The Brothers

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

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

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

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

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

Conflicting individual interests causes family boardroom arguments.

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.

When Mary finds a phone number in Edward’s pocket she learns an ex-girlfriend is back on the scene. It is another weapon in her war against Jennifer. The Board have to vote on a take-over bid for Carter’s firm. Edward will be against it. Or will he ?

Hammond Transport plans to take over Carter Express. However, Harry Carter knows more about the Hammond family than they think. Mary continues to manipulate the lives of her children but with Edward she may have gone too far.

The Hammond family is divided over whether to take on Carter. It's in a deadlock, unless somebody changes sides. Ann confronts Brian about his new lady friend.

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…

With strike action threatened, the Union is called in to settle the conflict with the two sets of drivers. Carter is determined that the Union won’t have a say in the way he handles the unrest, but Ted is a much more experienced negotiator. David falls for the charms of Jill’s flatmate Julie.

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.

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.

With their sights set on Europe, the Hammonds need a depot on the coast. So, at any rate thinks Brian. David, for reasons of his own, feels otherwise…

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.

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…

Riley is charged with conspiracy! Edward believes him innocent, despite his criminal record. But Jennifer reveals that is not his only secret.

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.

As the debate about going public begins, manoeuvres are made for control of the board. In readiness Brian meets merchant banker Martin Farrell, while Edward sounds out Riley.

The first steps are made for the Hammonds to go public. Farrell prepares the investigations, and in the process notices the company’s organisational weaknesses.

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.

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.

Brian and Ann apart face the problems of loneliness; by contrast Martin Farrell and Jennifer enjoy dinner together. Meanwhile the Hammonds are invited to a shoot – on business.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Paul Merroney considers it is high time Edward resumed his responsibilities as Managing Director of Hammond Transport. He enlists Riley’s help in the endeavour.

News that RAI Transport is going into liquidation smothers the Hammond grapevine and Jenny decides that here is her chance to prove what form she is in.

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

The honeymoon is over and its business as usual. Ann Hammond visits and wants to see Brian, but Edward is not so sure.

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

Jenny’s off to Canada, Merroney to Amsterdam again, leaving Edward and April at a lose end.

David makes another attempt to get the better of Paul Merroney… all he needs is Simon Winter’s backing…

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