Owners of a specialist family fuels firm on the edge of Wirral pocket £6m in dividends after pre-tax profits rise above £14m. Tony McDonough reports
Specialist supplier of liquid fuels, ESL Fuels, is reporting a fall in annual revenues but a rise in pre-tax profits, triggering a £6m dividends windfall for its owners.
Based in Ellesmere Port and employing around 30 people, ESL focuses on the design, production and supply of differentiated and customised liquid fuels. In particular, it offers biofuels that can reduce CO2 emissions.
Biofuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), are made from renewable waste fats and vegetable oils such as used cooking oil, tallow, and rapeseed oil. They have become increasingly popular as firms look to reduce their carbon footprint.
ESL designs, blends, processes and supplies a range of fuels for the road, heating and marine markets. Founded in 2000, the business has supplied more than 2bn litres of fuel to the UK market.
In its latest accounts for the 12 months to June 30, 2025, posted on Companies House, the firm reported a 7% fall in revenues to £220.2m but saw pre-tax profits rise to £14.4m from £13.9m a year earlier.
Majority shareholders Stephen Whittaker and Janet Whittaker shared dividends of £6m, compared to £1.5m in the previous year.
In the accounts, Janet Whittaker writes: “The company continues to grow in its existing markets while also developing new technology and products.
“In particular, our innovations in environmentally sustainable liquid fuels have enabled us to supply and support their growing demand.”
However, in an update on its website in April, ESL has warned that the current conflict in the Middle East was leading to volatility in the biofuels market.
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In June 2025 ESL was one of four businesses based in and around Liverpool city region to make the top ten in a league table of the fastest-growing companies in the North West.
The Fastest 50 list, compiled annually by leading law firm Ward Hadaway, highlights the most successful and dynamic companies across the North West.