As part of their commitment to providing the best service possible, Exswift decided to purchase and implement a new internal operational software and API add-ons. The new software was designed to streamline and improve the efficiency of their operations by automating and recording sales order processing, scheduling, credit control, stock control, and financials. Furthermore, the integration of the new software with their existing systems and website allowed for automatic communication of necessary destination, routing, and customer and order information.

This project involved significant scientific and technological uncertainties, such as ensuring compatibility with existing systems, data migration, staff training, integration, security, and regulatory compliance. However, Exswift was able to overcome these uncertainties by working closely with the software provider and website developer, implementing proper security measures, providing comprehensive staff training, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

As a result of this project, Exswift was able to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of their operations, which enabled them to provide better customer service and accommodate increasing business demands. This project also played a crucial part in Exswift being granted permission by the DVSA to increase their active working fleet from 4 lorries to 8, as the improved recording and management of operations provided necessary evidence in their application.

This project satisfied BISS Guideline 9c: Make an appreciable improvement to an existing process, material, device, product or service.

In conclusion, Exswift's successful implementation of a new internal operational software and API add-ons resulted in significant improvements to their operations, customer service, and business growth. The project also demonstrated the importance of working closely with technology providers, implementing proper security measures, providing comprehensive staff training, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Finally, Exswift's successful R&D tax claim provided them with valuable financial support for future R&D projects and business growth.

Exswift Limited (Exswift) is a fuel delivery company that specialises in buying, selling, and distributing fossil-fuel products. As part of their commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, Exswift embarked on a project to source, test, and acquire newer and advanced Green oils that they could offer as part of their product range.

The project involved extensive research into these fuels, finding suppliers of the oils, testing the oil's quality and efficiency, and then beginning to market and sell the product. As part of testing the fuel's efficiency and quality, Exswift began using HVO fuel in their own lorries on deliveries, and following the success and approval of the fuel over the trial period, Exswift continued to use HVO in their lorries to reduce their carbon footprint and encourage others to follow suit.

However, there were several scientific and technological uncertainties involved in the project, including the performance of the Green fuel against traditional fuels, miles per gallon, performance uphill, longevity in fuel tanks, required rate of gear change, and the formulation of Algae in engine exhaust systems and fuel containers.

To tackle the uncertainties surrounding the performance of these fuels, Exswift endeavoured to trial the products in their own vehicles and machinery. They then tracked the overall performance through their internal live vehicle tracking systems. Exswift found that despite underperforming against traditional fuels in areas such as miles per gallon, power on hills and slopes, and rate of gear change, the fuels still provided sufficient performance for their operations, as well as reduced emissions and an improved overall efficiency relative to carbon rating.

To overcome the uncertainty posed by the formulation of Algae, Exswift implemented more frequent and concentrated engine exhaust system cleaning and trialed and tested improved storage methods. They attempted to store the fuel in storage containers made of different materials with different standards of light permeability. Exswift found that only metal containers, which provided complete darkness, could prevent the process of photosynthesis and the formulation of Algae.

Exswift's project allowed them to gain the necessary knowledge and capabilities for providing Green fuels as a new product. The project led to improvements in their performance data and sustainable operations, enabling them to acquire the FORS Gold accreditation. This accreditation has a significant emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, and signifies Exswift as a company that is achieving new standards and leading the way in sustainable fuel solutions.

This project satisfied BISS Guidelines 9a & 9c:

9a) Extend overall knowledge or capability in a field or science or technology;

9c) Make an appreciable improvement to an existing process, material, device, product or service.

Exswift's project involved significant research and development activities, including testing, trialing, and developing storage methods to overcome the challenges posed by the formulation of Algae. The project also involved significant investment in testing and implementing new Green fuel solutions, which had not been part of Exswift's product range before this project. As a result, Exswift was able to make a successful claim for R&D tax incentives, which allowed them to offset the costs of their innovative project and invest further in sustainable fuel solutions for the future.

Exswift undertook a project to modify and adapt a company transit van for emergency fuel orders. The project involved installing necessary plumbing, pipework, a fuel pump, and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), while ensuring compliance with the relevant ADR regulations. The goal of the project was to create a van that could efficiently and quickly accommodate emergency fuel orders, providing an alternative to lorry routes and enabling Exswift to handle more orders over a given time period.

The project faced several scientific and technological uncertainties. First, there was the challenge of ensuring compliance with ADR weight and volume regulations. To address this, Exswift carefully tracked the van's weight and volume throughout the adaptation process and made adjustments as needed to stay within the regulations.

Another uncertainty was the limited cable extension length, which could hinder the delivery of fuel to certain locations. To overcome this, Exswift included 2 plastic 20-litre drums in the van's adaptation, which could be filled with fuel and transported by hand to fuel tanks if the distribution cables were too short.

The van's limited engine power, due to its age and previous use, was also a concern. To address this, Exswift's in-house mechanic serviced the vehicle and made necessary upgrades and adaptations to improve its power and capacity.

Finally, following a couple of deliveries, Exswift discovered that the distribution pump was not working efficiently, with disrupted fuel flow and a leaking pump head. To address this, Exswift's in-house engineer serviced the pump head and modified it to accommodate the lower pressure and distribution rate of the emergency fuel order van's distribution system, improving its functioning and suitability for the van.

This project satisfied BISS Guideline 9c: Make an appreciable improvement to an existing process, material, device, product or service.

By successfully addressing these uncertainties and creating a van that could efficiently and quickly accommodate emergency fuel orders, Exswift has demonstrated significant technological advancements. The project represents a clear example of eligible R&D activity under the R&D Tax Incentive, and Exswift may be eligible to claim tax relief for the costs associated with this project.