Duckhams investor accelerates expansion
From Zuber Issa’s investment and increasing its global distribution footprint to seeing the liveried Porsche Carrera secure championship honours, it’s safe to say that it’s a busy time for Duckhams. To find out more, PMF caught up with Mike Bewsey, its CEO.
Q. Nearly a year on from Zuber Issa’s investment – what impact has that made on the business and its motor factor customers?
A. It has been a pivotal 12 months in Duckhams’ 127-year history, with Zuber Issa’s investment delivering a significant impact.
During the year, we have increased our distribution footprint in the UK and internationally as part of our go-to-market strategy. We exhibited at Automechanika in Birmingham last June, reaching out to motor factors and workshops to highlight our product offer in the UK and Ireland. We showcased our complete range of passenger car products, from the iconic QXR oils for modern cars to the Duckhams Q Classic oils range.
Winning Porsche Carrera Cup GB racing driver, Max Coates, was at the show with his stunning Duckhams-liveried car and his trophy from the latest racing round at Snetterton. There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the show, and so much warmth for Duckhams, an iconic British brand with a unique heritage as the original British motor oil.
By October, Duckhams’ engine oils were rolling out onto the shelves of 150 EG On The Move forecourts in England, Scotland and Wales, from Aberdeen to Ashford and Bridgend to Bexhill-on-Sea. Duckhams also secured retail partnerships with Screwfix, Amazon and Autodoc, then launched its branded eBay store in partnership with D2P Autoparts.
Globally, Duckhams launched a new range of co-branded two-wheeler oils, proudly developed in collaboration with JDT Lubricants in Malaysia. Formulated with technology and advanced additives, these engine oils deliver exceptional efficiency and long-lasting engine protection – even under the toughest conditions. In November 2025, the products were awarded SIRIM Product Certification, confirming that they meet strict safety, quality and regulatory standards. The SIRIM certification was introduced by Malaysian authorities in response to growing concerns over the increasing number of counterfeit engine oils in domestic and international markets.
Duckhams’ joint venture in Thailand delivered record revenues driven by an active promotional and motorsport programme. Duckhams Thailand competed in the PT Racing Series, Toyo Tires Explorar Racing and the Motocross Championship. Duckhams has also recently signed a new agreement to strengthen its presence in one of Indonesia’s largest automotive markets.
Back here in the UK, we made several key appointments to strengthen our team, including the welcome of Lee Shipley, our new sales key account manager UK and Ireland, and David McLean, chief marketing officer.
It’s been a dynamic 12 months at Duckhams, as we bring our new strategy to market and deliver on our growth trajectory. In the UK and internationally, we are building on Duckhams’ established legacy while propelling it into a new era of innovation and growth.
Q. With Duckhams’ oils now on EG On The Move forecourts, how challenging has it been to balance retail with trade?
A. Of course, it’s a challenge, but one we are delighted to be facing head-on. Retail and trade markets have different requirements and audiences, but the Duckhams brand is a strong platform to build on.
In retail, with space even more limited, we have worked hard to select products that offer maximum coverage for the current vehicle parc, as well as provide point of sale materials to help drivers find the right oil for their vehicles and outdoor signage to highlight our availability.
A recognisable and trusted brand, like Duckhams, gives drivers confidence to top up their oil and keep moving. This retail rollout is an example of the benefits of our investment by Zuber, enabling us to expand Duckhams’ footprint in the UK and bring this brand directly to motorists.
Q. From a factor perspective, what are Duckhams’ priorities for the rest of the year?
A. We are focused on increasing the availability of Duckhams’ products to workshops and mechanics by expanding the breadth and depth of our offer through motor factor distribution.
Trust is essential when it comes to decision-making for mechanics and motorists alike. Well-known brands have been around for decades, developing products to meet the changing needs of the vehicle parc. By stocking brands with a proven track record, motor factors can give themselves and their customers peace of mind.
Q. Oils continue to get thinner, meaning more SKUs for factors – what is Duckhams doing to simplify stock management?
A. This is a constant challenge for all oil suppliers and all motor factors. Engine oils are becoming increasingly complex, and choosing the right oil for each vehicle is more critical than ever. Using the wrong or poor quality oil can cause increased wear to critical parts of the engine and compromise fuel efficiency. All this creates knock-on costs for motorists –and potential damage to a workshop’s and a motor factor’s reputations – that could be avoided by using the correct, quality engine oil.
There is no easy solution, but we are working hard to cover the largest number of vehicle requirements with the fewest number of SKUs, reducing stock holding for ourselves, motor factors and end-users. We continue to proactively review our range, optimising the offer to meet market needs, and adapting to drive the best results for our customers.
Q. How can factors ensure they have the right stock for their customers?
A. Like any category, motor factors should regularly review which products are selling and review any slow-moving lines. Oil suppliers are well placed to advise on which products are most likely to benefit their customers, given their coverage of the most commonly serviced vehicles on UK roads.
It’s important to remember that UK vehicles are getting older. There are more than 20 million vehicles over 10-years-old being serviced by factor customers. Whilst innovation is important, the latest, lower viscosity products will not be suitable for many of their customers, so maintaining a broad and balanced range is essential. It’s about finding the right fit for every vehicle, from a brand that users trust.
Q. Are there any new product launches or initiatives that factors should be aware of?
A. There’s lots of exciting development work going on at the moment. As a brand, we are working on several product launches and planning to roll out a broader range of passenger car oils, motorcycle oils and brake fluids. We’ll be pushing further into lower viscosities, like 0Ws, to meet the needs of modern cars with smaller engines and higher operating pressures.
Quality oils are highly engineered products, which play a vital role in achieving fuel efficiency and emissions regulation targets, making them a key component in vehicle performance and longevity.
Alexander Duckham established his oil company in 1899. His entrepreneurial, pioneering spirit has been at the company’s heart since then and continues to drive us today. From setting the land speed record to developing Europe’s first multigrade oil – which would change lubrication technology forever – Duckhams has carved a history of ground-breaking achievements.
As the current custodians of this much-loved British classic, we are proud to continue his legacy by creating high-performance products that keep engines of all ages moving, from cherished classics to the latest models.
