Spotlight 29
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
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
“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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Greenergy has reached an agreement with Oiltanking, a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls, to purchase an idle biodiesel manufacturing facility located at Oiltanking’s site in Amsterdam. The acquisition of a third biodiesel plant will allow Greenergy to meet growing demand for waste-based biofuel in the UK and Europe.
The Amsterdam biodiesel manufacturing facility was built in 2010 to process vegetable oils but was never commissioned. Greenergy plans to carry out works over the next year to convert the facility to process waste oils rather than vegetable oils and then to add further production capacity.
“Demand for waste-based biodiesel is rising rapidly in the UK and Europe as a result of higher obligated biofuel inclusion rates,” explained Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“Over the last few years we have scaled up our raw material supply chains and invested in our UK manufacturing facilities, increasing output through a variety of incremental investments. We are now leveraging these skills and capabilities to develop a third plant.”
Heat Heroes and FPS members look on as Heart of England Foundation’s Jen Tullet (l), holds the cheque for £11,594 alongside Dawn Shakespeare of the FPS
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) – together with Midlands-based heating oil distributors, AID Fuels, Nolan Oils and Midland Fuel Oil – have been fundraising to help those in fuel poverty and have awarded £11,594 to four National Energy Action (NEA) Heat Heroes Award winners.
Organised by NEA, which works to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Heat Heroes Awards aim to recognise individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to help people living in fuel poverty in their local community.
Having raised £11,594 from two years of fundraising events, the FPS and its members asked The Heart of England Community Foundation to administer the funds with the following chosen to receive £2898.50 each.
“We heartily congratulate all the winners of the NEA Heat Heroes Awards 2018,” said Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive.
“We’re pleased that with the help of our Midlands-based members, we’ve been able to raise a significant sum of money. We’re also impressed by the extraordinary efforts made by these four winners and have no doubt they’ll put the money to incredibly good use.”Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau – Natalie French, fuel poverty advisor intends to use the donation to continue to support people through the bureau’s telephone assessment and advice service; helping more people save money on their heating bills and become more energy efficient.Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts – Russell Bosanko, financial capability officer helps people save energy; the money will be put towards staging a number of events and attending community events to provide energy advice and support to those most in need of assistance with fuel bills. Wolverhampton Homes – Alvina Ali, energy and climate change officer will address fuel poverty with a series of initiatives, products and services to help tenants and residents to budget and control energy consumption. Home energy visits are an essential part of delivering a customer friendly solution as they give us the tools we need to help support and protect vulnerable residents living in fuel poverty whilst helping them to sustain their tenancies.Marches Energy Agency – Davina Allen, project manager supports vulnerable clients by finding ways to cut energy bills, looking for good deals and reducing fuel debt – the money will provide additional resources for their independent phoneline service across Shropshire, Herefordshire and southern Staffordshire.
“We were delighted that FPS chose our Foundation to administer these funds,” said Tina Costello CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation.
“The Heat Heroes Award winners have done brilliantly to support those struggling in their communities and we are sure their fine work will continue!”www.fpsonline.co.ukwww.nea.org.uk/award-schemes
Hytek (GB) Limited, which consists of Hytek, IFC Inflow and Anglo Nordic Burner Products, purchased Pumptronics Europe Limited from previous owners, The Premier Group, in May 2018.
Hytek and Pumptronics, which were both established in 1985, will continue to operate in their current locations of Bishops Stortford and North Walsham respectively, and will continue to produce their own strongly identifiable products such as the Hytek Alpha pump range and the Pumptronics Zeon and C-series ranges.
“Hytek is very excited to have Pumptronics join the Hytek group,” said Nicola Stamp, group managing director of Hytek (GB).
“Whilst there is some overlap in both the product line-up and customer base, there are real benefits that joint ownership will bring to both brands.”
“Hytek has been a competitor for many years, however, we can be much stronger together,” said Andrew Olive, Pumptronics’ managing director.
“I look forward to seeing if there’s anything we can adopt that will improve our service levels to our customers. As far as product sales, ordering and manufacturing are concerned, the main message is business as usual.
“I look forward to working with Pumptronics in the future and to supplying both existing and new customers within the market,” added Hytek’s sales director, Andy Seal.
www.hytekgb.com
www.pumptronics.co.uk
CEO William Bannister – MFG is ‘now better positioned to successfully perform as the UK’s number one independent operator’
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) is ranked 6th in a league table of Britain’s one hundred private companies with the biggest sales in the 17th annual Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 100.
Issued on Sunday (8th July), the league table ranks companies by sales as reported in their latest available accounts, or by more up-to-date figures as reported directly to Fast Track by the companies. This year, the 100 companies reached a record £205bn in total sales, up an average of 16% on the prior year, with record total profits of £23.5bn, up by 10%. An impressive 90 companies increased sales in their latest financial year.
“This is the first time that we have appeared in this league table, and to come in at number six is a great acknowledgement of the hardworking performance of the whole MFG team,” said William Bannister, MFG’s chief executive officer.
“Looking forward, I am confident that with our recent acquisition (21 June 2018) of MRH, we are now even better positioned to successfully perform as the UK’s number one independent forecourt operator.”
The league table is sponsored by HSBC, Linklaters and PwC and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events company.www.motorfuelgroup.com
Welcoming the ‘opportunity to increase our customer base’ Ruairidh Beath, regional director for Rix Petroleum at Wynnstay Fuels
Rix Petroleum has expanded its UK depot network into North West England and Wales for the first time in its 140-year history. The acquisition of Wynnstay Fuels, with depots at Waverton, Chester, and Pwllheli, North Wales, was completed by parent company, J.R. Rix & Sons, on Thursday, June 21st.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, brings Rix Petroleum’s national network to 14 depots, ranging from Aberdeen in the north to Essex in the south, and from Hull in the east across to Pwllheli.
Headquartered in Hull, Rix now has depots in all the regions of England and Scotland, as well as one in Wales, for the first time.
J.R. Rix & Sons purchased the business from owners Wynnstay PLC and majority shareholder Jeff Kendrick who said:
“The time has finally come for me to retire but I am delighted to be selling to family-owned business Rix.
“I can see that Rix genuinely care about their customers and staff and I have no doubt that they will look after the customers and staff of Wynnstay.”
Rory Clarke, managing director of J.R Rix & Sons, said the Wynnstay business was a valuable addition to the company’s network.
“There is a lot of synergy between Wynnstay Fuels, which runs a fleet of 8 tankers, and Rix Petroleum in terms of values and commitment to customer service, so when we heard Jeff was planning to retire it made sense for us to look to acquire the business.
“From a location point of view, this acquisition gives us a much stronger foothold in North West England and Wales, so we’re delighted we were able to agree a deal and take over the reins from Jeff.”
Ruairidh Beath, regional director for Rix Petroleum, added: “We already sell fuel to customers in Wales through our local business Rix Petroleum (Mercia) Ltd which is based in Market Drayton. We welcome this opportunity to increase our customer base in the area.”www.rix.co.uk
This month’s Cornish front cover star, Consols Oils, has entered its Isuzu Truck Forward N75.150 (M) Urban 7.5 tonners for the title of 2018 Fuel Oil News tanker of the year.
Group board director Mark Binns presents the winning driver Michael Williams with his prizes
Driver technician Michael Williams has been crowned HOYER Petrolog’s top driver of 2018. Based with the Petrolog Fleet at Stanlow in Cheshire, Michael, who received a £2250 Red Letter Day prize, has worked for HOYER for just over three years.
Last month 14 drivers representing each of the company’s major UK contracts* were invited to the finals which took place at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire where Sigma Studies partnered HOYER in creating the event.
As expansion manager for JET Germany, Soenke Voges was instrumental in bringing more than 100 new sites into the German portfolio within 5 years
To strengthen the brand and drive further growth in JET’s UK forecourt network, the company has appointed Soenke Voges as its new UK retail business manager.
Reporting directly to Mary Wolf, managing director of UK marketing, Soenke will oversee JET’s sales, brand, retail services and transport operations. Soenke was formerly expansion manager for JET Germany where he was instrumental in bringing more than 100 new sites into JET Germany’s portfolio in just five years.
“My initial focus will be on reviewing JET’s UK operations and taking advantage of best practices from our operations in North America and Europe where we have achieved considerable success. Working closely with my highly capable and ambitious teams here in UK marketing, my priority is to develop a future-proof strategy that will ensure JET’s continued growth throughout 2018 and beyond.”
JET has further strengthened its presence in the south east with three new sites Basildon Service Station in Reading, Brookside Filling Station in Hungerford and Postcombe Service Station in Thame, Oxfordshire. The sites which have a combined volume of 5mlpa, have already been reimaged and are being supplied out of the West London Terminal. It is anticipated that volumes will rise considerably under the JET brand.
“The south east is an important growth region for JET,” said Chris Murphy, JET’s retail account manager for the south east.
We don’t currently have many JET sites in Reading or Oxford, so it’s great that we can introduce the JET brand to these new communities. We’re delighted to welcome these new sites to our network and look forward to helping them flourish in the coming months and years.”www.jetlocal.co.uk/jet-fuels/
Going to the ends of the earth to help Borne
Through its depots in Birtley, Hartlepool, Thetford and York, Oil NRG has lent its support to Borne, a medical research charity which aims to identify the causes of premature birth.
Earlier this month a team of 10, including former English rugby player, Will Greenwood MBE, a Sky commentator, Borne Patron and friend of Oil NRG, embarked on a 10-day expedition.
In one of the most extreme tests of physical and psychological endurance, the team traversed the last half degree to the North Pole crossing the frozen ocean to reach the ends of the earth.
The team set a target of £1,050,000 with Oil NRG aiming to raise £2,500 to help save lives, prevent disability and give millions of children the chance of a full life, free of disability. Borne will use funds raised to support its vital research into the causes and prevention of preterm labour and births.
To date Oil NRG has raised over £1,706 of its £2,500 fund raising target.
“We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who has donated so far,” said Oil NRG’s sales director, Jeremy Royle.
“All donations will help – no matter how big or small!”
To support Oil NRG’s fund-raising, please visitwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/oil-nrg
Harrogate’s mayor, councillor Anne Jones, was in attendance at last week’s official opening of the new training and distribution centre which featured a ribbon cutting ceremony by Belzona’s president, Joel Svendsen and a professional bubble blower
Celebrating its 66th anniversary this year, Belzona shows no signs of slowing down with the opening of a brand-new state of the art training and distribution centre.
The Harrogate-based company, which provides industrial protective coatings and repair composites, ran 40 courses in 2017 for over 175 delegates from distributorships around the world. The company still manufactures at its head office in Harrogate and exports to over 160 countries worldwide.
The new £6 million facility will more than double Belzona’s current distribution area floor space, with 12 metres of usable height, adding around 4000 pallet spaces and 166,100 cubic feet of total floor area. The new training area features a fully equipped presentation suite as well as a new practical training/demonstrating classroom, showing Belzona’s continued focus on training and raising global application standards.
“Here at Belzona we believe that training is vital to success,” said engineering director, David Blackwell.
“Training empowers people to meet the demands made of them in the work environment and prepares them for the unexpected situations that life will throw at them. Belzona’s practical training courses are designed to enhance the theoretical aspects of Belzona solutions by placing them in a practical context.
“This is a major investment in the future of Belzona, which will greatly benefit the local community, the distributors from across the globe, as well as the vast number of Belzona users.”
Guy Pulham, who has succeeded Mark Askew as CEO of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, is seeking ‘greater engagement of members, Government and other trade associations’
Earlier this month Guy Pulham started his new role as chief executive officer (CEO) of The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS).
Essar Oil UK continues to invest at Stanlow and has expanded its UK retail network to 46 sites
Essar Oil (UK), which owns and operates the Stanlow Refinery, has announced record figures for the first six months of the financial year ending March 31st 2018.
“Essar is committed to the growth of the UK’s Oil & Gas economy – the Stanlow refinery is a core sector asset of national importance for the UK and we’re extremely happy that it has been delivering consistently robust performance,” said Prashant Ruia, Essar Oil UK’s non-executive chairman.
“Since acquisition we’ve invested more than $800 million and have now started reaping the benefits of this investment.”
The refinery, which produces 16% of the UK’s road transport fuel demand, processed 4.5 MMT of crude, in line with the 4.5 MMT during H1 FY17.
Making good progress on its plans to invest $250 million in capex and maintenance at Stanlow in FY18, Essar Oil UK’s major investment will ramp up throughput, improve yields, drive revenues and increase annual throughput from 68 million to 75 million barrels.
A focus on margin booster initiatives and cost efficiencies has seen a significant improvement in the operating and financial performance during this time.
In FY15 Stanlow was reconfigured and optimised to a single train operation which increased the yield of high margin products such as gasoline and middle distillates.
In addition, the crude slate has been materially diversified with the introduction of many new grades, including four new grades in the past six months.
These major initiatives have resulted in a latest half yearly delta over the benchmark margin of $4.8/bbl, as against under $1/bbl in 2012.Operational and financial performance: Key Indicators
Harvest Energy, the retail division of the Prax Group, has acquired Retail Fuels Limited which owns and operates nine retail forecourts in the UK
Completed in December, the acquisition reflects the Group’s strategic objective to expand its retail footprint and brand presence across the UK marketplace.
Currently operating under the BP brand, the nine retail forecourts are principally located in the north west of England with six in Merseyside, two in Greater Manchester and one in the Midlands. Each site has a quality property offering, which following redevelopment will deliver incremental shop and forecourt revenues.
“UK forecourts have become convenience destinations in many different respects,” said Sanjeev Kumar, co-founder and chief executive officer of the Prax Group.
“Whether it is shopping on the way home in the evening, picking up a quality coffee or snack on the way into work, or even dropping off or collecting parcels, changes in consumer behaviour have presented strong opportunities for companies who are prepared to invest in their forecourt stores and food offerings.
“This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our existing estate in the UK and leveraging our expertise in operating high-quality service area offerings with a strong food-to-go focus, which will help attract forecourt footfall. The team will enhance the customer experience by raising standards in-store and on the forecourt services.
“I would like to take this opportunity to convey our thanks and appreciation to all colleagues who supported the successful completion of this transaction, as well as extending a very warm welcome to our new forecourt teams. We look forward to working together to become one of the UK forecourt sector’s most significant operators.”
www.harvestenergy.com
www.prax.com