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John Alton (right) receives his gold watch for 25 years’ service to Morris Lubricants from director David Goddard
One of the most highly respected figures in the UK lubricants industry has celebrated more than half a century of service by being presented with his second gold watch.
John Alton, commercial director of Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants, is credited with successfully driving the company forward during his time as chief executive. He joined the family-owned oil blenders in 1989 from Silkolene Oils in Belper, Derbyshire, where he was sales and marketing director and collected his first gold watch for 25 years’ service.
He handed over the reins at Morris Lubricants to managing director Andrew Goddard in 2008 but continues to be responsible for developing home and export markets.
Company director David Goddard, who made the presentation to Mr Alton, said: “John has driven the company forward over the past 25 years. He is without doubt one of the most prominent and highly respected figures in the UK lubricants industry with worldwide experience.”
In 2012, in recognition of his service as the longest serving board member, Mr Alton was elected president of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA), which represents more than 100 manufacturers in the lubricants and metalworking fluids industry. He had previously served as vice president for eight years and received the President’s Award from the UKLA in 2008 for his contribution to the lubricants industry.
Reflecting on his 52 years in the lubricants industry, 77-year-old Mr Alton said: “I am constantly surprised by the way the passage of time seems to accelerate as you get older. I still feel that the company has some exciting opportunities ahead and wish I could turn back the clock and do another 25 years in the industry!”
“We aim to build a world-class retail and fuel business and to expand our operations significantly over the coming years,” says Emmet O’Neill, new Topaz chief executive.
Last month John Callaghan, chairman of Topaz Energy Ireland, announced that Emmet O’Neill had been appointed to take over as chief executive on 1st February 2015. Sean Corkery will continue as acting CEO until then.
Thirty-five year old Emmet is one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs with a number of interests across the economy. In 2005 he founded Smiles Dental as a radical and innovative patient-focused dentistry business. Over the following decade, he grew the business to become one of the largest providers of general and specialist dental services in Ireland and the UK with 78 branches between the two countries. Smiles Dental was sold earlier this year. He has previously worked in aircraft finance and in March was appointed to the Topaz board where has led a number of projects in recent months.
“Visionary and passionate, Emmet is one of the outstanding young entrepreneurs in Ireland,” said John Callaghan. “We’re very much looking forward to his leadership and his exciting plans for the business.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this role at Topaz – everybody connected with the Topaz business has been incredibly welcoming and I know they all share our ambition for the business,” said Emmet.
www.topaz.ie
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
Over the finish line – John Roberts completes his fourth charity run
John Roberts of Selby-based White Rose Fuel Services has completed his fourth (and last) run in memory of his daughter, Vicky, who lost her fight against cancer earlier this year.
Phillips 66 has further strengthened its commitment to UK fuel sales, appointing Tony Reddington as national sales manager for its UK & Ireland marketing division.
In his new role, Tony will be 100% customer-focused, targeting new customers and strengthening existing relationships with supermarkets and high volume resellers and dealers throughout the UK and Ireland. He will take responsibility for the development of the company’s speciality fuel businesses – marine, aviation and LPG.
Since joining the company in 1987, Tony has held a number of roles across its upstream, downstream and corporate divisions, with a particular specialism in finance.
Pete George, the company’s managing director UK & Ireland marketing, commented: “Tony has extensive experience of our business and our brand, as well as an in-depth understanding of the UK and Ireland’s fuel market. He is well-placed to take on the challenge of increasing our market share, identifying new opportunities and developing our customer base across all of our fuel products.” www.phillips66.co.uk
In support of the Armed Forces, Simon Storage terminal manager at Immingham West, Clive Hewins
Clive Hewins, terminal manager at Simon Storage’s Immingham West terminal spent a day in uniform in support of Uniform to Work Day last month.
Due to be launched on 1st January 2014, the scheme manager for the Petroleum Driver Passport (PDP) is the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
The scheme manager appointment follows a tendering exercise which saw SQA meet the quality and delivery requirements set by the UK Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF).
Brian Worrall, DODF independent chair welcomed the appointment: “We continue to make rapid progress towards the launch of the PDP. SQA bring valuable experience and expertise which will ensure the quality and credibility of the PDP.
Detailed work is now underway to ensure that the PDP will be launched on schedule. The PDP will give assurance to fuel terminal operators, customers and the wider public that all tanker drivers have a common core of tested knowledge and competence in the loading, driving and off-loading of fuel tankers. It is supported by the PDP training standard which all tanker operators will be able to use as the basis of driver training and development.
The PDP builds on the knowledge already tested in the ADR certification process, incorporating additional knowledge and a practical assessment of skills. It includes content specific to five industry sub sectors; home heat, commercial, aviation, retail and marine.
Delivered through a combination of in-house or third party training and assessment providers accredited and audited by SQA, the passport will be valid for 5 years and will include an annual refresher day and both a written and practical assessment.
Email: john.bowman@skillsforlogistics.org
Pictured at last year’s FPS Expo in Harrogate, James Smith with wife Anne and Kevin Kennerley, NWF Fuels
Well-known to many in the fuel oil distribution industry, James Smith started Fuel Oil News back in 1977. A journalist with family roots in the energy industry, having started Knutsford Oil, he spotted a gap in the industry’s communication channel giving rise to a trade magazine which, in November this year, will have been published every month for 36 years.
The funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Thursday 7th February at St Mary’s Church in Rostherne, Cheshire. Anyone wishing to attend and/or wanting further information should contact Fuel Oil News editor Jane Hughes on 01565 653283 or by email at jane@fueloilnews.co.uk.
An article exploring James Smith’s contribution to the fuel oil distribution industry will be published in the April issue of Fuel Oil News.
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OJ Williams regional manager, south west, Steve Morgan
OJ Williams has appointed a new regional manager, Steve Morgan, to oversee its commercial and domestic oil business in the south west of England.
Steve brings over 15 years of managerial experience to the role, having held several senior positions within the FMCG and car hire sectors.
Steve will be responsible for stimulating growth in the region, motivating the team and ensuring top customer service.
Paul Williams, director, England and Wales, commented: “Over his career, Steve has worked in a wide range of sectors and the skills he has acquired will complement his new position within the fuel industry. His managerial expertise, coupled with his excellent reputation for customer service, ensures he will be a key addition to the team.”
Steve said: “I’m looking forward to being able to apply my expertise as part of such a driven and dedicated team. I’m eager to contribute to OJ Williams’ continuing success and help to drive growth going forward, as well as to support the team in ensuring the OJ Williams brand is the first choice for customers across the region.”www.ojwilliams.co.uk
Cameron Forecourt managing director Barry Jenner with new operations manager, Martyn Roper
Cameron Forecourt has appointed Martyn Roper as operations manager.
The move comes as the company approaches the end of a record year in terms of turnover and profit despite another difficult year for the economy.
Based at the company’s headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Martyn will have overall responsibility for production, installation and service activities. This will include project planning and the co-ordination of installation contracts throughout the country.
Martyn is a qualified electrical and electronics engineer who spent the early part of his career as a design engineer working for avionics and computer companies. His first management role was at Sanderson Computers where he was UK engineering manager, before moving on to head of operations for a government-backed standards organisation serving the transportation industry.
Barry Jenner, Cameron Forecourt managing director said: “As the company takes on bigger and more complex fuelling installation contracts, it has become necessary to appoint an overall coordinator to manage our nationwide activities. Martyn’s experience and knowledge will prove immensely helpful and will release others to concentrate on the maintenance of professionalism and quality which is at the core of all we do.” www.cameronforecourt.co.uk
Linton Fuel Oils national account manager, Rupert Mills
Rupert Mills has been appointed as national accounts manager at Linton Fuel Oils.
Linton has offered national fuel deliveries to customers for some time, but Rupert’s introduction will allow a greater focus on offering a superior level of service to those who value a single point of contact for all of their fuel requirements.
The company provides extensive coverage in London and the South East, and elsewhere uses only approved independent distributors.
Rupert said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the smaller distributors to have a slice of the national cake, offering a very real alternative to the corporate suppliers who currently monopolise the market. The strength of the independents is based on the excellent service these companies have always offered.”
Neil Flynn, sales director, said: “Linton nationwide will be carefully integrated into the traditional Linton business and will provide a great platform for the company’s growth strategy. With his extensive industry experience and in-depth knowledge of national accounts, Rupert is the ideal person to drive this new division forward.”
www.lintonfueloils.com
Adam Kerbes has been appointed to oversee Pace Fuelcare’s business in the Midlands and will be based at a new office in Coleshill.
Adam will oversee oil distribution depots across the region, including the new office in Coleshill, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year.
His primary objectives will be to stimulate organic growth and position the Pace Fuelcare brand as the first choice for customers in the area.
Adam brings a wealth of industry experience, having held senior managerial positions within the LPG and retail divisions at BP UK, before joining Pace Fuelcare five years ago.
Adam said: “It’s my aim to ensure that we continue to provide the best level of customer service by extending our product range and service offering and providing individually-tailored packages, to ensure we are meeting the needs of our customers.
“The soon to be completed sales operation at Coleshill will play a key part in this by bringing our staff and distribution fleet from the nearby depots under one roof, making this location our transport hub for the region.”
Philip Wharton, general manager for Pace Fuelcare, added: “Adam was the natural choice for this position as he has extensive business and oil industry knowledge to bring to the role. His knowledge of the area and our customers’ requirements in this region are also vital qualities which will assist him to deliver the exceptional standards that our customers have come to expect.”
www.pacefuelcare.co.uk
Tony, who will chair the Greenergy Audit and Risk Committee, joined Premier Oil as finance director in June 2005. He started his career as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen before joining Lehman Brothers inLondon, initially as an oil sector analyst. He joined the investment banking division of Lehman in 1987 and from 1997 was managing director and head of the European Natural Resources Group. In this role he managed both client relationships and numerous transactions for a variety of European and North American clients.
Following its recent expansion, IFC has announced two new appointments.
New regional manager for south east Anglia, Keith Durrant
GB Oils has appointed Keith Durrant as regional manager in south east Anglia, to manage the new Pace Fuelcare depot in Ipswich.
Keith, who has lived much of his life in the local area, brings a wealth of business experience to the role, having held several senior managerial positions with companies such as ICI, Burmah – Castol and Total. Keith joined GB Oils two years ago.
His primary objective in his new role will be to stimulate organic growth and elevate the Pace brand to become the first choice for customers across the region. The area includes oil distribution depots in Shefford, Letchworth, Cambridge, Braintree, and Hadleigh, plus the newly constructed multi million pound terminal in Ipswich.
Simon Willis, general manager at GB Oils, commented: “Keith’s appointment to manage the business in south east Anglia comes following his successful work for the company during the past two years. We have no doubt that he will be fantastic in this new role and will help deliver our ambitious plans for the new depot and wider area.”
Keith added: “As well as providing competitive pricing and continuous improvements to services, my aim is to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional standards of customer satisfaction, whilst remaining at the forefront of fuel distribution, both within east Anglia, and throughout the UK”.
Alex Ward
GB Oils has appointed Alex Ward as London regional manager. The area has been recently established as a new operating region to better serve customers in the capital.
As part of his new role, Alex will be responsible for leading the business in London, including the Pace Fuelcare barges on the River Thames. His primary objective will be to stimulate organic growth and elevate the Pace brand to become the first choice for customers.
Alex has worked for the company for 12 months, previously as regional manager for GB Oils in the South East.
He said: “As well as providing competitive pricing and continuous improvements to services, my main aim is to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional standards of customer service.”
Simon Willis, general manager at GB Oils, added: “We have no doubt that he will be a fantastic addition to the team and will help deliver our ambitious plans for this new region.”