News
Oil Tank Supplies rebrands to OTS Group
As part of a wider corporate rebranding and repositioning strategy, Oil Tank Supplies Ltd announced its name change to OTS Group Ltd in late April.
Spotlight 25
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TEAM INEOS and the Tour De Yorkshire
Following the acquisition of Tour Racing Ltd from Sky and 21st Century Fox, INEOS has committed to honouring all existing commitments to riders, staff and partners.
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NWF Fuels acquires Consols Oils
In a move to support continued growth in the south west of England, NWF Fuels has acquired Redruth-based Consols Oils, a 25 million litre fuel Cornish business.
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Radius boosts vehicle tracking division with acquisition of Plant-i
Earlier this month Crewe-based Radius Payment Solutions – the group behind the telematics and fuel card brands Kinesis and UK Fuels – acquired Plant-i, the Welsh-based provider of tracking and telemetry solutions to the plant and construction sectors.
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Wincanton renews Valero contract
Wincanton has renewed its contract to provide fuel distribution for Valero Energy. The new deal will run for five years, which will take the working relationship between the companies to beyond 25 years.
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Craggs Environmental + Clovemead Fuel Systems
Craggs Environmental has purchased the Warrington-based fuel systems division of Clovemead. The acquisition, which sees the transfer of key personal and equipment, further enhances the ability of Craggs Environmental to provide UK-wide fuel & tank services to businesses, residences and public sector organisations storing red/white diesel, kerosene and other fuels.
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Gulf Retail with Oomph
Next month Gulf Retail will be rolling-out out Oomph across its UK network. This brand-new forecourt loyalty platform utilises the latest technology to drive new revenues to its dealers and enable them to strengthen customer retention.
Working in partnership with Azpiral, the market leader in customer engagement solutions for the forecourt and convenience sector, this major new initiative allows Gulf dealers to talk to their customers and tailor offers to specific groups via SMS, email and a dedicated phone app to boost in-store profits and strengthen community ties.
A first for the forecourt sector, Oomph will roll-out in April to dealers across the country and will be deployed across the Gempay network. The Oomph loyalty platform is easy to use and can also be integrated with an existing EPOS, providing dealers with the tools to delve deep into the shopping basket of a customer and respond accordingly with dedicated offers and calls to action. Its versatility extends to the point of purchase where customers are rewarded with points utilising the app and smart card with accumulated points redeemable to support local charities and enter a ‘big ticket’ monthly draw. In addition, dealers can reward their customers with member-only offers such as in store-discounts, free coffees and car washes.
“Oomph is being launched in response to requests from Gulf dealers and many of the larger dealer groups who see great merit in providing their customers with a nationwide loyalty platform with local marketing capabilities,” explained Gerry Welsh, retail marketing manager, Certas Energy.
“Our immediate goal is to come to market with a fresh and exciting loyalty scheme that is embraced by our dealers and their customers. We are in discussions with several global brands to further develop the ‘Monthly Prize Haul’ and shall use our COCO estate as a test bed for new ideas. We plan to make Oomph the most engaging loyalty platform in the industry for consumers and the most cost effective for dealers and can see no bounds to its future potential.”
Charged out to dealers at an affordable price with nationwide appeal, Oomph will be available to all UK Gulf forecourts and is compatible on both Apple and Android devices.
News
INEOS to invest £1billion in UK
To ensure its British assets stay world class for a generation, INEOS is to invest £1 billion in multiple UK projects. The biggest investment being announced is in the Forties Pipeline System (FPS).
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JET – a new contemporary look
Demonstrating its long-term commitment to the UK fuel retail market, JET has unveiled a new image prototype at JET Abbeyside in Selby, North Yorkshire, one of the fuel brand’s new company-owned sites.
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Essar sponsors awards
Essar Oil (UK), which recently announced the appointment of Mark Amor as head of commercial, is the new principal sponsor for this year’s Forecourt Trader Awards. Showcasing the petrol retailing industry, the event recognises and rewards those businesses at the leading edge of their profession.
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Essar – fuelling growth ambitions in the UK
BP’s Kingsbury terminal which has been acquired by Essar; the company has also acquired BP’s Northampton terminal
Last week the Essar Oil UK Group of companies (Essar) unveiled the latest phase of its strategic business development, with the announcement of the acquisition of a number of assets from BP.
Under the agreement, Essar will acquire an equity stake in the UKOP pipeline, a share of the contractual joint venture (with Shell) which runs the Kingsbury terminal and a 100% interest in the Northampton terminal. The BP assets are being acquired by two wholly owned subsidiaries of EOUK, namely Essar Midlands Limited and InfraNorth Limited.
News
Everything that a manager of people needs
Over several years, Robbie Rouse, a qualified teacher, trainer and HR professional, has been designing, developing and refining Evalu-8.
His innovative new cloud-based software package measures competence, identifies training needs and supports every aspect of a company’s human resources (HR) demands.
For companies still using a manual process and spreadsheets to record employee matters, Evalu-8 offers an easier way to measure and monitor an employee’s skills, knowledge and behavior. It also facilitates the setting of targets and KPIs to measure both qualitative and quantitative information and makes it possible to identify areas of strength and weakness more objectively.
Robbie has a strong background in fuel oil distribution, having latterly spent over four years as talent and HR director at Craggs Energy, where he launched a sales academy and helped hone the performance of the company’s sales team. Robbie has also held roles at Certas Energy, GB Oils and Company Fuel Cards where he was instrumental in recruiting, training and managing a new fuel card business.
“I’ve developed an HR suite where everything can be done via an electronic portal including storage of contracts, CVs, company handbook etc, with each employee able to access their own dashboard. Every aspect of the software is configurable and being cloud-based, information can be accessed anytime, and from anywhere.”
Evalu-8, which costs £1.75 per month per employee, is currently being trialled by fuel distributors keen to monitor sales and/or driver performance. Those using have found that it helps identify employees who are underperforming which in turn leads to more constructive feedback and better coaching.
The system, which records sickness, absence and lateness, also works out commission and bonuses and enables employees to book in their holidays within the parameters set by their company.
“Producing a series of reports ensures that managers can better analyse the reasons why some perform well whilst others underperform. Being fully objective makes it easier to deliver feedback and to see if improvements have been made once feedback has been given.
“With not all drivers being IT literate, some may need assistance in using the software but that’s been the only issue reported to date,” said Robbie.
Evalu-8’s launch has not only attracted the attention of those focusing on sales and telemarketing in fuel distribution; but has also sparked interest from diverse sectors including schools looking for a system that allows parents to see how their child is performing in class.
“We’re still in the early stages but so far so good,” said Robbie who plans to exhibit at FPS EXPO 2019 next May.
“During my time in the fuel industry, it became clear that technology and the need to make quality sales calls were fast becoming the real drivers. Since then I’ve spent much time thinking about the creation of a tool which would help people better manage their teams.”
Talking to managers and directors, Robbie discovered there was a real need for an employee management tool. When asked to sum up his new product and what it does, Robbie said:
“The short answer is it does everything that a manager of people needs it to do!”
For more information email robbie@evalu-8.com or contact via the https://evalu-8.com website to arrange an online demonstration
News
Schoolchildren inspired by aviation experience
“Essar was pleased to work with Passion for Learning to deliver this aviation experience for local children,” said Ian Cotton, head of communications
Children from schools local to Essar’s Stanlow refinery recently participated in a special visit to Cheshire College South and West in Ellesmere Port. The visit was organised through Essar’s partnership with Passion for Learning, a local charitable organisation working to support primary school age children.
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Senior board appointments for Suttons Tankers
The appointments of Gary Oliver and Roger Parr highlight Suttons Tankers’ UK strategy to continually improve the customer experience
Suttons Tankers has strengthened its team with two new appointments at board level. Gary Oliver joins as operations director west, replacing Roger Parr who has now been appointed as the company’s new commercial director.
Roger’s appointment recognises his successful leadership in a series of continuous improvement projects for leading customers of Suttons Tankers.
Gary joins the company from DX Network Services where he has worked as a regional director and operations director since 2010.
Working with Steve Hassall, operations director east, Gary will be responsible for leading the business strategy, objectives and performance at Suttons’ Widnes, Eastham and Willenhall depots.
Gary brings significant experience from the freight and deliveries sector to his new role with Suttons, having also held senior management roles with Target Express and City Link.
“I’m pleased to welcome Gary to the business and look forward to benefiting from his vast experience in senior roles, enhancing customer relations,” said Michael Cundy, managing director of Suttons Tankers.
“And congratulations to Roger who is making a natural progression having been an integral part of our commercial leadership team since joining in 2015.
“These two appointments highlight our UK strategy to continually improve the customer experience and add value at all points in the delivery chain.
“We look forward to reaping the rewards of this fresh structure and approach within our tanker division.”
Suttons Tankers operates in the UK with a fleet of more than 500 vehicles focused on the chemicals, gas and fuel sectors. suttonsgroup.com
News
London launch for Eleven Recruitment
Celebrating on the panoramic deck of the National Theatre in London are Eleven Recruitment director, Sarah Stott with Nick Kendall (l) and Mark Nolan, Nolan Oils
On Thursday 8th November fuel distributors, recruitment clients and candidates gathered at the National Theatre in London to not only celebrate Oil Recruitment’s 20th birthday, but also to launch Oil Recruitment’s rebrand to Eleven Recruitment.
Oil Recruitment has been well-known in the downstream fuel distribution industry for the past 20 years.
Speaking to Fuel Oil News for the October 2018 issue, managing director Nick Smith explained the reasons behind the new name and the new look. See here.
“In addition to its strong oil focus, Oil Recruitment has actually covered non-oil sectors for most of those 20 years. Indeed, we’ve been finding roles for people in gas & power and speciality chemicals for 19 years.
“Eleven Recruitment’s focus is now on deepening the specialism within each of its existing niche sectors through a widening knowledge and greater research,” added Nick.
Within the next five years, Eleven Recruitment aims to have earned a position as first choice recruitment partner for the fuel distribution sector, and to have doubled the size of its team in each sector.www.elevenrecruitment.com
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New Customer Contact Centre
“Our Norwich team will play a core part in delivering a compelling experience for our customers, and in fuelling Watson Fuels’ continued success,” said Serena Scott, regional domestic manager who is heading up the centre
On Wednesday 14th November, Watson Fuels will officially open its new Norwich Customer Contact Centre. Joining the Watson Fuels UK management team for the ribbon cutting ceremony will be the global World Fuel Services leadership team.
News
Inter Pipeline to acquire NuStar
The transaction provides an attractive entry into the Port of Amsterdam. Historically, the NuStar Europe business has experienced a high contract renewal rate with its customers with storage utilisation rates averaging approximately 90% in the first half of 2018
Inter Pipeline’s European storage subsidiary, Inter Terminals has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the issued share capital of NuStar Energy, L.P.’s European bulk liquid storage business, NuStar Europe for cash consideration of USD$270 million, or approximately CAD$354 million.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
“The addition of NuStar Europe is an exciting step forward for our European bulk liquid storage business,” commented Christian Bayle, Inter Pipeline’s president and chief executive officer.
“The acquisition materially increases our overall storage capacity and establishes Inter Terminals as the UK’s largest independent storage operator.
Furthermore, the transaction provides an attractive entry into the Port of Amsterdam. The Port is the world’s largest gasoline blending hub and has experienced significant storage growth over the years.”
NuStar Europe consists of seven coastal terminals totaling 9.1 million barrels of storage. One terminal is located in Amsterdam, Netherlands with the remaining facilities located in the United Kingdom (UK) near London, Runcorn, Eastham, Grangemouth, Clydebank and Belfast. The acquisition will increase Inter Terminal’s storage capacity by approximately 33% to 37 million barrels.
In the UK, the 1.9 million barrel Grays terminal is strategically located on the river Thames and serves the greater London area. Grays is responsible for handling approximately 17 million barrels of refined products per year, and provides cost effective access to London’s fuel distribution network. The 49-tank terminal has averaged approximately 100 percent utilisation over the past three years.
The smaller terminals at Belfast, Eastham, Grangemouth, Runcorn and Clydebank in the UK primarily support the distribution of petrochemicals, gasoline, diesel and sulphur to regional demand centres.
The 3.8 million barrel state-of-the-art terminal in Amsterdam plays a key role in the Port of Amsterdam with approximately 10% of the independent storage capacity. The terminal provides gasoline, gas oil and fuel oil storage, and blending services, including those required to produce IMO 2020 compliant marine fuels. The 44-tank facility has averaged approximately 100% utilisation over the past three years.
Cash flow in the business is supported by cost-of-service and fixed-fee contracts with major integrated oil companies, petrochemical companies and petroleum traders with terms typically ranging from one to five years. Additional revenue is generated through ancillary services such as product blending and throughput fees.www.interterminals.com
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New vehicles at DJ Davies Fuels
Commercial director Jonathan Davies beside the new vehicles which have been named Glyndwr and Dai after former members of staff
Joining a fleet of 15 trucks, Ammanford-based DJ Davies Fuels has acquired its first Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit and a 3.5-tonne FUSO Canter from Euro Commercials.
Operating from a strategically located network of depots throughout South Wales, DJ Davies not only supplies domestic heating oil, industrial, commercial and agricultural fuel oils, but also premium solid fuels, including smokeless coal, multi-fuel briquettes and firewood logs.
The Canter is now undertaking local deliveries from Lampeter – and offers a nationwide solid fuel delivery service to retail customers via fuels4u.com.
The tractor unit is busy undertaking work for the Fuel Express consortium which specialises in the distribution of a pre-packed domestic fuel, barbecue charcoal, gas and ancillary products to national and independent forecourts and convenience stores. Recent expansion has seen DJ Davies not only covering Wales for Fuel Express, but also now having additional responsibility for south west England.
Commercial director Jonathan Davies whose grandfather Denzil founded the business in 1971, said:
“Both new trucks are named after former employees. The Actros is ‘Glyndwr’, in honour of Glyndwr Williams, a lorry enthusiast who worked for the company as a driver’s helper for more than 30 years, before retiring due to ill health in 2017.
The Canter is named after Dai Collins, who passed away in 2014 after losing his battle with cancer – Mr Collins had spent his working life at the Swansea branch which DJ Davies acquired 10 years ago.
“Glyndwr and Dai were both very popular with colleagues and these expressions of recognition for former members of staff have been very well received by those with whom they worked. Glyndwr is delighted to see his name on the Actros, and Dai’s family have thanked us for the gesture.”www.djdaviesfuels.co.uk
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Two acquisitions for the Crown Oil Group
Having recently acquired Birlem Oil, the Crown Oil Group’s Speedy Fuels brand is looking forward to expanding its presence in the south east
This month has seen Crown Oil acquire two fuel distributors – Oldbury-based Beesley Fuels and London-based Birlem Oil.
Run by the Beesley family for more than 50 years, Beesley Fuels which turns over £8.5m, was sold for an undisclosed sum. Having worked together for the past 20 years, when Andrew Beesley decided to retire, Crown made the decision to purchase.
“I’m delighted to see Beesley Fuels become part of another strong family business and looking forward to watching it flourish,” said Andrew.
Expanding its presence in the south east, the Crown Group’s Speedy Oil brand has also acquired Birlem Oil which has three depots east, west and north of London.
“We’re delighted with the acquisition of Birlem,” said Matthew Greensmith, managing director of the Crown Oil Group.
“We’ve worked with the Buckley family for a number of years and they share the same values as us, the business is a natural fit for the group.”
“Speedy has been a valued partner of Birlem for a number of years so it seemed only right that the business should continue its journey under its care,” added Kirk Buckley.
“We’re pleased to have been able to reach a deal with Crown and the Greensmith family and look forward to watching Birlem go from strength to strength under their ownership.”crownoil.co.uk
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Greenergy invests in waste-to-biodiesel supply chain with Rexon acquisition
Greenergy has acquired 100% of the shares of Rexon Energy, a used cooking oil exporter based in Singapore. This is an upstream investment for Greenergy to provide raw materials for its biodiesel manufacturing operations including those at Immingham and Teesside.
“We have increased our purchasing of used cooking oils from around the world over a number of years and Rexon has become a significant supplier,” said Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“Our acquisition of Rexon provides greater integration in this part of our supply chain.”
Greenergy continues to expand its manufacturing operations through incremental investment at its facilities on Teesside and at Immingham in the UK. The company has also recently acquired a biodiesel manufacturing facility in Amsterdam which is due to commence production in 2019.
www.greenergy.com
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Vivergo Fuels announces closure plans
The Renewable Energy Association (REA) has called on the government to introduce E10 at the earliest possible opportunity as news emerged earlier this month of Vivergo Fuels’ plans to close its bioethanol plant in Hull.
Making the announcement, Mark Chesworth, Vivergo Fuels’ managing director, said:
“The government’s lack of pace to introduce E10 over the past decade has further undermined our ability to operate” and contributed to the decision to close a plant capable of producing up to 420m litres a year of bioethanol.
The government wants to see the introduction of greener petrol with twice the renewable ethanol content – known as E10 – and is currently running a consultation on the subject. E10 will deliver emissions savings equivalent to taking 700,000 cars off the road as well as bringing many other benefits.
However, the government has merely issued a call for evidence on introduction of E10, whereas the main proposal in the consultation document is a requirement on larger filling stations to ensure regular E5 petrol continues to remain available. The document acknowledges this requirement would have the consequence of delaying the introduction of E10.
“Introducing E10 should be a government priority,” said Gaynor Hartnell, REA’s head of renewable fuels.
“Vivergo is a part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse project and a great example of highly-skilled British manufacturing. At a time when the UK is facing substantial external energy risks government should be doing all it can to ensure a market for domestically-produced, environmentally sustainable fuels.
“A simple mandate is favoured by most of the relevant stakeholders, including the NFU and ourselves; had the current government consultation proposed this, perhaps Vivergo would not be making this announcement.”
vivergofuels.com
www.r-e-a.net
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HOYER expands UK Petrolog fleet
With almost 500 tractor units across the UK, HOYER is the market leader in fuel distribution
HOYER is expanding its Petrolog fleet in the UK with the arrival of 89 new MAN vehicles. The deliveries, set to complete this October, comprise 75 replacement vehicles plus 14 additional vehicles for the company’s recently attained business across the UK.
The new fleet additions are all Euro 6 TGS 24.420’s with a total of 85 day cabs and four sleeper cabs.
The MAN deal offers Petrolog a comprehensive fixed price repair and maintenance package across a mixture of three and five-year lease agreements.
“We are delighted to be bringing in new vehicles to replace our older tractor units and additional vehicles to support our growing aviation and ground fuels business and, in doing so, continuing our longstanding relationship with MAN,” said operations director Allan Davison.
The new TGS 24.420’s join an existing UK fleet of 500 HOYER vehicles. Operating nationally across the UK HOYER sites the new vehicles will be serviced and maintained by the strategically located nationwide MAN dealer network.
“With almost 500 tractor units across the UK, HOYER is the market leader in fuel distribution,” added Ian Mclean, head of international key accounts and special products.
“It is fantastic to see MAN vehicles and service underpinning this growth and delivering on the company’s requirements. As a manufacturer, MAN offer a robust and trusted ADR and pet-reg approved vehicle solution, which in turn has the support from a focused dealer network who provide the highest levels of after sales support to hazardous goods vehicles and operators.”www.hoyer.uk.com
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Team Donegal Oil conquer the Race across America
Nothing could stop these Donegal lads from continuing to cycle non-stop day and night with only the finish line in their sights
Four men from Donegal have completed the toughest cycle race in the world – The Race Across America (RAAM) – in just seven and a half days!
Taking part were – Milford native, Arthur McMahon of Donegal Oil and his team mates – Padraig MacGinty from Downings, Convoy’s Gavin Harris and Gerard Callaghan from Letterkenny. The first ever team from Donegal to take part in this ultra-endurance cycle race, the four were also proud to be the only team to be representing Ireland this year.
The cycle race spanned over 3200 miles across 12 US States from the east to west coast of America. The race started in Oceanside, California where the team endured extreme weather conditions from intense heat through the desert, to lightning and rain storms with a severe tornado in Kansas.
The team was overwhelmed by the support and well wishes received from home, family and friends from across the world and would like to thank everyone who has donated to their autism charity.
“Every cent of the money raised will go towards providing schools, sports clubs and charities with educational aids for children and adults on the autistic spectrum,” said Arthur McMahon.
If you like to make a donation to the Donegal Oil Foundation’s donations page, please visit: https://www.ifundraise.ie/3801_donegal-oil-foundation—fundraising-page-in-aid-of-austism.html
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Rising price of oil helps drive growth at Rix
Rory Clarke, managing director of J.R. Rix & Sons, overlooking the company’s Hull fuel depot
Hull-based J.R. Rix & Sons grew turnover by 17% in 2017 with all companies in the Group reporting an improved performance on the previous year.
Group revenue increased by £60m to £407m in the 12 months to December 31st, 2017, with profit remaining stable at just under £5m.
Holiday home and lodge manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes continued to make inroads into the industry, growing market share significantly and increasing sales from £19.5m in 2016 to £26.5m last year. The company was bolstered by the strength of the UK holiday market and the weak pound.
The weak pound also combined with an increase in the price of oil prompting growth at the Group’s inland and marine fuels businesses. Rix Petroleum – the largest company in the Group – increased sales from £272m to £304m and maritime bunkering’s revenue increased from £25.4m in 2016 to £38m in 2017.
Rix Shipping, which manages the company’s shipping fleet and stevedoring operations in Hull and Montrose, saw turnover nearly double across the year from £7.2m in 2016 to £13.6m last year, and the Group’s car and commercial vehicle retailer, Jordans Cars, reported a slight growth in sales from £23.6m to £25.4m.
Managing director Rory Clarke described the performances as solid, adding that much of the growth had come from an increase in the price of oil.
“Overall Group turnover leapt by £60m with all divisions performing well. Although a number of external factors affect the performance of our businesses – the relative strength of the pound, the weather and the price of oil – good governance, keeping a close eye on costs and having a thorough understanding of the environment in which we operate are still key to driving growth.
‘’It is particularly pleasing that once again all the operating businesses within the group made a positive contribution to what was a good year for J.R. Rix & Sons.”www.rix.co.uk