Suttons Tankers, part of Suttons Group, is to end its eight-year relationship with British Sugar.

In a statement issued today, Suttons Tankers said the decision not to seek to renew its contract when it expires later this year came after a review of its UK operation.

Following this, Suttons Tankers has decided to focus on its core business in the hazardous chemicals, gases and fuels sectors instead.

Michael Cundy, Suttons Tankers MD, said: "We have valued the relationship with British Sugar over the last eight years, it nevertheless serves in the best interests of the company to have a clear focus on developing our core activities in the hazardous chemicals, gases and fuels sectors.

“We have agreed to continue beyond the end of the contract to ensure British Sugar have time to find a suitable replacement.’’

In February, Suttons Group said its most recent financial year was one of 'progress and challenges', as it embedded its purchase of Imperial Tankers into its UK business.

Its acquisition of Imperial Tankers in September 2014 increased the operator’s ADR network fleet to in excess of 700 road tankers.

Suttons Tankers and British Sugar won the Motor Transport Partnership Award in 2014.