Market & Supply 19
To consider the future of the fuel oil industry, we need to contemplate its past. From a ‘dirty oil’ image to one displaying adaptation, growth and evolution, the changing face of the fuel industry is one that’s been witnessed within our own pages more so now than ever before. Steering a business towards growth and opportunity in a rapidly changing industry is not for the faint hearted, and here, we speak with distributors currently at the helm to see how they are safeguarding the future of their businesses with succession planning, and the challenges this brings.
Playing a key role in the hiring process at Harlow-based New Era Fuels, we hear from HR manager, Vicky Finch who tells us about her own entrance into the company: “I entered the business having eight years’ experience working within human resources and recruitment. I met with the finance director who presented me with New Era Fuels core values, which attracted me to the position. New Era Fuels was undergoing a growth phase and required a full-time human resources manager. I felt very excited to be part of the New Era Fuels family; I was especially attracted to the company culture, core values and the growth plans for the future.”
Telling us more about the company’s growth plans for the future and how the first port of call is looking within the company, Vicky comments: “As a business, we understand succession planning can be to identify business-critical roles for which potential successors are needed. New Era Fuels are always looking out for our ‘shining stars within the business.”
New Era Fuels is not against bringing new talent into the business however, as Vicky explains: “We are pro-apprentices! We recruit for apprenticeships across the business and have the view that employing apprentices is a fantastic way to upskill, train and develop employees.
“Our apprentices make contributions to the workforce whilst they are learning – gaining skills on the job. We typically appoint a ‘mentor’ who will be the line manager of the apprentice. The mentor will help our apprentices develop their approach to work, including building rapport, teamwork, integrity and remaining positive and professional. They will also teach the apprentices about company procedures, culture and the ways of working.
“Hiring an apprentice is a cost-effective way of recruiting and training our employees too.”
A family affair
One of the most charming aspects of the industry is the number of businesses still owned and operated by families. With new generations taking the reins from their parents, it seems that many in the sector have ready-made succession plans. David Prince, owner of Melton Mowbray-based Prince Petroleum tells us more about his own family’s history with fuel distribution:
“Prince Petroleum was started by my late father Victor Prince in 1963, at this time they were known as “Hawkers” for Esso blue paraffin, I recall as a child going out on paraffin delivery rounds with my father in, what was already an old, ex MOD fuel Tanker.
“By the mid to late sixties the business was appointed an authorised distributor for the then continental oil company (CONOCO) at this time the business had expanded into road fuels, home heating oil and agricultural fuels.
“Today Prince Petroleum is owned by David and Rita Prince. The business continues to grow and recently my two sons have joined the business.”
We also spoke with Tom Davies of Hampshire-based Rawlings Fuels about the issue of succession for an independent distributor but with three generations of the Rawlings family still active in the company, Tom sees no reason why the business shouldn’t continue operating independently for many years to come.
Terry Rawlings was the owner of Rawlings Fuels when Tom got involved, as he explains: “I was originally a planner at Cemex in the construction industry and then came into oil distribution to work for Terry.” Terry is still involved with the business but has passed it down to his son, Paul Rawlings. It is still very much a family business with Terry’s daughter and grandson also working for the company.
Sam, Terry’s grandson is currently the O-license holder for Rawlings Fuels and so the company is safe in the hands of three generations of the family with everyone focussed on the company vision of looking after its customers in the very close-knit communities Rawlings Fuels delivers to.
Finding the right person
For some, having a succession plan is only half of the challenge.
Having gone straight from school into Ultramar Golden Eagle and the family-owned fuel distribution business, Mark Nolan is someone who clearly sees the challenge that succession planning presents to the independent distributor: “My grandfather was the first distributor in the family supplying coal and wood to the local community. Then my dad came on board and set up selling petrol for Regent from fuel pumps at the front of the farm and then onto selling blue paraffin bought from Vine Fuels who then wanted a distributor for kerosene between Bicester and Aylesbury.
“This was how fuel oil distribution first became the family business and my mother and father set up Markim Fuels as a distributor for Ultramar which I became a director of and then Q8 bought out Ultramar so I set up independently as Nolan Oils in 1988. In truth I believe I now work twice as hard for a 3rd the profit my parents enjoyed, so they used to tell me!
“I’d love to expand but it’s a challenge to find the right person to run a third depot with the industry not as attractive to come into as it once was. I can understand why others I know have sold up. Some have no-one to hand it down to, others see buying groups constantly eroding the profit margins and many youngsters perceive it as smelly and dirty industry which reduces new talent coming into it.”
“It’s a shame because I still love the business as do my staff. I look after them and they look after the customers and, at the end of the day, that brings a lot of satisfaction.”
Do you have a succession plan for your company? Have you thought about selling, or buying in the future? We’d love to hear from you.
Having recently reported the concerns of industry trade bodies Logistics UK and the CBA regarding driver shortages (here) and the potential impacts on supply chains (here) it is reported that the issue has contributed to the temporary closure of several petrol stations after running out of fuel due to lack of deliveries.
Last week a busy BP service station on the A140 in North Norfolk was temporarily closed and there are also reports of sites in Reading and Berkshire having to close for a period leaving drivers faced with empty petrol pumps.
BP bosses have admitted its petrol stations have been affected by the driver shortage, meaning some of its pumps are empty, but explained that the issue is not due to a fuel shortage. Fuel companies are being hit by driver shortages which are impacting supplies. The shortage of HGV drivers is an already chronic problem in the industry but is being further exacerbated by some drivers being forced to self-isolate after being pinged by NHS Test and Trace.
The Test and Trace issue also necessitated a temporary closure of the BP fuel distribution terminal at Hemel Hempstead with the spokesperson confirming: “We are experiencing fuel availability issues at some of our retail sites in the UK. Our supply chain has been impacted by the industry-wide driver shortages across the UK, exacerbated by a temporary closure of our Hemel Hempstead fuel distribution terminal last week because of necessary Covid-19 isolations among staff impacting our supply chain. Our Hemel terminal is now operating as normal.
“We are working hard with our haulier supplier to deliver fuel into sites and minimise any disruption to our customers. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Another industry body has responded to the announced Government actions to mitigate the chronic shortage of HGV drivers in the UK, with the Chemical Business Association (CBA) welcoming aspects of the response but also emphasising that ‘more still needs to be done’.
In an open letter to the logistics sector, the Secretaries of State for Transport, Work and Pensions, and the Environment announced a package of initiatives, including:
Europump Maintenance (EPM) has received a glowing health and safety review from Hanson Cement for work carried out at the client’s Ribblesdale site. With the account being a relatively new one for EPM, the team had to go on site to do a PPM (planned preventative maintenance) check. At the same time, a Europump engineer was on site to do a line test. During the visit, Hanson’s team carried out a spot check on EPM’s work.
Europump service engineer, Graham McAlister, said: “Ribblesdale is a big cement plant with a fuel island on site. While undertaking our work we had to ensure that we were protecting ourselves and the working area. Someone from Hanson came out on site with a clipboard to do a spot check and scored us for health and safety measures. They said they were absolutely over the moon with what we were doing and awarded us a gold star, which is their highest rating!”
Steven Bamford, workshop co-ordinator at Hanson UK’s Ribblesdale works, said: “We were very impressed with the Europump engineers, especially with how professional and organised they were with regards to isolating the area and making the work area safe for themselves and others.”
McAlister added: “It’s lovely to get feedback like this but what Hanson thought was impressive was actually normal for us!”
A bill aimed at maintaining fuel supply to customers in the event of disruption has been published. The draft Downstream Oil Resilience Bill, which was introduced last month by energy minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan, sets out how the Government intends to address threats to the security of fuel supply by providing powers to ensure resilience in the downstream oil sector, including companies involved in the refining, importing distribution and marketing of oil products.
Commenting on the new Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP), Kevin Bell, transport and infrastructure partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, comments: “The Government’s ground breaking and world first ‘greenprint’ launched today details plans to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport and sets out a pathway for the whole transport sector to reach net zero by 2050.
Part of the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan, the measures look to achieve cleaner air, healthier communities, and new ‘green’ jobs through:
Business group Logistics UK has reacted with dismay at the recent announcement that the drivers’ hours legislation, which governs the length of time which HGV drivers are legally expected to work, will continue to be relaxed until 8 August 2021.
As James Firth, the organisation’s head of road freight regulation policy explains, the announcement will heap more pressure on drivers who are already stretched to the limit to deliver for UK PLC: “Government has ignored the industry in deciding to relax these road safety laws,” he explains, “and it will be the hard-pressed HGV drivers on our roads who have to carry the burden. Throughout the pandemic, the UK’s professional drivers have kept our shops, homes and businesses supplied with everything needed to keep the economy going, but the current workforce cannot be expected to fill the gaps created by the current skills shortage. The road freight industry vehemently opposed the extension of these vital road safety laws, yet the government has ignored the will of those who will be most affected by the changes.
“The logistics sector has been experiencing a significant shortage of drivers for a number of years, but this situation has been exacerbated by factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, which has seen many EU workers return to their home countries. The industry needs a longer-term solution to the recruitment of drivers – including temporary visas for EU workers to cover the gaps while new recruits can be trained, and interest free loans for those wishing to enter the market – not a stop-gap measure that will heap more pressure on existing workers. The relaxation of drivers hours should only be used in an emergency situation, when a foreseeable end date can be identified – or is the government suggesting that the current shortage of drivers will be resolved by 8 August?”
Before the pandemic and Brexit, logistics was already experiencing a shortage of around 76,000 drivers, and Logistics UK now estimates the shortfall to be approximately 90,000 workers.
Extension of working hours is not the solution
Mr Firth believes that the industry is certain that an extension of drivers’ hours will not have the required impact and could, instead, be detrimental to the existing workforce: “Existing drivers have been working flat out since the start of the pandemic, and this could be the final straw for many of them. Instead of trying to paper over the gaps, government should be working with industry to produce a plan to support moving drivers through the current bottleneck of HGV driving tests and support potential new entrants to the industry with the expensive process of acquiring a professional driving licence. Industry met with Transport and Work & Pensions ministers to discuss the situation on 16 June, but no plan has been forthcoming to date – extending working hours is untenable and not the solution to the wider issue. Logistics businesses need and deserve answers, not wallpapering over the problem!”
In response to the relaxation of driver hours, Tim Doggett, chief executive, Chemical Business Association (CBA) said: “Relaxing driver hours is an inadequate reaction to the chronic shortage of HGV drivers. It is also likely to be counter-productive and may even make the problem worse. Many drivers are already away from their families for considerable periods of time and already work up to 15-hour days. Expecting them to work more hours against this background is completely unrealistic.”
He added: “Relaxing driver hours does not address the central problem. There is a shortage of 60,000 HGV drivers and simply extending driver’s hours is not appropriate or effective solution. This is a chronic issue that now needs urgent action. We recently called a joint Government-Industry partnership to lay the foundations for a more permanent solution to the issue, including the immediate and urgent need to establish a task force to which CBA would be willing to contribute.”
Permanent solutions needed
The CBA also recently wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, in support of the Road Haulage Association’s (RHA) letter, dated 23 June 2021, on the shortage of HGV drivers. The letter emphasised the critical impact of driver shortages on the UK economy, as well as thousands of manufacturing and process industries which are all dependent on road transport.
The letter also stated: “We recognise and endorse the causes outlined by the RHA that have exacerbated the chronic shortage of drivers. Vocational training and the acquisition of qualifications, including sector specific areas such as the Carriage of Dangerous Goods, have been significantly hampered by Covid-19 restrictions. This can only exacerbate the current situation.”
A recent Chemical Business Association survey revealed that 62% of member companies were reporting capacity issues with road haulage in the UK and 76% were reporting similar constraints in relation to cross-channel haulage. This situation will inevitably worsen over the coming months as demand increases ahead of the traditional peak season later in the year.
The Prax Group has appointed Rob Marrow as interim group chief financial officer (CFO) with immediate effect. The group is continuing its search for a permanent CFO and will update the market on its progress as appropriate.
Rob brings with him a wealth of experience in roles that have included responsibility for strategy, corporate finance, M&A transactions, and investor relations. He was more recently, the commercial and financial lead for the group in the acquisition of Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery.
With over two decades of experience across oil and gas, manufacturing, technology, retail, supply chain and trading, he is an experienced finance leader with a proven track record of delivering growth, championing change and building teams.
Sanjeev Kumar, chief executive officer, said: “Rob’s broad financial experience and comprehensive knowledge of our business make him a strong appointment as our interim group CFO, providing continuity while we continue our search for a permanent CFO.”
Rob will succeed Robin Edwards, who sadly passed away on 30 June 2021.
Essar is pleased to announce the further strengthening of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Karunakaran (Karan) Hari as chief commercial officer for Essar Oil UK.
The search has begun today (Thursday 8th July) for industry’s brightest stars, mentors, and innovators as nominations open for the 2021 OGUK Awards, sponsored by Shell UK Limited.
The inaugural Innovation and Technology in Transport (ITT Hub) event made its debut last week (30 June-1 July 2021) – the largest show of its kind in 40 years – to spearhead the future of transport and revolutionise the commercial vehicle market as the industry transitions to net zero emissions and strives to reach maximum efficiency.
As the virtual doors open tomorrow – 7th July at UKIFDA EXPO 2021 and Future Fuels Conference, some of the exhibitors at this year’s virtual exhibition have revealed launch plans for products and services during the 2-day event, UKIFDA has announced.
“The excitement levels are definitely rising now we know more details of what the exhibitors have lined up for us all during our first virtual UKIFDA EXPO 2021,” says Ken Cronin, UKIFDA chief executive.
“Visitors to the virtual exhibition hall will be able to see over 45 exhibitors, and many have great plans for unveiling innovative, green and customer-focussed products, technology and services during the virtual event – and some have already shared what they will be doing.
“Some will be holding live demonstrations at the EXPO and all will be engaging positively with delegates, explaining the key features of their products and services and highlighting the benefits for customers too.”
UKIFDA EXPO organiser the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association has confirmed what several of this this year’s exhibitors intend to promote to delegates during the event.
UKIFDA membership and events manager, Dawn Shakespeare comments: “We can’t wait for our first ever online exhibition and Future Fuels conference to get underway – we have lined up so many innovative companies that are bursting to share their new products and demonstrate the appeal to the liquid fuel distribution industry.
“In fitting with the focus of this year’s show – the investment our industry is making in renewable liquid fuels and future plans for decarbonising residential heating – ElimiNox Ltd is exhibiting and has a new product to unveil. This company makes Fuel Conditioner that is used in all carbon-based fuels to reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines and oil burners, by reducing CO2 by 30% and boosting fuel efficiency by 8%.
“The new product ElimiNox will have on display is its Diesel Bug Buster. This emulsifies free water into the fuel to prevent diesel bug from breeding.
“Another product designed to keep consumers’ oil clean and fresh for maximum efficiency, is Centre Tank Services Ltd’s aqua fighter water absorber that removes free and emulsified water from fuel to keep customers’ fuel water free at all times. Unlike other water absorbers, it cuts water content levels down to less than 75ppm – meeting and exceeding the EN590 diesel fuel standards of 200ppm.
“In addition, Commercial Fuel Solutions Ltd will be launching a new solution at EXPO and will hold a live demonstration of their platform during UKIFDA EXPO.
“MechTronic is also launching its latest product at EXPO 2021 and delivering a live demonstration – of its OptiControl, a remote control that supports and enables you to fully manage your OptiMate delivery. OptiMate is an electronic metering system and the new remote features an LCD screen that shows the volume of fuel being delivered, alongside other relevant data.
“Kingspan Energy Management Systems will be displaying their latest generation telemetry monitoring devices. Saying ‘Telemetry devices fitted to customers tanks enables level data to be seamlessly imported via API feed to fuel distributor’s software systems – typically CODAS & Fuelsoft (no need for file sending) – enabling auto-ticket generation.
“Distributors can also view, monitor, and export tank data across their entire population through the Connect Sensor platform, which now comes with the addition of a mapping function.
“Visitors to the Ful Additive Science Technologies Ltd virtual exhibition booth will be able to see their range of fuel additives for use in domestic, off-road, transport and industrial applications and in a range of fuel grades and the company has announced they are now the distributors for the Oil Sponge products of Phaseiii (USA).
“Hazchem Safety Ltd have a variety of new products on display for the first time including the HAZTEC Caravel FR AS Jacket, Triple Stitch Seam Jacket, with EN ISO 20471 Class 1 certification.
“They will also be debuting the HAZTEC FR AS ‘Green’ Coverall constructed in Sustainable and Natural ModacrylicECO™ blend fabric, designed with eco-conscious customers and our planet in mind.
“These are just a few of the launches and demonstrations we have in store for visitors at UKIFDA EXPO this year – there will also be an array of new products and services with industry-wide appeal, and also networking, knowledge sharing and business news, with key topics being debated and important information being relayed through keynote speaker presentations – all via our virtual hub Whova.”
UKIFDA EXPO 2021 will still have sponsors for the two days, with AON Plc and Cobo Tankers and Services sponsoring each day of the conference together with the EXPO headline sponsor Phillips 66 Ltd.
Ken Cronin concludes: “It is exciting to see what exhibitors have planned for the two days.
“Visitors to our online exhibition hall will have easy access to all exhibitors and enjoy the freedom to choose which live launches they engage with as well as which presentation, seminar or networking opportunity they partake in.
“Visitors to the UKIFDA virtual booth will be able to talk through UKIFDA membership packages, learn more about the training we offer including our comprehensive driver training packages and discuss industry plans to introduce renewable liquid fuels and our Future Ready Fuel campaign.”
To find out more about this year’s virtual UKIFDA EXPO visit ukifda.org/ukifda-expo and to sign up to the exhibition visit https://whova.com/portal/registration/uaifd_202006/.
Eurotank Environmental is taking tank cleaning to the next level with the launch of an unmanned service using remote-operated robots.Investment in two Zone 0 robots enables Eurotank to offer an unmanned tank cleaning service for underground and above-ground storage tanks that is every bit as effective as manned entry.
Long summer evenings, shorts and sandals, pub gardens doing a roaring trade (hopefully) and holiday makers waiting to see which of this year’s holidays will be cancelled (hopefully not!). It’s the half-way point of the year, so let’s look back at the last 6 months and see how the markets have fared.
In May this year, the Clipper Freeport – a VLGC (Very Large Gas Carrier which can carry approx. 44,000 mts of LPG) carrying LPG from the Phillips 66 Freeport LPG Export Terminal on the Gulf of Mexico, docked at Immingham Port on England’s east coast.
Chartered by Phillips 66 since its maiden voyage in 2017, the Clipper Freeport was the first-ever VLGC to enter Immingham – the largest vessel to enter the Port.
A complex operation made possible by a seamless collaborative effort between London Commercial, Humber caverns and APT/ABP – the two-port schedule saw 25 KMT of refrigerated propane successfully discharged before heading to Europe for its second discharge.
Measuring 230.11 metres in length with a 32-metre breadth and a 11.5 metre draft, the vessel is so vast that Phillips 66 had to have a new gangway constructed.
Paul Turner, Phillips 66 Limited LPG sales manager in the UK made his way to Immingham Caverns to welcome the Clipper Freeport and was invited onboard to check out this monumental supertanker: “The Clipper Freeport really is an immensely impressive vessel and equally so when on board. Apart from the sheer scale, what struck me most about this world-class LPG carrier is how immaculate every part of the ship is – considering the nature of her operations. An extraordinary environment managed and maintained by an expert, dedicated crew. They even have a basketball court on deck!”
Whilst LPG is primarily produced and supplied into the UK market by Phillips 66 Limited’s Humber facility, it is supplemented by imported propane to meet increasing customer demand.
The Tank Storage Association (TSA) has published its 2021 Annual Review of the UK’s bulk liquid storage sector. The review contains key data and information on terminals, process safety, occupational health and safety as well as on the industry’s contribution to the UK economy.
Peter Davidson, executive director of the Tank Storage Association, said: “I am pleased to launch the sixth edition of TSA’s Annual Review. The review continues to provide a comprehensive and timely insight into the bulk liquid storage sector in the UK. In addition to valuable industry data and information, this year’s report shines a light on the sector’s commitment to attract, develop and retain the next generation of talent. As we look ahead, it is clear to us that investing in the next generation today will ensure our sector continues to go from strength to strength.”
For an electronic copy of the 2021 Annual Review, click here.
Employees of Grangemouth based Rix Petroleum will begin the eight-mile-long climb and descent of Ben Nevis on Saturday 3rd July, raising £2000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The foundation supports people with motor neuron disease (MND) and is named after former Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir, who was himself diagnosed with MND.
Having always wanted to climb the iconic peak, Gail Fawcett, business unit manager at Rix Petroleum, came up with the idea and roped in colleagues Lisa Welsh, Ian Patterson, Ross MacRae, Paul Graham and Connor O’Hagen to join her in the challenge, along with more friends and family members.
Rix Petroleum started supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation earlier this year. The charity’s two main objectives are to raise funds to invest into MND research and support people living with the condition to have as full a life as possible.
Gail said: “Ben Nevis is a true Scottish icon and so is Doddie Weir. They’re both giants in their own right. So, when it came to raising money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, summiting the UK’s highest peak seemed like the only appropriate thing to do. Plus, I’ve always wanted to climb it, so it was too good an opportunity to miss.
“We’ve all started training and with just a couple of weeks to go, the excitement is building. I think we can do it in around eight hours, but other members of the team are thinking a bit quicker, so there could be a bit of competition on the day.”
The 2021 winner of the prestigious ‘Driver of the Year’ award will, this year, be presented at a virtual ceremony during UKIFDA EXPO 2021 and Future Fuels on 7-8th July 2021. As well as the coveted title the winner will also receive £1000 prize money and certificate and, most importantly, the recognition of the industry in a year of unprecedented challenges that has seen many of the industry’s drivers go well beyond the ‘extra mile’ on behalf of their customers and colleagues. Sponsored by OAMPS – the specialist insurance advisor to the hazardous fuels and environmental industries – the 2021 Driver of the Year Award will celebrate the best UKIFDA member drivers in the industry.
With more than 45,000 HGV driver tests outstanding at DVSA as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, Logistics UK is today pressing government to introduce a seasonal visa for European HGV drivers to protect the nation’s supply chain while the organisation catches up with this backlog.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, understandably, all driving tests were suspended,” explains David Wells, the business group’s chief executive, “leaving a huge backlog of potential drivers wishing to enter the logistics industry. At the same time, 79,000 European logistics workers returned to their home countries – and this, combined with an existing shortage of HGV drivers more than 76,000 individuals has meant that haulage firms are now struggling to recruit new drivers – a problem which will be exacerbated by summer holidays for those who have worked so tirelessly throughout the pandemic.
“The government recently granted temporary visa status for agricultural workers to ensure that important crops are picked and made available for UK consumers. But without temporary visa status for the drivers to move this food to where it is needed, the supply chain will break down at the first hurdle. The two sectors work hand in hand and should be treated in the same way.
“Our members urgently need drivers to be available now while DVSA catches up with the backlog of outstanding driving tests: without this temporary cover, there is a very real risk to the availability of the food and other vital items on which we rely during the summer months.”
DVSA estimates that it can undertake 118,000 HGV driver tests in the remainder of 2021, but it will take months to catch up on the existing backlog of outstanding examinations. And, as Mr Wells explains, the industry also needs a boost from government to speed along the number of new recruits entering the market: “Even before the loss of our EU workers, logistics was suffering from a chronic shortage of drivers. It takes time and money to train new recruits to be ready to enter our highly regulated industry, but with many people suffering the effects of the current economic downturn, this cost can be prohibitive. We need government to prioritise the implementation of funded training to open the industry up to as many people as possible, to counteract the long-term recruitment issues which logistics has faced for many years and attract a new generation of drivers and other employees to the sector as older personnel retire and leave the industry.
Logistics UK’s ever-popular Transport Manager conference series – sponsored by Bridgestone Tyres –will return in autumn 2021 with live events planned at 11 venues around the UK. The conferences will highlight key issues for fleet managers, providing professional advice, and helping them remain compliant and up to speed on the latest legislative developments.
This year’s conferences will give delegates the chance to hear from a range of senior industry figures and policy makers, and the business group’s experts will be on hand throughout the day to advise on legislation and compliance issues. Topics to be covered by the event’s knowledgeable speakers will include logistics in urban centres, low emission vehicles, working safely with alternative fuels, a compliance update and much more.
James Firth, Logistics UK’s head of road freight regulation policy, comments: “We are delighted to once again be running this conference series in person. These popular conferences enable busy transport managers to stay up to date with ever-changing legislation and good practice advice. Compliance is vital in the logistics industry; it has been a challenging 12 months for operators and the Transport Manager conferences provide operators with peace of mind that they are equipped with all the information they need, as well as giving them the opportunity to hear from senior figures in the industry and have their questions answered.”
Greg Ward, Bridgestone’s commercial business unit director, said: “Bridgestone Tyres is thrilled to be sponsoring Logistics UK’s Transport Manager series, with each event allowing us to share our ground-breaking commercial products and services with the perfect audience. The conferences provide an invaluable insight into many of the burning issues facing the industry and the broad range of topics they will touch upon shares so much in common with our business as a whole. We are looking forward to meeting with delegates face to face once again and discussing how we can help their business needs.”
The price for Logistics UK members is £299 plus VAT for the first delegate and £269 plus VAT for subsequent delegates; for non-Logistics UK members the cost is £399 plus VAT for the first delegate and £369 plus VAT for subsequent delegates. This price includes access to all the exclusive conference sessions, a full package of refreshments throughout the day and a take-home bag packed with useful information.
Transport manager will be touring the UK from September to December 2021:
21 September – Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton
29 September – Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park, Newcastle
5 October – AJ Bell Stadium, Manchester
12 October – Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast
19 October – East of England Showground, Peterborough
21 October – London Heathrow Marriott, London
2 November – Haynes Motor Museum, Yeovil
17 November – Doncaster Racecourse, Doncaster
23 November – Macdonald Inchrya, Scotland
25 November – St Pierre Marriott, Wales
2 December – Ricoh Arena, Coventry
For further information, or to book a place, please visit: www.logistics.org.uk/transport-manager
Preparations are now in the final stages for the free Innovation and Technology in Transport event, ITT Hub, which takes place from 30th June to 1st July with the news that the event – the largest show of its kind in 40 years – can go ahead as planned under the latest Covid-19 restrictions announced by the Prime Minister on 14 June 2021.
Kevin Green, marketing & communications director at Logistics UK explains: “Covid-19 safety is of the utmost importance and consideration for social distancing and sanitation measures have been prioritised in every aspect of the event’s planning; Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre’s team has been rigorous in taking every possible step to protect visitors to the show.”
More than 150 of the UK’s most innovative manufacturers, including Volta Trucks, Fiat, Ford and DAF Trucks, as well as key government departments and agencies, will be showcasing their cutting-edge services, products, strategies and ideas over the two-day event. More than 30 speakers will be presenting at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference, including Major Tim Peake CMG.
There will be a requirement for face masks to be worn indoors, track and trace will be in place via the registration process and temperature checks will operate at entrances. In order to ensure the safety of all attendees and smooth operation at the venue, visitors and exhibitors must register in advance of the event, print off their badges and present them at the entrance for scanning.
To book your free place to the exhibition and conference, please visit www.itthub.co.uk/
Fuel oil distributors (FODs) can make significant efficiency and profitability gains by fitting the latest generation telemetry monitoring devices to customers’ tanks, according to Kingspan Energy Management Systems ahead of UKIFDA 2021 (virtual event, 7-8 July 2021).
Telemetry devices fitted to customers tanks enables level data to be seamlessly imported via API feed to an FOD’s software systems – typically CODAS & Fuelsoft (no need for file sending) – enabling auto-ticket generation.
FODs can also view, monitor and export tank data across their entire population through the Connect Sensor platform, which now comes with the addition of a mapping function.
“Increasingly, our fuel distribution customers not only use the data to auto-generate orders, they are also using it to reduce delivery frequency and optimise routing,” says Nick Hawkins, Kingspan’s commercial director UK & Ireland.
“It means they’re able to significantly cut travel time and left-on-boards thanks to more accurate planning.”
He continues: “We’ve been at the forefront of developments in tank and telemetry systems, working closely with our FOD partners, for many years.
“One of our key strengths is that we now have a suite of telemetry devices. That means, whatever the application, we have the most accurate and cost-effective solution, whether it be a plastic tank, steel tank, domestic, commercial, diesel dispenser, or a mobile bowser.
“Our devices are compatible with a range of connectivities such as 2G, 3G, NB-IoT, LoRa & SIGFOX. And our new Watchman Radar unit reads the tank level without the need to drill a hole, making it an ideal solution for plastic tanks owned by domestic customers.”
Click here for more information.
Kingspan Energy Management Solutions will be showcasing its “smart” tank monitoring systems at UKIFDA 2020 (virtual event), on 7-8 July 2021.
Essar Oil (UK) Limited (EOUK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Bullock as independent non-executive director.