Peter George Berrisford
21 August 2025
Peter George Berrisford
9th March 1950 to 15th August 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Peter Beresford, founder of Petrico and a hugely loved character within the Lubricants and Additives industry.
Peter, a chemical engineer by profession, joined the industry in 1970, working within a variety of specialist areas and progressing to Technical Sales Manager before deciding to set up his own business. In 1987 Petrico was formed, utilising similar branding to that of a major oil company on the basis that “you can’t argue with success!” With Peter’s endearing personality and industry expertise, Petrico quickly became an established name, trading components and formulating products.
In 2015 Peter decided it was time to retire. He initially thought about winding the company up but was persuaded to consider selling the business. With prospective buyers lined up, Peter arranged a lunch meeting at Champagne Charlie’s, Charing Cross with future partners Phil Walter and Andy Lamb. He planned to agree a price, set a date and retire but then Phil asked, in passing, what Peter would do with the business if he were younger. His eyes widened and he began to enthusiastically share his ideas and suggestions and, at that point, changed his mind, He would only semi-retire! His passion for the industry was as evident as ever, only age and health were holding him back. He was 65!
When Petrico was sold to KRAHN Chemie in 2021, Peter retired from the Board, ending a 34-year adventure with his beloved Petrico.
“Peter was one of the great industry characters, a highly popular man who will be missed by many,” explains Andrew Lamb, KRAHN UK Managing Director. “He leaves a legacy that will be forever ingrained in our business. Even after Peter left the business he would call the office to ask how everyone was getting on and to check that they were being ‘looked after’. We expected nothing less, Peter was a gentleman and cared about the people around him.”
Peter is survived by his second wife Sheila, children and grandchildren.
Messages of condolence can be sent to his nephew sirogers@protonmail.com