The Hammond family has changed considerably in recent months – both publicly and privately – their future is wholly uncertain.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

While Edwards settles comfortably into marriage and David starts to enjoy life again, Paul Merroney quietly and skilfully begins to feather his own nest…

Edward and Jennifer move into their new home. The furniture has been delivered, ad the alterations are complete. All they need now is the go-ahead to start a family…

Having settled into their new house and discovering they cannot have children, Jennifer and Edward decide to adopt. They little realise the difficulties they must first overcome.

Merroney returns from the Lebanon, bringing with him the man he hopes will finance a new business deal. His interests seem to be with Clare Miller. Edward and Jennifer’s only interest is their new baby.

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…