News

Becoming UKIFDA

On 1st August 2019, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) became the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA). Created in 1979, FPS rose from the ashes of The National Oil Distributor Association (NODA) since when it has passionately served the interest of its members.

With only three brand refreshes in those 40 years, the management committee is marking the 40th anniversary with a name change that not only means more to the end consumer but, is also a better fit the future liquid fuel industry.
“The industry in which we operate has undergone tremendous changes over the past four decades and the association has continually adapted over that time to ensure that it represents, supports and informs its growing membership,” said Guy Pulham, UKIFDA chief executive.
“It was time now for the association to move on and rebrand. This will ensure that it continues in the same vein, supporting the UK & Ireland’s changing energy landscape.”

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Representing the best in Liquid Fuels
UKIFDA’s aims are closely aligned to its new strapline above – an association of professionals working in an industry delivering the highest standards of quality, safety and customer service. The core purpose continues to be to attract and support the best distributors in the UK & Ireland and to help them run their businesses safely, sustainably and successfully, thereby ensuring consumers receive the best product and the best possible service from UKIFDA members.

“After 40 successful years, our management committee made it clear that it was important that the Association didn’t rest on its laurels. We’ve traditionally been known for our very successful trade show FPS EXPO but, behind the scenes we’re an active lobbying organisation, whether that’s on issues affecting our members or the 1.5m households across the UK and 686,000 across Ireland who use heating oil, or representing our members interests in areas such as fuel duty, H&S, training and future energy strategy.
“In considering the name change it was important that our name should reflect the fact that we’re an association not a federation and our members distribute not supply,” added Guy.
“Including both UK & Ireland in the new name highlights that our members operate across both the UK & Republic of Ireland with both important to us. Liquid fuels are key if we’re to reach the government’s decarbonisation targets and, in a way that meets the needs of the consumer too.  We wanted our support for this to be more obvious from our name – UKIFDA enables us to display all we stand for, simply and effectively.”
Alongside the change of name for the association the annual trade exhibition FPS EXPO will be renamed UKIFDA EXPO.
The Association’s 40th year will be marked with a Gala Dinner on 31st October 2019 at the skyline Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Birmingham.  The venue, which has 360-degree panoramic views over the city, is located at the top of The Cube building in the Mailbox district.
Guest speaker for the evening is cleric, broadcaster and former band member of the  Communards, Reverend Richard Coles, with tickets on sale soon from UKIFDA.