ESL Fuels supplies a range of liquid fuels to meet customer requirements across the road, heating and marine markets. Stephen Whittaker started producing fuels in the 1990s and early products included biodiesel made from leftover cooking oil. After operating as a sole trader for several years, Stephen and his wife Janet launched the business in 2000. ESL Fuels has grown by developing its range of fuels including the recently launched renewable heating oil, which can help companies reduce their GHG emissions. The company operates from its purpose-built renewable fuels processing plant and headquarters at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. The business grew to 20 employees in 2023 who helped propel sales up to £185m in June 2023, which was partly attributed to oil price increases and driven by the growing demand for sustainable fuels.