Brian and David start dealing for Jennifer’s shares, and Edward’s position is challenged. But both brothers find they need their wives’ support.

Edward fights for survival as Chairman and Managing Director of Hammond Transport Services Limited – and everyone’s loyalty is tested to the full.

Riley and Farrell join the Hammonds’ Board. At once Brian and Riley come into conflict. But Brian’s behaviour is really a reaction of his worsening relationship with Ann.

Ann is taken to hospital and an anxious period ensues… Meanwhile, Edward and Jennifer get away from it all, and Julie surprises David.

During an early morning Board meeting, the Hammonds and Bill Riley learn that Merroney intends to bid on the same day for the ailing company. His work will be made difficult by a very tough lady – Jane Maxwell.

An attempt by the Hammonds to oust Merroney is doomed to failure from the start. Is Merroney a natural winner or are the Hammonds born losers ? There is plenty of evidence to support both points of view…

Griffith Trevelyan, Chief Sales Executive of RAI Transport, the collapsing firm for whose oil rig installation the Hammonds wish to bid for, decides to play one contender off against another.

Since the Hammond Board is evenly divided about Kirkman’s offer, the final decision seems to rest with Paul Merroney. But can Sir Neville influence him ?

The firms Christmas party makes Mary realise how the firm is changing. The business is slipping away from family control, as is the family from Mary.

Edward and Brian attend a lunch in the city with Paul Merroney, a merchant banker, to launch Hammonds as a public company. Edward begins to act the role but Brian looks far from the part.

The company goes public – in an atmosphere of tension the share issue is placed on the market.

Combining business and pleasure during a skiing holiday in Switzerland, Edward checks out a depot in Geneva which Merroney is keen to buy. Jennifer interviews potential staff.

While everyone’s attention is on Edward and Jennifer’s wedding, Paul Merroney tries to manipulate Brian’s business affairs.

Two important occasions: the first is Mary’s birthday, the second is a SGM of the Hammond share-holders whose support for the merger with Van der Merwe,

After the founder of Hammond Transport dies, his widow and three sons must deal with his will that greatly affects the three brothers.

The Dover depot has started to operate. Edward and Riley go to Boulogne to collect a valuable load, but their every move is being watched…

A party to celebrate David’s birthday creates a convivial atmosphere. But for Brian the evening ends with a shock…

On the surface, Mary seems to have accepted Jennifer as her daughter-in-law, but Edward doubts his mother’s ability to avoid causing trouble.

Ann turns up to see Brian and all the family is pulled into her search for reassurance.

Merroney, aware that the majority of the Hammond Board will vote against his scheme, decides to pre-empt them and Jennifer’s outburst has unforeseen consequences.

Whilst Harry wines and dines Jennifer, Ted arranges a late night meeting with Reg Turner and Bill. Ann arrives home unexpectedly to find Pamela waiting for Brian. Tom Parker has left the country, he owes Hammond Transport a lot of money. Without it they are sunk. Jill receives some devastating news. Carter plays a masterstroke to end the stalemate.

Brian and David come into conflict, a new depot means more dependence on the guarantee provided by Jill, and there is enough tension already between her and David.

Jennifer guesses the source of Barbara’s loan and suddenly Johnny’s debts assume unimagined importance. Soon the whole Company is concerned…

Paul Merroney is proving to be a man of determined ambition with confident plans for Hammond Transport. Brian however is less sure of himself.

The alterations of Edward and Jennifer’s new home are well in hand, but however much they would like to relax in their new home, the demands of business are never far away.