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The OFTEC team joins the campaign to fight fuel poverty. Last winter (2012/13) there were 18,200 excess winter death in the UK, the majority of which were caused by living in cold condition.
Approximately 80% of oil heated homes have the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G. In Cold Homes Week, OFTEC once again calls for improvements in energy efficiency.
Run by the Energy Bill Revolution (EBR), Cold Homes Week brings together more than 200 businesses, charities and organisations in support of ending fuel poverty.
This week OFTEC will write to the major political parties and rural MPs to highlight the issue and urge for more practical measures to form part of their election manifestos.WANTED – better insulation and a boiler scrappage scheme
“Even though oil prices have plummeted in recent months to a four-year low, fuel poverty is still more likely in oil-heated households,” says OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley. “This is due to poor insulation levels and the high number of old, inefficient boilers still in use.
“We are urging all the political parties to add a generous boiler scrappage scheme covering all condensing types, to their manifestos ahead of the general election. Also to provide particular support to better insulate rural homes which tend to be least energy efficient.”
According to EBR, one of the main problems is that UK homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, resulting in higher energy bills. As the majority of oil using homes are older, rural properties with the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G – approximately 80% of oil heated homes in England fall into this category – OFTEC is keen to support the cause.
“Simply upgrading to a modern condensing boiler could see average fuel bills cut by as much as 50% compared to this time last year, with better insulation measures resulting in even greater savings. Fuel poverty is an urgent issue which needs to be tackled now.”
OFTEC has also teamed up with Age UK to produce a booklet for older people, who are most at risk, to help them keep warm and well during the winter. www.oilsave.org.uk
The awards were presented to the Brogan Fuels team at the Carden Park Hotel, Chester; Andrew Salton (l) with contract manager David Smialowski
Brogan Fuels has once again taken the Shell Lubricants UK’ Distributor of the Year Award.
For the second year in a row, the Brogan Fuels, which is part of Certas Energy, scooped the top prize and two other major prizes – Raising the Bar in 2014 and Sales Support.
The awards recognise best in class within the lubricants distribution sector. The winners are required to demonstrate superior knowledge and expertise, combined with a great sales and operations approach, as well as exceptional customer service.
The competition is open to all contracted distributors which have partnerships with Shell Lubricants UK. The nominees are evaluated against a range of six critical criteria, specifically chosen to demonstrate KPIs which focus on different aspects of the business, in addition to sales volume. The reason for including cross-business KPIs is to emphasise that, to be successful, distributors need to work as a team and that sales volume is just a part of that success.
Andrew Salton, lubricants manager Scotland for Certas Energy, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition for the second year running. As a team we aspire to be the best in our sector; these awards indicate that we are just that. We have ambitious growth plans, and I believe that if we continue to work and deliver to the level currently demonstrated, we will achieve our goal. I’d like to thank all of my team who played a part in maintaining our position as the largest distributor of Shell Lubricants in Scotland.”http://www.brogans.co.uk
In changes under the rebrand, Martyn Lyons becomes chief executive of Inter Terminals with Richard Sammons in the new role of executive chairman
From January 1st Simon Storage is rebranded as Inter Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian company Inter Pipeline.
The combined Inter Terminals business, which includes operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark, is one of the largest independent bulk liquid storage businesses in Europe, with more than three million cubic metres of storage capacity located across 12 terminals. Terminals store hazardous and non hazardous liquids, including oils, chemicals, biofuels and waste oils at the coastal ports of Immingham, Teesside and Tyneside in the United Kingdom and on the Shannon estuary in Ireland.
Inter Terminals will be led by Martyn Lyons who is promoted to chief executive. With over 25 years experience in the tank storage sector, Martyn is well known within the industry and continues to serve as chairman of the UK Tank Storage Association. He succeeds Richard Sammons who is moving into a new role as executive chairman.
“I am delighted to see the integration of our operations under one unified management structure,” said Richard Sammons.
“I wish Martyn and his team every success in their new roles. Adopting the Inter Terminals name across our European terminal network will strengthen brand recognition and the marketing of our integrated suite of storage services. It also creates a stronger branding affiliation with Inter Pipeline which continues to provide strong support for our operational and growth initiatives across Europe. We look forward to serving both existing and new customers in the future.”www.interterminals.com
IAN WELCH HAS 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE DOWNSTREAM OIL INDUSTRY
Certas Energy has strengthened its retail team with the appointment of Ian Welch and Gary Conway, both former employees of Harvest Energy.
“As we continue to expand the Gulf branded network across the UK, we are delighted to bring Gary and Ian into the Certas Energy family,” said retail director Ramsay MacDonald.. “They share our team ethos and an enthusiasm for the business. It is important that our rapid growth is complemented by the recruitment of high calibre people who understand Certas Energy and the delivery of genuine customer service.”
Ian’s working life began in the Merchant Navy before he joined Texaco in 1990. He has now been associated with the downstream oil industry for nearly 25 years, gaining experience in commercial and retail sales, lubricants, fuel engineering and fuel cards. In his role as key accounts manager with Harvest, he helped grow dealer sites from less than 20 to over 100 in under four years. Alongside his career highlights, Ian has also achieved an MBA from City University London.
“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity,” explained Ian. “It is exciting to join a team that shares my passion for the business, has a drive, vision and does it with a smile on its face.”
Maxol Lubricants is now supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces with high quality lubrication oils
In mid December Maxol Lubricants secured a contract to be sole supplier of lubrication oil to the Irish Naval fleet.
The lubricants supplied as part of this contract will be used to service their eight vessels patrolling Ireland’s one million square kilometres of sea. The contract will span a minimum of two years with the possibility of a third.
General manager Owen O’Neill said: “Maxol Lubricants has established a highly successful business as a supplier of premium quality lubricants to a wide cross section of industries throughout Ireland. As a family owned Irish company we are very proud to be supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces.”
Operating out of Haulbowline, Co.Cork, the Irish Naval Services is one of the three standing branches of the Irish Defence Forces.
Lieutenant commander Stuart Armstrong commented: “It is imperative that our fleet is maintained and operated to the highest standards at all times and we trust Maxol Lubricants to provide the high quality lubrication oils needed for our vessels.”www.maxol-lubricants.ie
Tony Mills joins Fairbanks with a ‘large network of contacts’
Last week Tony Mills joined Fairbanks to assist with the delivery of the company’s global sales and marketing strategy.
Formerly with OPW in the US, Tony Mills has joined the Fairbanks leadership team which includes joint managing directors Steve Jones and Bob Conlin.
“We’re committed to growing the business and I’m delighted that Tony has joined us,” said Bob. “His previous role with OPW as director of engineering and new product development for fuel management products in the US gives him significant experience that we’re delighted to acquire.”
Steve Jones added: “We were impressed with his passion and drive along with his depth of understanding about our industry which, combined with his large network of contacts, will help us reach new customers in previously uncharted territories. We look forward to introducing him to our existing customers in the coming months.”
Fairbanks delivers intelligent fuel management services to many leading oil companies, hypermarkets and retailers across 35 countries and provides data analysis that enables faster decision making via a secure web based system.www.fairbanksglobal.com
In his ambassador role, Nicholas Hamilton will be assisting the JET brand with campaigns, promotions and events in 2015
Nicolas Hamilton, who recently saw his brother Lewis crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014, has been appointed as JET’s ambassador for 2015.
Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, is an avid racing driver himself and vocal campaigner for disability in motoring. He will help to promote the Phillips 66 vision of providing energy – improving lives and the JET theme of On the Journey Together. Throughout the year, he will be getting involved in campaigns, promotions and events, including Silverstone Classic in July, where JET will once again be the official fuel partner.
“I am really excited to be working with JET and Phillips 66,” said Nicholas. “There are many similarities in how we both approach achieving our goals and ambitions – yet also areas we can learn from one another.”
“Despite living with a challenging and debilitating condition, Nicolas has made it his life motto to Exceed Expectations, said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing.
“Having met with Nicolas at the Silverstone Classic last year, we knew straight away that he would make an excellent ambassador for JET as it is our continued goal to exceed the expectations of our JET network. We are very much looking forward to working alongside Nicolas over the next 12 months and to giving our dealers and distributors the opportunity to find out more about and be inspired by this dedicated young sportsperson and campaigner.”www.phillips66.co.uk
Hoyer Petrolog driver trainer Chris Hill spent two weeks in Tanzania delivering a variety of training
In its latest link up with Transaid, Hoyer seconded one of its most senior driver trainers, Chris Hill, to a professional driver training project at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
“We’re delighted to support the excellent work Transaid undertakes,” said operations director Allan Davidson. “We truly believe that the work undertaken by Transaid to assist with transport management and to develop driver training in developing countries has made a real difference in improving road safety in Zambia and Tanzania.
“Our driver trainers have contributed significantly to this worthwhile cause and have openly admitted that the experience has not only developed them professionally but also from a personal perspective.
Chris Hill, who is based at Hoyer’s Hythe terminal, commented: “It was a busy two weeks covering a variety of training, mainly focusing on driving the LGV 1 and practicing the reverse exercise, with classroom training as well all the trainees were very grateful of the training they were given and fully endorsed what was been put across to them.”
Despite the challenges of limited availability of equipment that might be considered standard in the UK, being able to make improvements in driver technique and to improve the handling of dangerous goods has proved to be personally and professionally fulfilling for trainers.
“In order for Transaid to keep improving road safety in Africa it’s vital that we can work with companies such as Hoyer Petrolog,” said Transaid’s acting chief executive Caroline Barber. “We’re extremely grateful to the company for their continued support and for offering their time and skills to develop the expertise of trainers at the National Institute of Transport which ultimately helps to address dramatic statistics and save many lives.”www.transaid.orgwww.hoyer-group.com
The six new Emco Wheaton products seen here will be joined by more variants in 2015
Emco Wheaton has launched six new products within its TODO range with plans to release more variants in 2015.
“The voice of our customers is a critical point of our development process,” said principal engineer Sam Blackmore. “We listened to our clients’ feedback seeking more sizes of the break-away couplings to support their production needs.”
The company welcomes more feedback about further products – see below. NEW marine break-away coupling
Available in a 4” diameter and is a version of the tried and tested TODO break-away coupling that has been designed to withstand harsh marine conditions.
Engineered to disconnect under straight pull force, separation takes place if a vessel moves too far. The valves, that are present in each half of the equipment, snap shut thereby minimising any potential spill of liquids into the environment or loss of client product. The marine break-away has a maximum working pressure of 25 bar.
Ken Rivers is one of the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit
On Wednesday 21st January, Ken Rivers and Judith Hackett will be among the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit II in London.
With its focus on the launch of the UK Process Safety Management Skills Strategy 2015 – 2018, HSE chair Judith will look at how the industry has been changing and how well process safety is understood by the new players that have entered the sector; the implications of the new COMAH 2015 regulation; public performance reporting and the Better Regulation Executive’s focus on enforcement.
With more than 35 years experience of the downstream oil industry, Ken is passionate about safety in the oil industry. He recently returned from New Zealand where he was running the country’s only oil refinery and was previously responsible for Shell’s refining and petrochemical operations in the UK.
Recognised as an industry expert, Ken chaired a joint industry/regulator task force in the wake of the Buncefield terminal explosion. He has also been appointed chair of the COMAH Strategic Forum tasked with improving the effectiveness of major hazard legislation in the UK and comprising both the regulatory authorities and the oil and chemical industries.
Also speaking are Allan Laing, CEO Pentagon Chemicals and chair of the Process Safety Management Project Board; and Malcolm Sarstedt, Europe operations manager – process safety, at Unilever.
An exhibition will also give the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of companies offering a variety of safety-related services to the process industries.www.psmsummit.com
(l-r): Grant Lockie, Speedy regional director (power) with Jim Williams, northern regional director and Anthony Sharkey, national sales manager, Certas Energy
Speedy has chosen Certas Energy as its national fuel partner in delivering temporary power generation.
Speedy already owns the largest fleet of fuel tankers in the hire industry and, together with Certas Energy, it will have a combined capability of more than 1,000 tankers servicing every UK postcode and over 150 Certas Energy refueling depots nationwide.
Speedy achieved an industry first in 2006 by being the only hire company in the UK to offer fuel services and, by partnering with Certas Energy, which delivers over six billion litres of fuel annually, fuel can now be delivered anywhere in the UK – even in remote and inaccessible areas.
A dedicated Certas Energy account manager will be based at Speedy’s head office in Haydock.
“Speedy’s power division has seen major expansion over the years,” said Jim Williams, northern regional director at Certas Energy. “This strategic partnership is a fantastic opportunity for both companies and we look forward to developing a long-term relationship.”
Brian Cornett, managing director of Speedy’s Power Division, said: “By partnering with Certas Energy we’re now able to service the power generation demands of all sectors and industries and we can help our customers minimise fuel spend, streamline the administration process and benefit from quick and easy refueling at strategically located sites throughout the UK.”www.certasenergy.co.ukwww.speedyservices.com
Spaces at FPS EXPO 2015 are filling faster than ever reports the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.
With just over three months to go before the exhibition takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, the FPS has confirmed that more than 80% of the exhibition space has already been sold.
“FPS EXPO is always extremely popular because of the diverse range of industry experts that exhibit but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event,” says marketing and events manager Dawn Shakespeare.
“In addition to the industry-renowned exhibitors that return year-on-year, we have a number of new firms exhibiting this year including Applied Pumps, Brit European Transport, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, and KDC Contractors, which we’re very excited about.”
Viewed as the main event in the oil distribution industry calendar, FPS EXPO 2015 is set to cover 5 halls at the Harrogate International Centre for the first time.
“There are some changes to this year’s EXPO,” said Dawn.
“We hope visitors and exhibitors will welcome the changes which include a visitor and exhibitor drinks reception on the first evening.
The Awards dinner is not being held in 2015 but this means we can really make the most of the Driver of the Year and Depot of the Year awards by presenting each award at the winner’s depot.
“Having a first night drinks reception means that lots of exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day and network on an informal basis.”
The 2015 event will be the 35th year of the exhibition and the show’s last year in Harrogate. It will feature representatives from industry leading distributors, manufacturers, software firms and equipment suppliers, all displaying the latest breakthroughs in technology and innovation within the oil distribution industry.
Spaces and tickets have been reserved by companies and individuals from around the world, and interest has even been expressed for the show in 2016 when the event moves to Liverpool’s new Arena and Convention Centre for the following three years.
“From new products on display and forums on best practice, to networking opportunities and raising awareness for your company and interacting with key decision makers within the industry, FPS EXPO 2015 has it all – for exhibitors and visitors alike,” adds Dawn.
“With less than a quarter of the exhibition space now available, any company thinking of reserving a stand or individual wanting to book a ticket should do so sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t miss out on the industry event of the year.”
Book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015 at www.fpsshow.co.uk.
To contact Dawn Shakespeare call +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk
l-r: – Mark (2nd from left) and Amanda Hobbs at the new depot with Brian Colquhoun, Rob Spearman and Paul Shepard of Clydesdale Bank
Hobbs Bros recently moved to brand new purpose-built premises on a two acre site in Gloucester.
Funded long term by Clydesdale Bank, Hobbs Bros moved from its previously rented premises to the newly purchased site in the autumn.
Established more than 100 years ago Hobbs is a fourth generation family business with a turnover of £18m, which distributes Texaco fuels and Chevron and Exol lubricants throughout Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire.
The new depot features four 200,000 litre tanks, two each for gas oil and kerosene plus 150,000 litre tanks for diesel and Premium paraffin.
The company’s 19 staff includes four members of the Hobbs family – owner Mark Hobbs is the great great grandson of the original proprietor Clem. Mark’s wife Amanda is company secretary, his sister Jane is lubricants manager with step son Chris being one of the tanker drivers for the company’s 11-strong fleet.
“We’d been in talks with Clydesdale Bank before and decided that now was the right time for us to transfer our full banking to them,” explained Mark. We’re confident that the move to the new premises will allow us to continue to provide the highest quality of service to our customers throughout Gloucestershire.
“In a family business environment, it’s easier to provide the highest quality of customer service,” added Mark. “We can make our own decisions straightaway without having to speak to a head office. I know if a worker calls in sick, I will take on their work and make sure the job is always done.”
“Hobbs Bros is a well-known, respected business in Gloucestershire which has always ensured that the local community has a regular supply of fuel and heat,” said Rob Spearman, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Gloucester. “We’re delighted that Hobbs was able to take advantage of one of the new lending initiatives we launched this year to help purchase their new premises.” www.hobbsbros.co.uk
Will Merrick (centre) with members of the Mansfield depot team
At the beginning of December, NWF Fuels officially opened its new depot at Mansfield in Nottinghamshire.
Operating in the eastern region as a JET branded distributor, the new depot is backed by Phillips 66. It covers Nottinghamshire across to Kingsbury in the West Midlands and Immingham in Lincolnshire as well as supplying to the Yorkshire cities of Sheffield, Doncaster and York and all points in between.
Looking after the new depot is regional manager Will Merrick who heads up a team comprising Steve Colton in transport, planning and routing, Margaret Barrett and Rachel Clarke in business development, Alex Lewin, internal sales, Helen Bull, customer service with Anne Patten being responsible for business administration.
“We believe that the building of this modern facility in such a strategic location for my region will offer great opportunities for development,” said Will.www.nwffuels.co.uk
For more about the new depot – please see the January 2015 issue of Fuel Oil News