Mary Hammond returns from recuperation abroad, determined to drive a wedge between Edward and Jennifer. Harry Carter, of Carter’s Express Deliveries, puts in an impressive offer for land adjoining the Hammond depot - land Edward thought was already promised to his firm.

David, with the company’s sponsorship, has his first experience of driving in a race. In an atmosphere of tension and excitement, Jill watches his performance.

David decides whether to stay in the family business, or sell his shares to Edward.

Hammond Board members cast their votes to the Middle East project. The line up is 2 – 4 against and Merroney needs to level the odds.

The Hammonds are invited to a party given by an old friend of their father.

Conflicting individual interests causes family boardroom arguments.

Life has changed dramatically for the Hammond brothers. Edward is the father of an adopted son, Brian recovers from his divorce and a breakdown in Italy and David is finding his social feet.

The Hammonds are finding their feet and, with Jill’s financial backing, can think of expansion again. They turn their attentions enthusiastically to Europe but David is strangely opposed to the idea.

Edward and Jennifer return from holiday, anxious to acquaint Mary with their marriage plans but find her collapsed with another heart-attack. The Hammonds prove their ability to rally round in a crisis. A good time for Riley’s wife, Gwen, to lend her assistance.

Harry Carter has cunningly invited all the Hammonds around to his apartment for drinks. One by one the brothers drop out, which leaves Mary and Jennifer the only guests that turn up ! Barbara is in awe of her new art tutor Nicholas Fox and at the depot trouble is brewing between the Carter and Hammond drivers…

Barbara’s marriage causes a stir. Why all the haste? And why the secrecy? No-one knows Johnny – but he knows that Barbara is a heiress.

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…

Edward and Jennifer’s worst fears have been realised and William’s natural mother has asked for him back. Jennifer is determined to keep him.

On their way back from France, David and Stacey have been searched by Customs Officials at Dover. Everyone – particularly Paul Merroney – wonders why ?

Hammonds Transport has merged with Van der Merwe. Merroney is marrying a bankers daughter and today is the wedding day…

Gwen is summoned to hospital when her son is involved in an accident. Will his injuries be serious? And where is Bill?

Edward makes his bid for total control of the family business.

Mrs Hammond wants to see Jennifer, but Jennifer is reluctant.

The drivers strike continues over the use of Harry Carter’s non-Union drivers. A full meeting of the Board members and Union representatives is made more difficult by Carter antagonising the Union. Jill and Julie call on Mary but Julie does not endear herself to the Hammond matriach. Negotiations falter and Hammond Transport is starting to flounder under the weight of the problem. Brian discovers Ann has been making secret visits to the family home.

The procedure for making Hammonds a public company get underway, and the directors attend a shooting party to meet Sir Neville Henniswode – the chairman of their merchant bank.

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

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.

Hammond Transport is on the threshold of expansion into Europe beginning in France. David’s enthusiasm for the place has more to do with Therese d’Alembert than with business opportunities.

Merroney pushes Hammond Brothers into further plans for expansion, but a family bereavement reveals a new callous aspect to his character.

A premature Board meeting is far from being a routine matter. It holds several surprises… David has sent a letter of resignation!