Spotlight 32
Volker Shultz, Essar Oil UK chief executive
Essar Oil UK has reconfigured its Stanlow Refinery to increase the production of high value products and further reduce the amount of fuel oil and naphtha produced on the site.
Maintenance has recently been completed on a key furnace in the main distiller unit, and the site’s smaller CD3 crude distillation unit has been mothballed earlier than originally planned, resulting in reduced fuel oil and naphtha production, and improved margins and cost efficiencies.
It is expected that Stanlow’s yield profile will be approximately 33% gasoline, 57% kerosene and diesel and 3% fuel oil, with crude and feedstock throughput reducing from 75 to 71 million barrels per annum.
This is the latest in a series of cost efficiency initiatives at Stanlow, which include the expansion of the refinery’s crude slate, the 25 year “re-lifing” of Europe’s largest catalytic cracker, and the introduction of natural gas fuel to all high pressure boilers on site.
In addition, the recent voluntary leaver incentive scheme, proposed by a joint working group of employees, has been well received by staff, with organisational changes already delivering additional cost savings.
Essar Oil UK chief executive, Volker Schultz, commented: “This new optimised configuration has delivered an immediate improvement to our refining economics. This is in addition to the margin enhancement initiatives already introduced, with a large number of other projects still ongoing.
“Despite the challenges facing the European refining industry, Stanlow is becoming an even more advantaged site, having undergone a major turnaround only last November, including the 25 year re-lifing of Europe’s biggest cat cracker.
“The entire business is committed to identifying and implementing additional opportunities to improve margins, with organisational streamlining also strengthening our competitive position and ensuring we have the right blend of skills and experience to build a positive and long term future for our business.”
Stanlow produces approximately 15% of UK transport fuels, including three billion litres of petrol, 3.5 billion litres of diesel and two billion litres of jet fuel per year.
Thames Enterprise Park has taken a major step towards the economic development of the site of the former Coryton Refinery with the appointment of contractors to demolish the redundant refinery and boiler house.
A vision prepared by the owners of Thames Enterprise Park for creation of a centre of excellence in energy and environmental technologies has won the support of Thurrock Council. Up to 400 acres of the 580-acre former refinery site are to be used for Thames Enterprise Park, with 140 acres now immediately available and another 70 acres to be freed up by the clearance of the refinery.
The former refinery’s tanks, jetties and loading racks are being converted into a deep water import and blending terminal at neighbouring Thames Oilport, the design of which is still under review, so will not be demolished by the contractors.
Graham Alexander, head of business development at Thames Enterprise Park, commented: “The business of Thames Enterprise Park is progressing well ahead of our investment expectations. The potential of the site has become very obvious since we took ownership. It is a great strategic location for business and, as an established industrial site with river, road and pipeline access, has a unique set of attributes.”
Cllr John Kent, leader of Thurrock Council, said: “While it’s sad to see another of Thurrock’s old landmarks disappear, at the same time it’s exciting as another dynamic industry rises here and utilises our unique geographical advantages.”
Demolition of the refinery is expected to take approximately two years.
For more about the Coryton refinery – see also page 7 in the October 2014 issue of Fuel Oil News
Left to right: Tom Noonan’s wife Mary, Tom Noonan, compere Miriam O’Callaghan and Tom Noonan junior
Maxol chief executive officer, Tom Noonan, was presented with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at Ireland’s ninth annual Forecourt & Convenience Retailer (IFCR) awards ceremony in Dublin earlier this month.
Tom, who joined Maxol 35 years ago as a personnel manager, accepted the accolade from the awards’ host, Irish radio and television presenter, Miriam O’Callaghan.
He told the 350-strong audience that he was delighted to win the award and spoke about his time working in the Irish fuel industry, the people he has encountered over the years and how Maxol’s forecourt and convenience business has continued to develop during his tenure.
Tom added that when he joined Maxol, the industry was 90% owned by foreign firms but that today it is 75% owned by Irish companies who are setting the standard in forecourt convenience retailing that is the envy of similar operations around the world. “Maxol is at the forefront of this movement, as evidenced by the recent launch of our new food brand “Moreish”, which highlights our dedication to further evolving and enhancing Maxol’s overall forecourt experience.”
Maxol also had another winner on the night as Conway’s Maxol/Spar, Ratoath, Co Meath picked up the award for the “Best Site” with a licence to sell alcohol.
Bill Penton, publisher of IFCR and organiser of the awards event, said that he had been very impressed by the high calibre of all the finalists in this year’s competition.
“Continuous investment in new forecourts means that the standards are getting higher every year and that means much-needed new jobs and support for Irish suppliers, growers and manufacturers,” he said.
Dean Leggett, service manager at Haartz Tanker
Dean Leggett has joined Haartz Tanker as service manager.
Dean takes to Haartz a wealth of knowledge and experience of the tanker industry from previous positions, including time with manufacturer GRW Engineering and with service agent, DSV.
His appointment is seen as an important step for Haartz Tanker. It will enable the company to extend its customer support services and to ensure that the expanding fleet of tankers are maintained to the highest operational and legal standard.
Tim Heaton, managing director of Haartz Tanker, said: “It’s great that Dean already knows most of our customers and suppliers. Dean’s energy and excellent reputation within the industry means he has already started at full speed.”www.haartztankersales.co.uk
DCC plc, the international sales, marketing, distribution and business support services group, has reached agreement in principle with Esso Société Anonyme Française (“Esso SAF”) to acquire the Esso Express unmanned retail petrol station network and the Esso Motorway concessions in France.
The acquisition is subject to the conclusion of the French Works Council consultation process and EC competition clearance. The transaction is expected to complete in the first half of 2015. The total consideration will be €106 million (£84 million), plus stock in tank at the date of acquisition.
This will be DCC Energy’s second major acquisition in the European unmanned retail petrol station market following the acquisition of Qstar in Sweden in May 2014 and is a further step in DCC’s strategy to build a larger presence in the transport fuels sector.
The acquisition will comprise: Esso SAF’s network of 274 Esso Express unmanned petrol stations; 48 Esso branded motorway concessions; and contracts to supply around 75 dealer owned and operated sites. As part of the transaction, DCC Energy will enter into a long term branded supply agreement with Esso SAF.
The acquired business will have annual volumes of approximately 1.9 billion litres, revenues of approximately €2.2 billion (£1.7 billion) and is expected to generate an initial return on invested capital of approximately 15%.
On completion of the acquisition, DCC Energy will operate 672 retail service stations across Europe and supply in excess of 2,000 dealer owned service stations. On a pro-forma basis, DCC Energy’s product split by volume will be 58% road transport fuels, 16% commercial fuels, 16% heating oil and 10% LPG.
Tommy Breen, chief executive of DCC plc, commented: “The acquisition of Esso SAF Retail will be DCC Energy’s first acquisition in France. It represents a significant further step in DCC’s strategy to build a larger presence in the transport fuels sector and provides DCC with an excellent platform for growth in the French market.”
According to experts at the 2nd Annual Oil & Gas Summit which took place in Dublin last month, a degree of preparedness with regards to infrastructure and education is required to fully take advantage of a possible oil find in Ireland. Irish correspondent Aine Faherty reports from the event
The message that oil is most likely to be found off the coast of Ireland was clear at this two-day event; the only question left unanswered is where exactly will it be found?
The Porcupine Basin area in the Atlantic, an area of 1,400 square kilometres to the south west of counties Kerry, Clare and Galway is considered most probable. In the past, the area has seen some success, now there is massive investment underway.
There will be further exploration in Porcupine with two possible drills taking place between now and 2016, according to Hugh Mackay, CEO, Europa Oil & Gas. Companies involved include Cairn Energy and Kosmos Energy, both have their own rigs. “As such, they are the masters of their own destiny,” said Hugh.
A number of prospects have also been identified around the Larne-Lough Neagh Basin in County Antrim reported Dr Andrew Hindle, CEO of InfraStrata with the best estimate being that there could be more than ‘50 million barrels of oil in the area’. This area is to be further investigated with an exploration due to begin later this year.
Could Cork become the oil capital of Ireland?
Gordon McIntosh, director of enterprise, planning and infrastructure for Aberdeen City Council spoke about the services and infrastructure that took Scottish city Aberdeen from a ‘small, underdeveloped fishing town’ to a centre of excellence and the oil capital of Europe.
With many similarities to Aberdeen, Cork could make great strides to become another oil capital said Gordon who cited the city’s good harbour as one of its best assets to support a burgeoning oil industry.
“Education is the key,” said Gordon. Two universities in Aberdeen offer courses relating to the oil industry producing talented individuals who are specifically trained to further strengthen the oil industry.
Worldwide it can be hard to attract people to oil and gas exploration. With Ireland having thousands of people directly and indirectly involved in oil exploration, the consensus is that an oil find is required soon. Speaking at a panel discussion about how Ireland can adapt to a burgeoning oil industry, Cathal Friel, chairman of Fastnet Oil & Gas said interest in the industry will most certainly develop after such a find.
When, and not if, an oil find happens, the experts say the country must be prepared in advance with infrastructure and education in place. Only then will Ireland be ready to take advantage of such a commodity and feed the industry with the skilled labour force required.
Share your opinion of Ireland’s oil potential with Aine Faherty at Aine@fueloilnews.co.uk
Jordan Ingoe, Ingoe Oils
“At Ingoe Oils we like to take a proactive approach to selling. Firstly and most importantly we always make sure we know the geographical area that we want to target and the customer sector populating it so that we can quote competitively on the appropriate product. We have a CRM Dynamics package in place which links through to our back office Fuelsoft software. This allows us to import data and create customer links and leads. We can use this package to effectively target customers through email and postal marketing for either kerosene or gas oil depending on the weather conditions. We also attend several local summer agricultural shows to meet new and existing customers. Our sales team speaks to both new and existing customers on a daily basis to make sure that we meet their fuel requirements and that they’re happy with the service and price that we provide.”
Neil Flynn, Linton Fuel Oils
“The key factor to securing business through adopting a proactive sales culture is knowledge – know your customers and understand how their business operates. Confidence is gained by knowing that your commercial offer would almost certainly influence their buying habits. You also need to be fully aware of all competitor activity within your market sector. The ideal scenario is to have a keen seller and a keen buyer. Successful businesses purchase what they need, not what they want. Remember that the customer has to buy from someone at some point, so just ask yourself one simple question why wouldn’t a customer buy from you? Sales do not always have to come from structured campaigns, but from seizing the moment, turning enquiries into opportunities – think outside the box, appreciate what constitutes as a sale: a product or service, increasing margin retention, adding volume or introducing another product.” Finally, successful business transactions come from good relationships and not always good prices – people deal with people!!
Phillips 66 staff prepare for the Grand Union Canal Challenge
Phillips 66 has raised vital funds for ILEAP, a South Warwickshire charity that provides inclusive community-based leisure activities for vulnerable children and adults with additional needs.
In July a team from Phillips 66 took part in the Grand Union Canal Challenge, raising a total of £6,300 for the charity. Twenty seven employees faced the tough challenge of walking, cycling, or kayaking 60 miles along the canal in just 24 hours. The distance of 60 miles was chosen because 2014 marks the 60th anniversary of JET, the fuel brand of Phillips 66.
Peter Bazeley, ILEAP manager, said: “The money raised by Phillips 66 will pay for the 2014 ILEAP summer holiday activity programme, providing over 100 disabled people with personalised activities throughout summer.”
Pete George, managing director, Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing, added: “We pride ourselves in giving back to our local communities. It’s part of our legacy and identity as a company. Here at our Warwick office we strongly believe in giving back to our communities in various ways. ILEAP provides fantastic support to families throughout the region so we were delighted to donate all the funds raised through our Grand Union Canal Challenge to this very worthy cause.”www.phillips66.com
MFG managing director, Jeremy Clarke
Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has signed an agreement to purchase the retail assets of Murco Petroleum Limited (Murco), which is scheduled to close by the end of September.
Jeremy Clarke, managing director, MFG said: “We are delighted with this exciting transaction. The signing of this agreement supports our stated objective to grow Motor Fuel Group into a significant force in the UK forecourt sector.”
MFG currently operates 60 stations throughout the UK. Operating primarily under the BP and Jet fuel brands, the company also offers the Costcutter brand at forecourts.
The acquisition of Murco will add another 228 company stations to the MFG network and a 200 plus dealer network to the Group. All of these stations will continue to offer fuel under the Murco brand. The forecourt shops on the Murco company station network also operate under the Costcutter brand. www.motorfuelgroup.com
OPW has signed an agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Liquip International.
David Crouse, OPW president of OPW, commented: “The acquisition of Liquip is another important step in the global growth strategy of OPW. Liquip significantly strengthens OPW’s fluid handling position in Australia and throughout Asia Pacific. By combining our products, we create a truly best in class product portfolio meeting the unique requirements of our chemical and industrial and tank truck customers.”
Liquip expects to generate revenue of approximately USD $40 million in 2014. The transaction is subject to certain customary and other closing conditions, and is expected to close in the third quarter.
Phillips 66 received the prestigious Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety, together with two ‘Guardian Angel’ awards at the 2014 RoSPA awards ceremony recently.
RoSPA plays a unique role in UK health and safety, campaigning for safety change and providing services and support to help organisations to become safer and healthier places in which to work.
Russell Best, HSE adviser at Phillips 66, comments: “Receiving these awards is recognition of a far-reaching effort throughout the whole organisation. Safety is the number one priority in our industry, so it’s not surprising that safety is the first of our three core values: safety, honour & commitment.
“All staff are encouraged to share good practices in all areas, especially when it comes to safety. We work with JET dealers, distributors, contractors and hauliers to ensure they are aligned with us on their awareness and competency from a health and safety perspective.
“We achieved a zero recordable injury rate during 2013, which was an exceptional achievement and was the culmination of a strategy of strong leadership, contractor management, integration of HSE across all business segments and continuous behavioural focus.”
For the first time RoSPA’s presented specific ‘Guardian Angel’ awards this year to celebrate the work of individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to improve the safety and wellbeing of others. Phillips 66 was delighted to have two winners of this new accolade – HSE adviser Russell Best, and Dr Nick Tait, who provides occupational health support to Phillips 66 in its Warwick office.
David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as Phillips 66, contribute to a collective raising of the bar for other organisations to aspire to. We offer them our congratulations.”
Adding another dimension to Jet’s 60th anniversary celebrations is the “JET SET GO” summer promotion, launched across Jet’s dealer network to engage with customers and increase forecourt footfall.
Until 7th September, customers visiting Jet petrol stations will receive a unique code voucher to enter online where they will instantly find out if they have won one of more than 1,500 summer-themed prizes – including BBQ sets, travel gadgets, beach mats and picnic sets.
To encourage return forecourt visits, customers collecting three vouchers will automatically be entered into Jet’s prize draw to win one of four holidays worth £5,000 to a destination of their choice. Jet has partnered with its fuel customer, Jet2holidays.com, for the promotion.
Anne Day, brand communications manager of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing, comments: “Promotions have been a key element of Jet’s marketing strategy for many years and we are continually looking at new ways of engaging with our customer base.
“By making it very easy to enter, providing great instant prizes, a range of in-store POS and an integrated on and offline marketing campaign to support the promotion, we’re confident that we can drive customers on to our forecourts, increase brand loyalty and generate a real ‘feel good factor’ among UK consumers this summer.”
Dunraven’s product development manager, Michael McCaughley celebrates success at OFTEC’s Awards for Excellence
Dunraven Systems OilPal integrated heating oil management system has won the Innovative Product of the Year accolade at OFTEC’s Awards for Excellence.
Speaking after the presentation, Dunraven’s Michael McCaughley said: “We’re delighted to have won this much sought-after award. OilPal is a truly revolutionary product and the world’s first integrated heating oil management system. Not only does OilPal allow customers to monitor the level and volume of heating oil inside their tank, it allows them to check supplier prices and order fuel from any web connected device, including smartphones and tablets.
“As a business-to-consumer (B2C) product, OilPal perfectly complements our existing depot based Apollo RMS remote tank monitoring system. Indeed, for heating oil distributors who want the best of both worlds, we can even now offer an own-brand, white label version. This provides consumers with similar functionality to the proprietary OilPal product, whilst limiting online engagement options to a single distributor and putting that distributor’s brand at the heart of the customer experience.”
Having celebrated 10 years in business in 2013, Dunraven is currently benefiting from buoyant demand for its Apollo brand range of storage tank monitoring and energy management products – especially in international markets, which now represent the majority of the company’s sales. In response, Dunraven has recently completed a significant expansion of the company’s R&D, product assembly and customer support facilities at its Co. Louth headquarters.
Michael says, “Last year, we celebrated ten years of success. However, rather than resting on our laurels, we recognise you don’t stay ahead by standing still – especially with modern monitoring and communications technology developing at an ever faster pace. As we look ahead to Dunraven’s next decade, we will continue to develop our range of market led monitoring technologies.
“The success of our company to date has been built upon a flexible approach to customer requirements, coupled with unrivalled reliability and world class customer service. We are determined these values will remain at the heart of our business.”www.dunravensystems.com
Certas Energy has announced a new facility supplying marine gas oil MGO <0.1% sulphur DMA grade at Port of Tyne in North Shields.
The facility, which comprises of a new pipeline as well as fuel storage facilities, opened on 10th June 2014. It also offers an ex-pipe facility, a convenient service for large ships, as well as providing MGO across the North East region by truck.
Gary Byers, head of marine, said: “Our decision to expand our services with this new facility demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering a cost effective service for our customers. We are continually developing our portfolio and this is the latest expansion in the North East.
“We have forged strong relationships with UK refineries to meet the pricing and quality demands of the shipping industry and our growing depot network will ensure customers can access our products across the UK.”
Port of Tyne is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio, which is expanding across the UK. The network features depots in many major UK ports, including the Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Orkney, Southampton and Shetland Islands. It also has an ex-pipe facility at Aberdeen, barging on the Thames, the recent IFO facility in Dundee, a pipe fed marine bunker facility in Oban as well as an excellent nationwide delivery infrastructure.
The new pipeline will offer local and international customers MGO <0.1% sulphur DMA grade, which has the cold filter plugging point (CFPP) guaranteed.
Designed to offer complete flexibility for customers, there is no minimum or maximum fuel quantity and orders can be made in cubes or metric tonnes and paid for in US dollars, Pound Sterling and Euros. www.certasenergy.co.uk
l-r Simon Ashton, Simon Safety with Nicola Whitehead, Scott Safety and Alan Murray, BSIF
Simon Safety & Lifting Centre has been awarded the 2014 British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Service Award.
Managing director, Simon Ashton, said: “The BSIF Safety Awards recognise true excellence and innovation in the health and safety industry and what makes
this award even more important is that it is voted for by our valued customers. It is our total commitment at Simon Safety to keep workers safe and we are delighted to have been recognised for our dedication to industrial safety.”
The Milford Haven-based company specialises in supporting the UK energy sector through the manufacture and distribution of personal protective equipment, work wear and workplace safety supplies. www.simon-safety.co.uk
On their bikes – Mechtronic employees – Philip, Ben, Ryan, Chris and Brad
Last month a team of 11 cyclists, largely consisting of Mechtronic employees, embarked on a 74 mile bike ride across Yorkshire in aid of Heart Research UK.
The Great Yorkshire bike ride is an annual event attracting around 2,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities. The journey starts at Wetherby and finishes over 70 miles away at Filey.
The 11 strong team consisted of Mechtronic and Nicholl Oil employees. Sales and marketing manager, Andy Spencer, said: “We’re already keen cyclists so combining our enjoyment of the sport with the chance to raise money and a bit of friendly competition between the guys, seemed like a great way to continue our 10 year anniversary celebrations.”
The company is currently planning further events to celebrate its growing success, including another bike ride in September. www.mechtronic.ltd.uk
Greenergy’s approach to safety is recognised by RoSPA Gold Awards
Greenergy’s Plymouth fuel terminal and biodiesel manufacturing facility at Immingham have picked up RoSPA Gold awards for occupational health and safety.
The awards recognise the company’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of health and safety performance and management.
Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive said: “Over the last 18 months operational responsibility for both these facilities has been brought in-house. These awards recognise the continuous improvement at both sites, with the Plymouth terminal progressing from a silver award last year and our biodiesel manufacturing facility demonstrating improvement on every measure of health and safety performance.
“We’re making significant infrastructure investments at the current time, so it’s critically important that our approach to safety is of the highest standard.”
The company’s approach to safety is based on detailed and open reporting and structured follow-up. Every individual working in the business is encouraged to report near misses and hazards, however small, so they can be followed up and more serious incidents prevented. Every incident is logged, investigated, tracked and resolved through dedicated central SHE management software. This information is analysed and shared throughout the company to ensure that lessons are learnt across all parts of the business.
The RoSPA Awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. It recognises commitment to accident and ill health prevention and is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas. The scheme not only looks at accident records, but also entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. www.greenergy.com
In January Topaz and Toyota announced a new partnership which sees four new Toyota cars being supplied for the Topaz Play or Park. Paul Candon (l) is pictured with Laura Murphy, loyalty manager Topaz and Steve Tormey, deputy managing director, Toyota Ireland
Clever marketing and a culture for continuous change sees Irish owned Topaz remain one of the most recognisable and trusted fuel brands in Ireland, says the company’s marketing director Paul Candon.
Topaz keeps Ireland moving, we like to say,” says Paul of the business that is 100% Irish owned, and has 330 service stations nationwide. It also has a strong interest in the aviation, marine, gas oil and lubricants market and services the needs of an estimated 250,000 home heating customers.
In its distribution business the company sells home heating oil to Topaz owned businesses north and south of the border and to authorised distributors – some of which use the Topaz brand and others who choose to use their own brand.
A trusted brand
Paul outlines how Topaz, which employs 1,700 people is one of the most recognisable fuel brands on the island and is what people consider a trusted brand. “We have been delivering home heating oil for over 35 years, first as Shell, then Statoil, and in our current guise as Topaz for the last six years.”
The trust that consumers have in Topaz has helped it to remain one of the biggest players in the industry – an industry that has suffered considerably during recessionary times not least from the issues with fuel laundering. “People are concerned about laundering and the product they receive,” Paul says highlighting the prevalence of fuel smuggling, mixing and laundering in border counties.
“It’s estimated that 10% of diesel is laundered,” he adds. “This represents a loss of around 3.5 million euro to the Irish government and also a sizeable revenue loss north of the border.”
Paul believes however that the ROM returns that traders are now required to make, following the introduction of such measures by the Irish Revenue just over 12 months ago, has helped to make businesses more accountable and has gone some way to counter the serious problem of laundering.
“There has been an uplift in business over the last 12 months which I can’t attribute fully to the introduction of ROM, but there could be a connection.”
He also believes that Ireland has turned a corner and is coming out of recession, which is helping to improve overall business. “North of the border where Topaz commands around 8% of the home heating market, business has remained a lot steadier over the last few years compared to the shakier Republic where it has about a 20% market share.”
Driving change
At Topaz, the company serves to drive change continually and review its strategies regularly. “There is a culture of continuous improvement and change with new ideas considered on an ongoing basis,” Paul explains.
Within the last 12 months Topaz has introduced a Play or Park loyalty scheme for customers, where points are gained for making purchases of any description at Topaz. The scheme has been a great success story offering customers an incentive to fulfil all their fuel needs with Topaz. One of the great advantages of the system, which currently has 270,000 customers registered, is that it now has a direct marketing route to customers enabling the company to see and trace spending habits and market accordingly.
Going forward, Topaz plans to increase its share of business in Northern Ireland and has recently brought new people in to prepare for the task. It also hopes to look at online sales and how much this arm of the business can be grown.
Another aim in its medium-term future is to look outside Ireland and at expanding into the UK and Europe, where it sees some room for expansion.
At present in the Republic, the company is happy to consolidate its position and continue to market itself as a quality and trusted brand and one that can compete on price and value – highlighting that the Topaz experience is a total package and value is not always just about price.
Paul uses the analogy of buying batteries:” If you were going to buy batteries, would you buy a brand like Duracell or a shop’s own brand? Price is one thing but value is something else entirely.”
Since Drury Oils was set up 12 years ago, the company has grown into a stronghold business in the Roscommon town of Ballaghaderreen writes Irish correspondent Aine Faherty.
Its formula is arguably a simple one – an independent, authorised Texaco Oil distributor providing a top of the range oil service along with ancillary products that complement the business perfectly.
Small beginnings
When owner Adrian Drury started the business in 2002, a skeleton staff operated from a small yard with just two 40 foot storage tanks. Adrian drove the company’s sole delivery truck and took orders out on the road whilst wife Fiona looked after the administration.
As the business grew Adrian employed additional staff and a new depot was built with storage capacity for 110,000 litres of kerosene, 75,000 litres of gas oil, 75,000 litres of derv and two 70,000 underground petrol storage tanks.
Sales from the forecourt and making deliveries
Today the company operates a pump service for road diesel, petrol and kerosene, which is sold in 20 litre drums. “This is an important arm of the business which has grown over the last few years,” said Adrian. “We also sell solid fuel in the form of coal and briquettes which has proved to be a good addition.” The Drury Oils forecourt does not have a convenience store. “Our location in an industrial park doesn’t have the passing trade to allow for it,” explained Adrian.
The company also sells fully bunded and single skin Platinum Tanks and tank locks – a big seller in recessionary times. “Customers want locks as a deterrent to a would-be thief,” says Adrian. Drury Oils also stocks a range of lubes and engine oils.
Although depot sales are important, the company’s home heating delivery service accounts for most of the business. Over the winter months and at other busy times, Drury Oils operates four delivery trucks – one that Adrian drives, another driven by a full-time operator and two others with seasonal drivers behind the wheel.
“This market is still buoyant, but the commercial side isn’t as big as it once was,” said Adrian. “I pulled away from filling stations when an increasingly dodgier element began creeping in. I’m holding my own in these challenging times and still have good customers and a strong pool of suppliers.
“We should all be talking to each other, and we should make sure that if we’re owed a lot of money, we tell others about it so they don’t get their fingers burned too”
Sharing information and not selling yourself short
“I would advise anyone in the distributor market to ensure that they get paid for product. We should all be talking to each other, and we should make sure that if we’re owed a lot of money, we tell others about it so they don’t get their fingers burned too.
“I also think distributors should have a minimum delivery – one that they can actually make money on, and stick to it,” added Adrian. “For me a drop of €150 is only feasible in the local town – it wouldn’t be worth travelling 10 miles for a drop of that size.
“We’d all love to get the 1,000 litre drops but it isn’t happening at the moment. It’s a price conscious and cut throat industry right now but people should remember that they also need to survive.”
In the summertime
In the summer months, Drury focuses on a strong agricultural market where it has a number of loyal, local customers, and despite the slowdown in the sector, the company has a select band of hauliers that remain on its books.
Marketing and promotional plans are also put in place – marketing the Drury Oils brand and product both locally and online is never underestimated. “We’ve recently invested in freshening up our website, the revamped site now has a very modern feel and is easily navigable,” explains Adrian.
Having tried to grow the business further in bad times, when conditions are better and the time is right, this amicable businessman wants to steer his business in an upward direction once again.
Jodie Allan, James D Bilsland
“I think if Scotland was to gain independence, it would raise a lot of economic and social problems and damage the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK. The VAT rate would most probably have to change, and then you may have the issue of border controls if they joined the Schengen zone and England didn’t. This would all have an effect on the way business is conducted.”
George Shand, Highland Fuels
“Chaneil cail agam ri abair “
Jonathan Turner, Oilfast
“No one has asked the English if we’d like to break from Scotland have they?
I have often wondered why not and what the outcome of that may be….”
Having acquired a new site in Tiverton, Devon, Mitchell & Webber picked IFC Inflow to install an all new bottom loading skid.
The model of choice was the mechanical ADP100-3 4in 3 arm model, due to the positive experience this model has already shown on an existing distribution site.
“We commissioned the first IFC skid unit and from then on it worked without fault,” said Robert Weedon, managing director of Mitchell and Webber. “I was so impressed that we had no reservations in placing an order for a second skid – truly a well-built, reliable piece of vital equipment.”
Suitable for ATEX zone one hazardous areas, the AD series bottom loading skids are proven designs with the added benefit of optional electronic batch control. The skids also offer 1600 litres per minute flow rates, BLA445 series spring balanced bottom loading arms, 4in Acuflow positive displacement flowmeters, Veeder Root mechanical preset, counter & ticket printer and 11KW ultra high speed pumps. A skid-mounted emergency shutdown button assures that risks are minimized for operators during tanker loading operations. A weather canopy was also supplied for operational convenience.
“A top of the range bottom-loading skid unit was supplied and fully installed within budget allowing for distribution to start as soon the Tiverton site opened for business,” added Kiran Shaw.
www.inflow.co.uk
www.mitweb.co.uk
Brian Worrall’s new role as director of corporate affairs will enable Certas to develop stronger relations with government and industry
Brian Worrall has been appointed as the new director of corporate affairs at Certas Energy.
Brian, who has held positions at Chevron and Valero, has built up an extensive knowledge of the commercial, road, aviation and retail forecourt sectors. As the former independent chairman of the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum, he has an excellent understanding of the issues currently affecting the fuel industry and has played a key role in the development of the Petroleum Driver Passport.
Joining the company four months after its rebrand from GB Oils, Brian is supporting the team by building and maintaining external relations, as well as developing the brand’s corporate responsibility strategy.
Paul Vian, managing director of Certas Energy, commented: “Brian’s knowledge of the fuel industry and relevant experience in our key sectors makes him a valuable addition to our team.
“We’re committed to developing stronger relations with government and industry bodies and establishing ourselves as a positive member of the communities we serve. Having Brian on board will enable us to engage in a higher level of dialogue with these groups.”
Brian added: “Certas Energy is focused on playing an even greater role in the issues that matter to its customers and the industry as a whole. I look forward to working with the team to help make constructive contributions to policies and debates, while forging closer links with key external parties.”www.certasenergy.co.uk
Greenergy’s Plymouth Terminal has received recognition of its health and safety procedures from RoSPA
RoSPA gold awards for occupational health and safety have been awarded to both Greenergy’s Plymouth fuel terminal and Immingham biodiesel manufacturing facility.
“Over the last 18 months operational responsibility for both these facilities has been brought in-house,” said chief executive, Andrew Owens. “
These awards recognise the continuous improvement at both sites, with the Plymouth terminal progressing from a silver award last year and our biodiesel manufacturing facility demonstrating improvement on every measure of health and safety performance.
“We’re making significant infrastructure investments at the current time, so it’s critically important that our approach to safety is of the highest standard.”
Greenergy’s approach to safety is based on detailed and open reporting and structured follow up. Every individual working in the business is encouraged to report near misses and hazards, however small, so they can be followed up and more serious incidents prevented. Every incident is logged, investigated, tracked and resolved through dedicated central SHE management software. This information is analysed and shared throughout the company to ensure that lessons are learnt across all parts of the business.
The RoSPA Awards scheme is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. The scheme not only looks at accident records, but also entrants’ overarching health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. www.greenergy.com
Colin Rutherford, Turners (Soham) trading as Lewis Tankers
“Sixty per cent of Lewis Tanker drivers have already completed five CPC training modules and have their Driver Qualification Card. Our aim is to ensure all our remaining drivers have the required 35 hours to qualify well before the September 2014 deadline.”
Mick Smith, Suckling Transport (part of SBG Silvio Bertani Group)
“At Suckling Transport we looked at all the options and decided early on to carry out the training inhouse. We sent our driver trainers to our ADR training provider who put them through a train the trainer course. This included a number of JAUPT approved courses that we have delivered to our driver workforce. Rather than complete 35 hours training in one go, we delivered the courses in 7-hour segments periodically. This helped with resources and spread out the costs as well.
“As we approach September 2014 I’m pleased to say we’re in extremely good shape for our driver CPC compliance.”
Ann Dawson, Norbert Dentressangle Tankers
“Norbert Dentressangle invests heavily in driver training and through our dedicated in-house scheme has developed a robust Safe Driving Plan. Linked to this we provide CPC training that is accredited by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT).
“For tanker drivers we’ve combined this with the introduction of the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) which ensures that all training remains current and complies with the latest legislation. I am a big supporter of the PDP scheme and its policy of an annual practical assessment.
“Norbert Dentressangle Tankers has had a strong representation with the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF) since the launch of improving safety and driving standards within the fuel industry in early 2012. It has been a commitment of our company from the start to further improve best practice as part of the DODF.
“For many years we’ve offered comprehensive ADR training to both internal and external candidates, and it is our intention to fully support the PDP scheme with extensive training through our dedicated driver training centre, which delivers bespoke programmes.”
Tony Leighton, Suttons Group
“Suttons has accredited DCPC trainers within our inhouse pool of driver training instructors. Our trainers deliver accredited DCPC courses and because this is all carried out inhouse, we don’t need to rely on third party input and can control the pace of our training so that we meet all requirements. We’re well on track to achieve all our DCPC training in advance of the deadline.”