get a quote from Rix today. Enter your postcode below to find your local depot or click on the quote icon below for a price straight to your inbox.    http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/take-extra-care-when-driving-this-winter/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/take-extra-care-when-driving-this-winter/Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Winter driving - Coping with cold, snow and ice Winter is the season requiring most care and preparation if you're to stay safe on the roads. Below are some tips for driving through the winter Battery and electrics Check your battery  - Batteries rarely last longer than five years.  Replacing one near the end of its life can save a lot of time and inconvenience at the side of the road. Avoid running electrical systems any longer than needed– turn the heater fan down and switch the heated rear window off once windows are clear, it can also help not to have the stereo when starting the car up on especially cold mornings. If the car stands idle most of the weekend a regular overnight trickle charge is a good idea to give the battery a chance to revive. Be prepared Stock up on Antifreeze – make sure your windows and windscreens are fully clear of snow and ice before you start your journey. Check your Antifreeze levels - Antifreeze costs only a few pounds, but a frozen and cracked engine block will cost  hundreds of pounds to repair. Most modern cars use long-life antifreeze - it's important to use the right type and avoid mixing different types.  Check the handbook or ask a dealer for advice. Make sure that wipers are switched off  when leaving your car after a journey, when there's risk of freezing. If you don't and the blades freeze to the screen, you could damage the blades or wiper motor when you turn the ignition on. Visibility Check your bulbs - Make sure that all bulbs are working and that lenses are clean. When roads are really mucky you might need to clean lights after every journey. Keep the number plates clean too, as you can be fined if they are dirty and illegible. If you have to clear snow from the car it's important to clear it from the lights - front and back - as well as from the glass and roof. Falling snow from a moving car can cause a serious hazard to other road users as well as yourself. You must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights but these must be switched off when visibility improves as they can dazzle other road users and obscure your brake lights. Driving in snow and ice Be extra careful. Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving - stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow. Wear comfortable, dry shoes for driving. Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin. Up hill -  avoid having to stop part way up by waiting until it is clear of other cars or by leaving plenty of room to the car in front. Keep a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear well in advance to avoid having to change down on the hill. Down hill -  reduce your speed before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid using the brakes. Leave as much room as possible between you and the car in front. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/help-protect-your-heating-oil-tank-from-thieves/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/2/help-protect-your-heating-oil-tank-from-thieves/Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT With the cost of heating oil on the rise, the oil in your tank is even more attractive to thieves; you should consider taking appropriate security measures to prevent its theft, or unauthorised use. To help prevent Heating oil theft from your tank, here are some ideas of what you can do:  Make sure the oil gauge is secured correctly to the tank If your tank has a lid design, consider fitting suitable locks and/or lockable valves where necessary and then ensure that they are used. This may be a legal requirement for some tanks. Your tank installation engineer or fuel delivery company will be able to advise you. Contact Rix Heating services for further advice: 01482 222250 or email us at maintenance@rix.co.uk Monitor your oil tank on a regular basis. Remote electronic oil level gauges are available which will set off an audible alarm if the oil level in the tank suddenly drops or falls below a quarter full. These gauges can be located in the kitchen or perhaps a utility room to warn of any potential problem. Rix offer an automatic tank monitoring system, called Rix Oil Alert. Speak to us today on 01482 224422 or email us to find out more If the need arises to replace your tank, consider where you position the tank and make more secure. But remember to leave clear access for the delivery man at the fill point and the gauge can be seen. You MUST never lock or block the tank vent/ breather, as this will cause the tank to split and cause further damage. Consider fitting CCTV to monitor the tank Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a much harder target for the thief. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high power beams, as a more subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy “dusk till’ dawn lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. Please remember that the above points are just suggestions which may help to protect your tank from Oil Theft. We can not guarantee these suggestions will prevent a thief from stealing your oil. Source: Rix and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.    http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/weather-warningssnow-and-hail-expected-for-the-uk/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/weather-warningssnow-and-hail-expected-for-the-uk/Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Widespread wintry showers and hail are expected to hit parts of Britain on Friday 27th January, as the country braces itself for a spell of cooler weather that could bring snow to some regions. While the past few weeks have been unseasonably mild across the country, temperatures are set to drop by this weekend, reaching as low as -5C (23F) overnight, this is very likely to push the demand for heating oil up. Experts say there is also the potential for snow as a warm Atlantic weather system from the west clashes with cold air in the east. ( Source: Met office) Don’t leave ordering your heating oil till the last minute. Give Rix a call today on 0800 542 4207!   http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-midlands-heating-oil-competition-winners-announced/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-midlands-heating-oil-competition-winners-announced/Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Husband and wife Martin and Sheena Rhodes have been feeling as warm as toast in the freezing temperatures thanks to our winter heating oil competition our Midlands depot ran in the Leamington Courier. The pair, of Halford Road, Ettington, were the winners of 500 litres of heating oil, worth around £350, from Coleshill-based Rix Petroleum (Midlands). Mr Rhodes, aged 58, said: “Sheena entered the competition – she does quite a few – but this is the first one we’ve won. “We were gearing up for a cold winter like last year so it was quite a relief to find out we had won. The fuel has certainly made a big difference to our winter heating bill. We were delighted when we found out the news.” Paul Doherty, general manager of Rix Petroleum’s Midlands business, was on hand to congratulate the winners when tanker driver Paul Pemberton delivered it in time for Christmas. Mr Doherty said: “With last year’s weather being so cold, we decided to bring some seasonal cheer by giving people the opportunity to win 500 litres of fuel, delivered free to their door. “It’s a good feeling to know you are prepared for all the British weather can throw at you.”    http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/single-digit-temperatures-for-the-next-week/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/single-digit-temperatures-for-the-next-week/Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Temperatures are likely to stay in the single figures for the next week or so with the colder in the southern England. However the weather looks likely to become more settled during next week, although there is considerable uncertainty in the forecast, with an almost equal probability of the unsettled conditions spreading back across the UK, or significantly colder conditions developing nationwide, with snow in places and widespread sharp frosts. Make sure you don't get caught short, order your cheap heating oil today from Rix. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-attends-lamma-2012/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-attends-lamma-2012/Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rix attended LAMMA again this year showcasing our selction of farm fuels, lubricants and oil & water tanks. LAMMA is the UK's leading agriculture machinary and services show, with over 650 exhibitors. This year Rix took two stands at the show. One for our farm fuel and lubricants business and the other for our heating services division, which exhibited it's ever growing range of oil & water storage tanks from the likes of Harlequin, Titan, Envirostore, J.Seed & Co Ltd and Enduramaxx. For further information about our Agriculture services and products, please email sales@rix.co.uk or call us on 01482 224422. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-support-local-charity/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/rix-support-local-charity/Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Rix recently supported a local charity campaign set up by creative agency Strawberry. Rix was a main sponsor of the campaign which helped to raise £1,375 for Strawberry Seeds. Strawberry seeds aims to raise awareness and support for young people in the Hull area. The campaign used social media and the support of local businesses to raise awareness of the fundraiser by producing a piece of artwork in the Deep, Hull. The artwork featured small images of peoples faces who clicked "like" on the campaigns facebook page. A big well done to all involved. Above a picture of the artwork, displayed at the Deep, Hull. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/new-rix-website/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2012/1/new-rix-website/Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Welcome to the new Rix website.  We’ve listened to your feedback and that’s why we've launched a brand new Rix website. The new site aims to give you an even better level of service online. From the fresh new look to a whole host of exciting new features such as a depot locator, instant quote tool (coming soon) and the ability to browse through the various products and services we offer; not to mention our online special offers. We hope you enjoy the new site. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-move-up-in-the-top-track-250-list/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-move-up-in-the-top-track-250-list/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT LEADING Hull fuel company Rix Petroleum has ranked 59th in this year’s Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 – four places higher than when it last featured in 2009. The fifth-generation family business, based on Spyvee Street, east Hull, turned over in the last financial year, making it the highest ranking East Yorkshire firm to make the list. Managing Director, Rory Clarke, said he was delighted with the news, which saw the company move up from 63rd place in 2009. “Rix Petroleum has been trading steadily throughout the year and we have opened a number of new depots across the country to extend our geographical reach,” he said. “Despite challenging economic conditions, we are pleased with the performance of the business and expect this to continue into 2012.” Rix Petroleum is the largest of the J.R. Rix & Sons Ltd group of companies, which range from ship building and shipping to caravan manufacturing, fuel and car sales. The company retails petroleum products through Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the Midlands, the east coast of Scotland and East Anglia. The Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 ranks Britain’s top 250 mid-market privately owned companies in order of sales revenue. Owners and directors learned of their position in the league table at an awards dinner held at London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel on October 13th. Speakers on the night included Rupert Soames, Group Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow-based power equipment company Aggreko PLC, and a Q&A with Johnnie Boden, founder and Chairman of fashion retailer Boden. Despite difficult trading conditions 215 out of the 250 companies in the league table increased their sales, and 170 improved their operating margins over the last financial year, according to Top Track. Companies included in the list generated profits of £4.8bn from sales of £71.2bn over that period – the equivalent to 5% of GDP. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-help-star-struck-theatre-with-fundraiser/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-help-star-struck-theatre-with-fundraiser/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Rix Petroleum help Driffield Theatre Company raise all important funds.  Leading East Yorkshire fuel company Rix Petroleum has donated a HTC Smart phone to a Driffield theatre company, to help it raise vital cash for new sound equipment. The phone, worth more than £400, is to be the star prize at a raffle and funding raising event in aid of the Star Struck Theatre Company due to be held in October. Tickets to win the phone went on sale at the theatre company’s production of the classic Broadway musical Annie, which it staged on August 28th and 29th at its Nafferton base. The money collected by the raffle will go towards new microphones for the school, which relies on donations and fund raising events to provide costumes, lighting and sound equipment for its students. Jez Francis, founder and musical director of Star Struck Theatre Company, said the donation would go along way to helping fund the new equipment. “We are very grateful to Rix,” he said.  “It’s great to see a large local company supporting a small organisation like ours and supporting the arts. Our aim with the school is to give local kids the opportunity to do something they wouldn’t otherwise get and ensure it is affordable for everyone.  We charge a small term-time rate which covers the rent and heating of the building, but all the extra stuff we need to put on productions comes via our fund raising efforts, which is why donations such as this are so important to us.” Jez, who worked in the West End and on cruise ships for a decade, started the school in 2007 with just 10 students. It now has up to 40 youngsters attending from as far a field as Market Weighton, Beverley and Bridlington and often invite professional coaches from London to tutor the kids in dancing, singing and acting.  Duncan Lambert, Rix Petroleum director and general manager, said he was delighted to give the Star Struck Theatre Company the phone “Jez and his team do a great job running the school. It is real grass roots stuff that helps give kids something positive to focus on outside school. I hope they are able to raise all the money they need and I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before the theatre school produces its first star.” http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-winter-investments/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-winter-investments/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Rix Petroleum invest to ensure our customers aren't left out in the cold! Leading fuel company Rix Petroleum Ltd is gearing up to ensure customers won’t be left out in the cold this winter time. After the treacherous weather conditions of last year, the company has invested thousands of pounds to equip its fleet of tankers with winter tyres designed to offer maximum grip and safety in freezing temperatures. The tyres are made from a compound which has been specifically engineered to work at temperatures below seven degrees centigrade and have a special tread pattern to perform well in icy conditions. The move comes after forecasters predicted another harsh winter for the UK, as Rix wanted to ensure it was fully prepared to service all its customers over the winter period. Rory Clarke, Managing Director of the company, said although standard tyres have basic winter capabilities, they were not as effective as the new ones. He added that as well as the tyres, Rix had invested in new steel wheel rims so they could quickly swap over to the bad weather kit as and when it was required. Rory said: “We are keen to ensure that we are fully prepared for the winter, no matter what it has to throw at us. We generally adhere to the ‘hope for the best but prepare for the worst’ philosophy in an effort to do our bit for our customers. Last year took everyone by surprise – the weather was unprecedented. We expect a bit of snow every year but we didn’t expect it to go on for weeks. Although during that time we didn’t miss an order, we feel this is an excellent move to help our customers and our drivers get through what could be another challenging winter.” He added many European countries such as Austria and Germany already enforced the use of winter tyres on HGVs and the Scottish Government was currently considering the matter, but no such regulations existed in England and Wales. “Although there is no legal requirement to fit the tyres,” he said, “we always like to make sure we are ahead of the game.” Rory said that as well as the efforts of Rix, home owners who rely on heating oil for power can help themselves by ensuring they order early to avoid panic buying should the weather turn bad. He said residents should also allow a couple of extra days for delivery in poor weather conditions as high demand, combined with slow moving traffic, makes getting out to more isolated parts of the country a challenge. By ordering early and keeping a close eye on how much oil they have left, people can really help themselves to ensure they don’t run low when they need it most. This is particularly important for more vulnerable groups such as the elderly, for whom being without power and heat is a very serious problem.” http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-invest-in-tankers/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/rix-invest-in-tankers/Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Spalding fuel company invests in new tanker as demand grows across the region. Leading fuel company Rix Petroleum Ltd has expanded its Spalding-based tanker fleet to meeting a growing demand for fuel across the region. The company, based at Welland Business Park in Clay Lake, has invested a six-figure sum in the new truck which will be used to deliver heating oil and commercial diesel to home owners and farmers in South Lincolnshire, North Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. It is the second new tanker Rix has invested in since setting up its Spalding depot just six months ago and brings the total fleet to three. The company has also taken on a new driver, who was made redundant when another local transport depot closed down earlier this year. Robin Exley, manager of the depot, said Rix had purchased the new truck in anticipation of the cold winter weather, which always drives demand. “We were very busy throughout the harvest,” he said. “We managed to deliver all our orders but realised with winter on the way we would need more capacity. That’s why we have decided to invest in the truck, because demand is showing no sign of slowing down and winter is traditionally the time when we are busiest. We want to ensure we have the capacity to deliver every litre ordered as quickly as we possibly can.” The new truck is a six-wheel Scania with a laden weight of 26 tonnes and a capacity of 20,000 litres. The move comes after the company invested thousands of pounds in snow tyres and chains ahead of the winter months to ensure it can battle the worst of the weather. Mr Exley added he was pleased to be able to offer employment to someone who had lost his job during the recession. He said: “A Peterborough-based depot closed down earlier this year, making a number of drivers redundant, which is a great shame for them and their families. We have been able to give two of them jobs which is very satisfying, and if the business keeps growing as it has done over the last few months, who knows what we might be able to do in the future.” Rix’s Spalding depot opened up in May and serves communities within a 30 miles radius of the town. It is part of Rix Petroleum – a fifth generation family company that is headquartered in Hull. http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/mercia-surviving-winter-appeal/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/mercia-surviving-winter-appeal/Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Bishop of Norwich has called for kind-hearted Norfolk folk to spread a little warmth to others at the launch of the Surviving Winter Appeal in Norfolk. The Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, is lending his support to the appeal, which aims to help vulnerable older people stay warm and healthy over winter. He said: “This is as strong a call to action and an appeal to human instinct to help each other as it gets - if the many help the few through this fund we could potentially save several lives in Norfolk which could be at risk otherwise, and reduce a lot of suffering.” Through the scheme, which is also supported by the EDP, anyone can donate to the Surviving Winter Fund set up by the Norfolk Community Foundation to help the elderly keep warm in the colder months. The fund also provides those receiving Winter Fuel Allowance payments who don’t feel they need it with a way of donating those funds to pensioners in greater need. The Foundation is working with Age UK Norfolk to help identify those in greatest need of help through the scheme. Foundation Director Graham Tuttle said; “The need is greater than ever in Norfolk. If just 1% of people in Norfolk who are eligible to receive this benefit and Gift Aid it, the Foundation could raise more than £300,000 to provide assistance with fuel costs, hot food and warm clothing for those facing hardship this winter.  We urge those who can help to get in touch with us as soon as they can direct or using the form here on this page so we can have those resources at the ready when needed. They could make a huge difference to others in difficulty.” The launch comes as Age UK Norfolk has revealed shocking statistics showing exactly how great that need is in the county, and how the fund could actually help keep some Norfolk pensioners alive.   Over 1 in 3 pensioners in the UK live in Fuel Poverty, and several areas of Norfolk have a higher percentage of excess winter deaths than the UK average as a result of fuel poverty. With these low-income pensioner households at greatest risk of excess winter deaths, Age UK says that the accessibility of fuel in a cold snap can become a real issue in many of these households.  A donation towards the average energy bill of £100 would cut fuel poverty by 45% and £300 would cut it by 75%.   Speaking on behalf of Age UK Norfolk, development manager Linda Gill said; “We have volunteers working closely with vulnerable elderly people so we know this is an issue, and can identify those in real need of a bit of timely help to keep them out of danger.”  A review of figures in 2009 also showed a 49% increase in excess UK winter deaths on the previous year. The number of Norfolk residents aged 60 and over is also expected to increase over the next 20 years from over a quarter of the county’s population to over a third.  To kick-start this year’s appeal Rix Petroleum has stepped in to help by donating six emergency ‘run out’ fuel packs to elderly and vulnerable pensioners with no prospect of an oil delivery in cold weather due to fuel poverty. Director Rory Beath said: “We wanted to do something really useful and practical to help. These packs will be accessible to those in real short-term difficulty referred to us locally through Age UK and we are always keen to try and find solutions to help others too.” To contact the Norfolk Community Foundation call 01603 623958 or email info@norfolkfoundation.com.  Alternatively you can cut out the form the EDP has included on this page and pop it in the post.  http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/new-fuel-tankers-for-rix/http://www.rix.co.uk/news/2011/12/new-fuel-tankers-for-rix/Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Warwickshire fuel company invests in new tankers as business grows.  Leading fuel company Rix Petroleum (Midlands) Ltd has expanded its Coleshill tanker fleet to meet growing demand for heating oil &  fuel across Warwickshire and the West Midlands. The company, based on Station Road in the town, has invested a six-figure sum to buy two new tankers which will deliver heating oil, gas oil and commercial diesel to home owners, farmers, commercial businesses and transport companies across the region. The move comes just weeks after Rix Petroleum spent thousands of pounds gearing up its fleet for winter by investing in snow tyres and chains along with new steel rims should the weather turn bad. It brings the total number of tankers employed at the depot to eight, up from just two when the Midlands operation was set up less than three years ago. Paul Doherty, General Manager of the Coleshill depot, said Rix purchased the new tankers due to an increase in business across all markets Along with the new trucks the company employed two new drivers in the last month to ensure it is fully staffed for the winter months. Mr Doherty said: “Demand has been rapidly increasing since we set up in March 2009 and as a result we have grown the business at an overwhelming rate since then. “We are always busy around harvest time as demand from the agricultural sector is very high and then of course, coming into the winter months we are extremely busy with homeowner’s and businesses ordering heating oil. “We have also seen huge growth in the haulage sector with fuel requirements for coach and fleet operators, so investing in the new tankers really is a necessity for us. They will ensure we can continue meeting the rising demand for fuel across the region.” The new trucks are six and eight-wheel Scanias with a capacity of up to 25,000 litres and a laden weight of 32 tonnes. The Coleshill depot has taken delivery of one of the tankers, which is now in service, and is awaiting delivery of the second. Mr Doherty added the snow tyres and chains were a precaution against the weather, which last year saw record levels of snow fall across the UK. “The tyres and chains can be made available for all eight tankers,” he said. “It is our way of being prepared. So far the weather hasn’t been anything like last winter but we need to be equipped for all eventualities  “We want to be in the position to meet our excellent service levels, regardless of demand or weather conditions; the extra capacity the new tankers give us, along with the tyres and chains, will allow us to do just that.”