Headline sponsor announced for top awards


Leading steam locomotive lubricant producers Hallett Oils have been announced as the headline sponsor for the Heritage Railway Association’s 2023 Annual Awards.

The Derbyshire-based high-performance lubricant specialist has signed up to be headline sponsor of the biggest awards event in the heritage rail world for the second year running. The agreement will see Hallett Oils take a prominent roll in the HRA Annual Awards 2023 and its glamourous evening event during March 2023 in Birmingham.

The Heritage Railway Association 2022 Annual Awards shine a spotlight onto achievements from all parts of the sector. The awards feature a host of categories that recognise the very best work across the whole of the heritage rail sector. For 2023 five brand new categories feature, including the prestigious ‘Railway of the Year’ award which is also sponsored by Hallett Oils.

Originally founded by Richard Hallett, Hallett Oils is considered the authority in steam lubrication. The prestigious Hallett Steam Oils brand was acquired by Aztec Oils in 2019 who are proud to continue its legacy by forever maintaining the standards and quality of Hallett’s original formulations. Hallett Oils are now stocked and sold around the world, powering steam engines as far afield as New Zealand and Australia.  

Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “Our annual awards are the biggest event of their type anywhere, so it’s great to have one of the biggest names in steam lubricants on board to help make the awards happen.

“The sponsorship is a really valuable partnership for both the HRA and Hallett Oils. Having organisations of Hallett’s calibre on-board means that we can continue to grow and develop the HRA Annual Awards. And for Hallett Oils, being involved in these awards gives them the chance to communicate directly with some of the best people in the heritage rail sector.

“It’s really exciting that Hallett Oils have also agreed to sponsor our new ‘Railway of the Year’ category. It’s an award we’ve introduced to celebrate the railways that are going the extra mile in everything they do; from heritage to marketing and engineering. Having Hallett Oils associated with the award gives it even more impact.”

Mark Lord, CEO Hallett Oils and Aztec Oils Limited said: “It’s always an honour to support the Heritage Railway Association and celebrate their awards amongst the best names in rail and steam lubrication. ‘Railway of the Year’ is an award particularly close to our hearts as rail enthusiasts, so we’re very much looking forward to presenting this to the 2023 winners!”

The winners of the 2023 HRA Annual Awards will be announced at a glamorous awards evening, featuring guest speakers and a three-course meal, in Birmingham on Saturday, 11 March 2023.   

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