Waverley TBS recovers from oil depot fire

Supplies from drinks wholesaler Waverley TBS have returned to normal after a mammoth effort following the fire at the Buncefield oil complex near its Hemel Hempstead depot.

Waverley TBS boss Jeff Jamet praised the effort that ensured that most of the supplies were delivered over Christmas.

Thankfully around 90% of supplies from the Punchbowl Park depot, just 400 yards from the Buncefield oil complex that went up in flames on 11 December, are intact because the fire did not spread inside.

Deliveries and services usually handled at Punchbowl Park were transferred to other depots. Administration was moved from Hemel to Staines in Surrey.

Jamet said 50 staff at Punchbowl Park relocated 250 miles to work at the Felling depot on 11 December - and only returned on Christmas Eve.

Sales staff offered to drive trucks. One telesales employee came back from maternity leave to cover for a sales manager who took on lorry driving duties.

Drinks firms also leant a hand. Fullers loaned Waverley a lorry, ScotCo helped with deliveries and Carlsberg UK offered warehouse space.