Spotlight 25
A busy year at FAST culminated in two of its staff being recognised in The Manufacturer magazine’s Top 100 awards. The ceremony was, unusually, held by video this year but this did not detract from the pride the company felt at seeing two key members of the team recognised for their individual contributions.
Automotive charity, Ben, received pledges worth around £0.5m following its recent rallying cry to industry leaders.
Companies got creative with ideas such as donating Christmas party funds, ‘Charity of the month’ schemes and donations linked to survey responses or sales/profit to help address the £1m shortfall they faced due to the cancelation of their annual fundraising ball.
Automotive companies are pledging to do three things for Ben:
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has acquired six forecourts in the Lake District from AUK Investments Limited.
Energy industry professional Ken Cronin is to become the new chief executive of UKIFDA replacing current CEO Guy Pulham who leaves on February 4th 2021.
Renee Semiz will assume the position of managing director, UK marketing, Phillips 66 Limited in January 2021. Renee relocates to the UK from Phillips 66’s Houston office in the USA and takes over from Mary Wolf who, following a smooth transition period, will relocate to the Houston office and assume the role of general manager, global specialties.
Having joined the business in 1998, Renee has an extensive and diverse background across refining, process engineering, commercial commodities, optimisation and marketing. She has held various roles in Phillips 66, most recently as manager, brand U.S. marketing. In this role she was responsible for leading the rebranding of service stations, advertising and programs for Phillips 66’s large network in the United States. Renee has also spent time working internationally in China, India, Turkey, Lithuania and Germany in her early career.
Mary Wolf, currently managing director UK marketing at Phillips 66 Limited, comments:
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Renee to the UK marketing family. She brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the team, and I’m sure she will lead the business to new heights. We have a great UK team and incredible, wonderful customers that it has been my privilege to serve. I would like to sincerely and deeply thank everyone for their business and friendship over the last five years. I will dearly miss you all.”
Renee Semiz, currently manager, brand U.S. marketing:
“I am looking forward to joining the UK business and building on the strong working relationships that Mary established with our customers. Mary and her team have done a fantastic job transforming the UK business and I’m looking forward to continuing our strategic initiatives. I wish Mary continued successes as she transitions into her new role in Houston.”
North Yorkshire-based Kettlewell Fuels has added two new tankers and a ‘Tank in a Van’ to its fleet, creating greater capacity and even more flexibility when it comes to delivering across the region – even the remotest parts.
Based in Ripon, Kettlewell Fuels has taken delivery of two DAF four-wheel tankers that have been specified to meet the company’s requirements. Both tankers have a larger capacity and are able to take 9,300 litres compared with the company’s other four-wheelers.
The new tankers also have a much more efficient pumping system, making the whole delivery process even smoother.
Always looking to develop the business, Janet Kettlewell explains:
“The two new DAF tankers will deliver market-leading efficiency for us as a business, giving us even more flexibility within our already versatile fleet.
“We also like to ensure our drivers are looked after in terms of comfort. I’m pleased to say we’ve had some great feedback from them – apparently the new tankers are comfortable and nice to drive too.
Commenting on the other addition to the fleet, Janet says:
“It’s important to us that we offer an agile customer service and to help us do this we’ve adapted a vehicle to hold a 400-litre oil dispensing tank. Known as our ‘Tank in a Van’, this vehicle will enable us to make small emergency deliveries and quickly respond to customers in need.
“We’re now in a very good position going into winter, as our expanded fleet will provide us with greater delivery capacity. We’ve noticed recently that more customers are choosing to support local businesses; it’s been a busy time. Our larger fleet will definitely help when the inevitable cold snap arrives.”
Kettlewell Fuels is North Yorkshire’s trusted independent fuel oil supplier to the domestic, agricultural and commercial sectors and is a member of the UK & Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA).
Holly Needham, granddaughter of Jim Callow, founder of Stourport-based Callow Oils, has decided to celebrate her 21st birthday by giving back to Parkinson’s UK, a charity which is very close to the heart of the family.
Christmas has arrived a month early for Hope House children’s hospices thanks to a £2,000 donation from two Shropshire businesses.
Ben, the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry, is making an urgent ‘rallying cry’ in a letter to industry leaders as it faces a 50% increase in demand for services against a £1m income shortfall, following the cancellation of fundraising events including Ben Ball. Without additional funding, Ben may be forced to make difficult decisions about which cases to support.
The shortlist for this year’s prestigious OGUK Awards has been revealed today. The annual awards ceremony celebrates the brightest and best talent from across the country’s offshore oil and gas industry and finalists represent the hard work, innovation, and collaboration the industry has adopted throughout 2020.
Employees at Essar Stanlow have been able to make a valuable difference to a cause close to their hearts, thanks to the company’s Let’s Give programme.
The initiative links safety achievements and charitable giving, with donations made to local charities nominated by employees. A £3,000 donation to The Hospice of the Good Shepherd came after Essar recently recorded two million working hours without a Lost Time Injury.
For over thirty years, the Hospice in Backford has delivered end of life care to patients living with life limiting conditions. It provides a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre that offers day support to help patients maintain their independence and stay at home longer, as well as bereavement support across its catchment area. In the last year, almost 1,000 families have benefited from the combined services of both the Hospice and the bereavement team.
Essar production specialist, Andy Taft, explained;
“When my mother was dying of cancer, the Hospice gave my father and I respite by taking my mum in for a break. Fortunately, this was short term and we cared for my mum at home until she sadly passed away. Whilst this was a difficult time, it was made easier by the support and care from the Hospice. Since then, I lost my father and I cared for him at home, but always knew the Hospice was there if needed.”
Paul Wilcox, inspection team leader, who also nominated the charity, added;
“Many colleagues at the refinery and their families have benefited from the care and support the Hospice offers and it is great that we are able to collectively thank them, especially during these difficult times, for the incredible work and services provided to so many local families.”
Justin Caroe, community & events manager for the Hospice, commented;
“We are delighted to receive this generous donation from Essar, which will make a huge difference in allowing the Hospice to continue providing vital services to the community. We continue to source and raise funds on a daily basis to allow our Hospice to remain open, and whether its company or individual funding every penny is a step closer to a more sustainable future for us.”
The Hospice is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and could run out of money in a matter of months. Not part of the NHS, the Hospice receives only 25% of its income from government funding, meaning it has to raise just over £3 million each year from donations, fundraising events and its charity shops, which have all been severely affected.
It is anticipated there will be at least a £1.1 million shortfall in fundraising for this year, so the Hospice continues to collect funds through its #SupportYourHospice appeal JustGiving page. You can donate to the Hospice via: www.justgiving.com/campaign/saveyourhospice or by calling 01244 851811.
LQM Petroleum Services believes that female leadership should be a priority for maritime businesses – particularly in the bunker industry – where women make up just nine per cent of senior positions.
North West-based Crown Oil has strengthened its brand in the North West after acquiring an £18m-turnover oil supplier.
The Greater Manchester company, part of the £420m-turnover Crown Oil family of companies, has completed the purchase of Stockport-based Star Oil for an undisclosed sum. This deal for the 20-year-old business will increase Bury-headquartered Crown Oil’s reach in the region and take staff numbers to more than 1,250.
Star Oil, set up by Christian Hatherall and Michael Doyle, has seven tankers covering the North West and supplies fuel, oil and lubricants to industrial operations, farms and homes. Christian and Star’s 10 staff will remain with the business, while Michael will seek new opportunities elsewhere. The business will continue to trade as Star Oil for the time being.
The deal is Crown Oil’s first purchase since 2018, when it added Birlem Oil, in London, and West Midlands-based Beesley Fuels to its portfolio. The business, established by the Greensmith family more than 70 years ago, had worked with Star Oil for some time when the opportunity arose.
Matthew Greensmith, managing director of Crown Oil Group, said:
“We’re excited to have announced this deal, which will see the Crown Oil family expanding once again. Star has been around for 20 years and, in that time, has built up a fantastic reputation for great service, which will fit in with Crown’s ideology of putting the customer first.
“We’ve worked closely with Christian and Michael and we were keen to take up this opportunity to safeguard the future of Star and strengthen our North West footprint. We are looking forward to building on these successes together and we wish Michael all the best for the future.”
Christian Hatherall, who will be senior operations manager of the business, said:
“I am delighted to see the completion of this deal, which has come about from the solid relationship we have built with Crown over the years. I look forward to seeing the business flourish and grow. Being part of that growth journey and working for the Crown Oil Group brand is a very exciting prospect for me.”
The board of Essar Oil UK Ltd has announced the appointment of Stein Ivar Bye, former boss of Sweden’s largest fuel firm, as chief executive officer.
Leaving behind his job as chief operating officer at Scandinavian crude oil giant Preem, Stein Ivar Bye will be based at Essar’s Stanlow Manufacturing Complex in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. He brings with him over 28 years’ experience in the Oil and Energy sector, working internationally across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Stein, who graduated from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and has an MBA in Business Strategy and Management from BI Norwegian Business School, previously spent 25 years with ExxonMobil and was latterly chief operating officer at Preem.
An experienced executive leader in multicultural and international environments, Stein has an impressive track record in refinery operations, coupled with broad experience in supply and trading, strategy and planning and business development.
Mr Bye is the second new CEO to take charge at Essar since the start of the year. In January, it was announced that ex-BP boss Mark Wilson had replaced Srinivasalu Thangapandian. Essar said on Monday that Mr Wilson left in June under a “mutual agreement” with the firm after less than six months in the role.
Speaking about the latest appointment, Prashant Ruia, non-executive chairman, Essar Oil UK, said;
“As an organisation, our sights are firmly set on transforming our UK business, ensuring its growth and long term sustainability as we transition towards a low carbon energy economy and deliver the energy solutions of the future for Britain. Stein will be pivotal in meeting this challenge and fulfilling this ambition.”
Stein Ivar Bye added;
“I am honoured to be selected as CEO for Essar Oil UK and excited to be part of Essar’s transformational journey. Society’s demand for efficient and sustainable energy solutions is an inspiring challenge and will require creativity and perseverance. With the collective competency and commitment of the Essar organisation, and strong stakeholder engagement, I am confident Essar Oil UK will be a part of the solution for the future.”
The brothers behind the international fuel and convenience empire, Euro Garages Group (EG Group), Mohsin and Zuber Issa, have been selected by Walmart as the prime candidates to acquire Asda.
The possibility of expanding the supermarket business in their petrol station network is a key part of the operation that has put the Issa brothers and TDR, the London-based private equity backer of EG Group, in pole position.
Previously, it was private equity firm Apollo Global Management that was reported to be the leading option, but Asda announced in September that it would be trialling a new convenience store concept at EG Group stations.
Since its formation in 2016, EG Group has built an empire with acquisition after acquisition, now employing 50,000 people across almost 6,000 sites in the UK, Australia, Europe and the U.S. With the support of TDR Capital, the Issa brothers are known for their innovative ideas, smart strategic approach and ambition.
In the last three years, EG Group has acquired thousands of stations and convenience stores from Esso in Italy and Germany, Kroger, Certified Oil, Travel Centers of America, Woolworths in Australia and Cumberland Farms in the U.S, a far cry from the single garage in Bury that the brothers bought for £150,000 in 2001.
The £6.5 billion acquisition of Asda would mean a huge challenge for the brothers from Blackburn, as they enter the supermarket industry. Acquiring the British supermarket business will mean the 600 stores in the UK will return to British hands for the first time in over 20 years.
Having partnered to deliver the Accreditation of MCA Marine Oil Spill Response Organisations in 2018, UK Spill Association and International Spill Accreditation Association have since been working closely together in the marine, shoreline and inland environment, sharing resources to deliver accreditation services to members.
Consequently, the opportunity to merge was agreed by members of both associations and a merger agreement was signed by both boards at the end of September, enabling the merger to be completed on 30 September 2020.
The merger enables:
A small but significant aspect of the awe-inspiring £103m project, Tuffa has been tasked with manufacturing a petrol tank for Leicester City Football Clubs’ new state-of-the-art training ground. The tank will have the all-important task of fuelling the fleet of maintenance vehicles required to look after the LCFC grounds.
The site is set to be amongst the worlds’ leading training facilities. Construction and development giants McLaren Group is responsible for designing and building the grounds which will feature a full-size indoor artificial pitch, 11 full-size outdoor pitches, eight smaller pitches, five training grids and two goalkeeping areas, as well as a hydrotherapy pool, media centre and offices.
Tasked with the job of fighting back the weeds, strategising over grass care, and conserving every inch of the 185-acre plot, a former golf course, to the highest standards is a small army of groundskeepers. LCFC has provided the groundskeepers with the best equipment money can buy. This includes a fleet of around 30 John Deere maintenance vehicles consisting of gators and ride-on mowers. With so many maintenance vehicles requiring between 40 and 50 litres of fuel to fill, McLaren knew that the grounds required a petrol tank onsite.
Fortunately, LCFC was already well acquainted with the reputable tank manufacturer, as the company manufactured a tank and water bowser for LCFC’s new Broadcast Media Centre in 2018.
This time, Tuffa was tasked with manufacturing a tank for LCFC with McLaren choosing Tuffa’s 975 litre petrol tank, manufactured in accordance with the Blue book guidelines and DSEAR (Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations) as standard. Because the tanks are fire-proofed and bunded they also offer protection to the site and environment. Additionally, McLaren chose to upgrade the tank with a Hytek Alpha FC10 forecourt-style dispenser and fuel management system with passcodes to activate the pump and a purpose-built plinth for the tower.
McLaren construction’s design manager Spish Buja commented;
“The communication and service levels from Tuffa have been excellent throughout the entire process. The 975 litre petrol tank fits our requirements exactly, the delivery was tiptop and the installation was straightforward.”
Williams Tanker Services (WTS) is delighted to announce a brand new partnership with Italian waste tanker manufacturer Cappellotto, one of the world’s largest and most reputable manufacturers of waste tankers and associated equipment.
As the new UK distributor for Cappellotto, WTS has ‘stock’ Cappellotto tankers on order for delivery in the UK throughout the year, and customer-specific orders can now be taken.
With a dedicated nationwide sales, engineering and parts team, together with specialist trained workshops and mobile service units, WTS has a solid background and infrastructure to support the new arrangement and assist in all matters.
Already long-standing UK distributors for LAG, and with years of rental and repairs of this niche specialist equipment under its belt, WTS are professionals in the sale and aftersales support of new tankers and experts in dealing with waste tankers. The new partnership with Cappellotto adds a market leader to the company’s sales portfolio.
Gleaner announces the 13 winning photographs and photographers for this year’s contest. The winning entries will feature in the company’s 2021 calendar.
Receiving over 200 entries, Gleaner showcased all 13 winning photographs on Facebook. A spokesperson for the company said;
“A big thank you once again to everyone who took the time to enter our calendar photograph contest.”
Congratulations to Owen Cochrane, Tanya Ritchie, Adrian Beard, Iain MacDiarmid, William Holmes, Gordon Doherty, Simon Wilderspin, Ali Hay, Lydia Newlands, Lynda Simpson, David England, Isobel Wood and Gibby Marr.
“The standard of photographs entered was really high, making it a really tough decision to choose the final 13 images.”
The 2021 calendars will be available to pick up from local delivery depots later this year.
In a new partnership, Nolan oils will utilise a recognition platform, developed by Arteel UK Ltd, to enhance employee engagement and improve business performance.
“I am thrilled that Mark Nolan and his team have put their faith in ARTEEL to provide them with our recognition platform,” says Ian Feaver, managing director at Arteel UK Ltd. “We have a clear objective for Nolan Oils to help them recognise the amazing day to day efforts and work that happens. This will ensure people feel appreciated and valued, which in turn will create higher employee engagement and when this happens, it has a positive knock on effect for the entire business.”
“We had been looking for something creative when it came to recognising our people for their day to day efforts and when we saw what Arteel had to offer we knew we had found something very special. Our ‘Nolan Oils’ recognition platform enables our people to give peer to peer recognition and will enhance our team spirit and togetherness,” says Mark Nolan, managing director at Nolan Oils. “I really want our team to know how valued they are and never take for granted all the good work they do.”
The recognition platform provided by Arteel will be branded for Nolan Oils and will enable peer to peer recognition to take place. The main focus for the platform will be Nolan Oils company core values, so that employees can give and receive recognition for the behaviours that align with these values. Frequent recognition will not only help the team feel more valued and engaged, but it will encourage the right behaviours that lead to better business outcomes.
Harvest Energy Marine, a member of the Prax Group of companies, has announced its acquisition of the Total Zeebrugge Depot in Belgium.
The Prax Group has worked closely with Total Belgium over the last few months to ensure the smooth acquisition of the terminal. The facility will be re-branded as Prax Terminals Belgium, with Harvest Energy Marine managing all bunkering and commercial operations performed at the terminal.
With a 20,000 cubic metre capacity, the Prax Group will use the terminal for the storage of marine bunker fuels. Its strategic location in the outer port of Zeebrugge means the company can cater to many customers throughout North West Europe, including car carriers, cruise ships, container lines and RORO vessels, offering ship owners and operators a minimum turnaround time in one of the world’s busiest ports.
The terminal is ideally situated to enable the Prax Group to focus on its strategic plans to expand its presence in northwestern European coastal waters.
Sanjeev Kumar, CEO of the Prax Group, said; “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of the terminal in the port of Zeebrugge, which reflects our strategic objective to move into a new stage of accelerated investment, growth and development. This acquisition demonstrates our proactive approach to the ever-changing needs of our customers in the marine fuels environment and our commitment to build a robust and reliable supply chain to meet those needs. It is the natural evolution in our progression towards making Harvest Energy Marine a leading player in the global marine market.”
Geert Boden, general manager of Harvest Energy Marine, said; “As we continue to serve customers from right across the north west of the continent, it is imperative for us to maintain the strong brand reputation and high standards of safety, supply and service for which we are known. The acquisition of the terminal in Zeebrugge means that Harvest Energy Marine is readily able to adapt to the changes in the current bunkering market. We are in a great place to respond to the requirements of our customers, both new and existing, in order to continue to deliver innovative solutions to reduce refueling times, whilst providing customers with their most important resource.”
Airport Energy Services, a division of Moove Fuels, announces its reappointment as a ground fuel supplier to Heathrow Airport Ltd.
Geoff Hall, general manager, Airport Energy Services, commented;
“We are delighted to have renewed our long-standing relationship with Heathrow Airport and look forward to continuing to service Heathrow and the wider airport business community.”
“This contract renewal demonstrates our commitment to continued investment in the UK’s airports and our intention to play our part in supporting the recovery of this vital sector from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” added Darren Borras, business unit director, Moove Fuels.
Providing a specialised ground fuel management service for over 20 years, Airport Energy Service’s 24/7 refuelling service is designed to meet the specific demands of the unique airport environment and the companies operating within.
Greenergy has agreed to purchase 100% of the shares of Amber Petroleum (‘Amber’), an independent fuel distributor and retailer based in the Republic of Ireland.
Amber’s operations include company-owned and dealer-owned forecourts, comprising a network of 35 sites around the country, along with fuels distribution and home heating depots.
Christian Flach, Greenergy CEO said;
“One of our key strategic objectives is to integrate our existing supply footprint with our expanding retail presence. The acquisition of Amber follows our recent retail investment in 230 retail sites in Canada and will enhance our capabilities in Ireland by building on our existing infrastructure, supply and retail operations. We look forward to welcoming the Amber team to Greenergy.”
Liam Fitzgerald, owner and managing director of Amber Petroleum added;
“Having served our loyal customers for over 40 years Amber’s success has been based on strong relationships with customers, suppliers and staff and we know that Greenergy shares these same values. I am confident that Amber will continue to grow its profile as part of the wider Greenergy organisation.”
Amber’s existing management team and staff will remain in place.
The JET fuel brand has launched a dynamic new TV campaign, the first in over 20 years, that captures how JET champions the driver – providing all the essentials they need to ‘Keep On Moving’.
Shot on location at the new JET Dove Retail White Rose Service Station in Barnsley and throughout the stunning Peak District National Park, the TV spot is part of JET’s ongoing brand awareness programme, designed to increase visibility and consideration amongst new and existing customers.
A unique take on a classic road movie theme – the campaign film captures the journey through the eyes of the driver and features a man at a grand piano travelling through dramatic English countryside playing and singing Joe Jackson’s iconic 80s hit ‘Steppin’ Out’. He then briefly stops at a JET forecourt to refuel before hitting the road again to resume his memorable musical journey accompanied by the line: ‘Don’t let filling up slow you down’.
The ‘Keep on Moving’ campaign is the latest activity in an ongoing brand refresh for JET – the fuel brand of Phillips 66. In February 2019 JET debuted a new image programme for its fuel brand including updated logos, modern forecourt image and bright LED lighting. This was followed by the rebranding of JET’s Premium Fuel offer, JET ULTRA with the relaunch of the website in early 2020.
“We are continuing to invest in our brand and the growing retail business to be the best we can be for our drivers, our dealers and the local communities we serve” says Mary Wolf, managing director, UK marketing, Phillips 66 Limited. “In fine tuning the JET brand our aim is to improve the experience for our customers and to give the drivers who visit our forecourts everything they need and want to continue their journeys quickly and safely. It is a simple, straightforward ‘driver-first’ ethos that is perfectly captured in this new campaign.”
The 60’’ and 30’’ TV ad will air throughout September across the Midlands and the North of England. Other elements of the Keep On Moving campaign will be rolled out nationally on social media throughout the month.