Market & Supply 36
Rory Clarke, managing director of J.R. Rix & Sons, overlooking the company’s Hull fuel depot
Hull-based J.R. Rix & Sons grew turnover by 17% in 2017 with all companies in the Group reporting an improved performance on the previous year.
Group revenue increased by £60m to £407m in the 12 months to December 31st, 2017, with profit remaining stable at just under £5m.
Holiday home and lodge manufacturer Victory Leisure Homes continued to make inroads into the industry, growing market share significantly and increasing sales from £19.5m in 2016 to £26.5m last year. The company was bolstered by the strength of the UK holiday market and the weak pound.
The weak pound also combined with an increase in the price of oil prompting growth at the Group’s inland and marine fuels businesses. Rix Petroleum – the largest company in the Group – increased sales from £272m to £304m and maritime bunkering’s revenue increased from £25.4m in 2016 to £38m in 2017.
Rix Shipping, which manages the company’s shipping fleet and stevedoring operations in Hull and Montrose, saw turnover nearly double across the year from £7.2m in 2016 to £13.6m last year, and the Group’s car and commercial vehicle retailer, Jordans Cars, reported a slight growth in sales from £23.6m to £25.4m.
Managing director Rory Clarke described the performances as solid, adding that much of the growth had come from an increase in the price of oil.
“Overall Group turnover leapt by £60m with all divisions performing well. Although a number of external factors affect the performance of our businesses – the relative strength of the pound, the weather and the price of oil – good governance, keeping a close eye on costs and having a thorough understanding of the environment in which we operate are still key to driving growth.
‘’It is particularly pleasing that once again all the operating businesses within the group made a positive contribution to what was a good year for J.R. Rix & Sons.”www.rix.co.uk
Greenergy has reached an agreement with Oiltanking, a subsidiary of Marquard & Bahls, to purchase an idle biodiesel manufacturing facility located at Oiltanking’s site in Amsterdam. The acquisition of a third biodiesel plant will allow Greenergy to meet growing demand for waste-based biofuel in the UK and Europe.
The Amsterdam biodiesel manufacturing facility was built in 2010 to process vegetable oils but was never commissioned. Greenergy plans to carry out works over the next year to convert the facility to process waste oils rather than vegetable oils and then to add further production capacity.
“Demand for waste-based biodiesel is rising rapidly in the UK and Europe as a result of higher obligated biofuel inclusion rates,” explained Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“Over the last few years we have scaled up our raw material supply chains and invested in our UK manufacturing facilities, increasing output through a variety of incremental investments. We are now leveraging these skills and capabilities to develop a third plant.”
Scotland is a key location for A&A with the company ‘pleased to now have a stronger presence in this region’
Adler & Allan has expanded its operations in Scotland by opening up a new depot and offices in Aberdeen to provide the region with easier access to its range of environmental, fuel, waste and asset management services.
Support available from the depot includes A&A’s 24/7 emergency response, covering flooding and polluting spills. Flooding in particular is a growing concern for many regions in the UK; A&A can provide 360-degree flood mitigation services for businesses, including flood mapping, risk assessments, defences and clean up.
In addition, customers can access asset protection, such as the refurbishment of essential equipment and sites, the toughest protective coatings and linings, waste transfer and disposal, fuel and forecourt services. The company also delivers a range of consultancy to help businesses comply with their environmental obligations and deal with specific issues, such as contaminated land.
“We are delighted to open our new depot in Aberdeen,” said Ken Salmon, Adler & Allan’s general manager for Scotland.
“As a business, A&A is committed to providing an industry-leading, fast and efficient service, nationwide. New locations mean this commitment can be better fulfilled, providing improved levels of service to our clients. Scotland is a key location for A&A and we are pleased to now have a stronger presence in this region.”www.adlerandallan.co.uk
Heat Heroes and FPS members look on as Heart of England Foundation’s Jen Tullet (l), holds the cheque for £11,594 alongside Dawn Shakespeare of the FPS
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) – together with Midlands-based heating oil distributors, AID Fuels, Nolan Oils and Midland Fuel Oil – have been fundraising to help those in fuel poverty and have awarded £11,594 to four National Energy Action (NEA) Heat Heroes Award winners.
Organised by NEA, which works to end fuel poverty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Heat Heroes Awards aim to recognise individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to help people living in fuel poverty in their local community.
Having raised £11,594 from two years of fundraising events, the FPS and its members asked The Heart of England Community Foundation to administer the funds with the following chosen to receive £2898.50 each.
“We heartily congratulate all the winners of the NEA Heat Heroes Awards 2018,” said Guy Pulham, FPS chief executive.
“We’re pleased that with the help of our Midlands-based members, we’ve been able to raise a significant sum of money. We’re also impressed by the extraordinary efforts made by these four winners and have no doubt they’ll put the money to incredibly good use.”Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau – Natalie French, fuel poverty advisor intends to use the donation to continue to support people through the bureau’s telephone assessment and advice service; helping more people save money on their heating bills and become more energy efficient.Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts – Russell Bosanko, financial capability officer helps people save energy; the money will be put towards staging a number of events and attending community events to provide energy advice and support to those most in need of assistance with fuel bills. Wolverhampton Homes – Alvina Ali, energy and climate change officer will address fuel poverty with a series of initiatives, products and services to help tenants and residents to budget and control energy consumption. Home energy visits are an essential part of delivering a customer friendly solution as they give us the tools we need to help support and protect vulnerable residents living in fuel poverty whilst helping them to sustain their tenancies.Marches Energy Agency – Davina Allen, project manager supports vulnerable clients by finding ways to cut energy bills, looking for good deals and reducing fuel debt – the money will provide additional resources for their independent phoneline service across Shropshire, Herefordshire and southern Staffordshire.
“We were delighted that FPS chose our Foundation to administer these funds,” said Tina Costello CEO of Heart of England Community Foundation.
“The Heat Heroes Award winners have done brilliantly to support those struggling in their communities and we are sure their fine work will continue!”www.fpsonline.co.ukwww.nea.org.uk/award-schemes
Supplying directly to large commercial airports is part of the future growth strategy for Gulf Aviation
Adding toits existing portfolio of airport contracts, Gulf Aviation has secured a contract to provide fuel to Birmingham Airport. The deal significantly bolsters the existing fuel supply chain to the airport and will also include the refuelling of onsite vehicles.
Gulf Aviation – Certas Energy’s aviation brand – will provide a supply of Jet A1 fuel to the airport, which is one of the busiest in the UK, servicing more than 13 million passengers every year.
“We’re thrilled to confirm our partnership with Birmingham Airport,” said Alex Murphy, head of Gulf Aviation which has been supplying the UK aviation market for more than eight years.
“We’ve grown as a business by listening to our customers and developing services and solutions that respond to their needs and that help them run their companies more efficiently. It’s something I know Birmingham Airport were impressed with and it played a key part in their decision-making process
“Gulf Aviation will continue to have strong ties to private and business airfields alongside flying clubs; however, supplying directly to large commercial airports is certainly part of our future growth strategy,” added Alex.
Bob Graham, operations director at Birmingham Airport, said:
“This new partnership comes at a really exciting time for Birmingham Airport as we continue to expand the number of carriers and destinations we offer and position ourselves as an attractive airport for carriers looking to expand services into the UK.”
Essar has invested over $850 million since acquiring Stanlow in July 2011
Essar Oil (UK) Limited, which owns and operates the Stanlow Refinery, has reported robust financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31st 2018.
The refinery remains a key national asset, producing over 16% of the UK’s road transport fuel demand. Throughput in FY18 was 7.19 MMT, a reduction of 20.9% on FY17 due to the major turnaround in Q4.
The refinery completed the execution of all project upgrades during the turnaround. It is expected the margin improvements will yield an incremental margin of US $75 million to US $80 million annually in the prevailing market.
Essar’s optimised reconfiguration to a single train site, material diversification of the crude slate and an ongoing focus on margin booster initiatives in recent years resulted in a delta over the benchmark margin of US $4.00/bbl, as against under US $1.00/bbl in 2012.Operational and financial performance: Key Indicators
Discover more in the Tank Storage Association’s recently published Annual Review for 2018. The publication gives an overview of the bulk liquid storage sector in the UK, and information about the TSA’s activities throughout the last year.
The RoadKing truck stop at Holyhead Port which will soon have the addition of a Certas Energy state-of-the-art bunkering site
The port of Holyhead will have a brand-new 24-hour HGV refuelling facility thanks to Certas Energy which recently announced the development of a second facility, just off the A55 in North Wales at junction 2, with truck stop specialists RoadKing.
Up to four HGVs will be able to refuel at the same time taking advantage of high speed pumps, which dispense fuel at up to 120 litres per minute. The site will also feature advanced data collection technology, fuel monitoring equipment, filtration systems and multi-product dispensers including road diesel, gas oil and AdBlue.
UK Fuels, Key Fuels and Certas Energy fuel cards will all be accepted at the site, with Certas Energy customers receiving a 1ppl discount on all diesel purchases.
Due to open this year, this new state-of-the-art bunker facility, will be created at the existing RoadKing truck stop. Having first opened its doors in May 2015, the facility offers drivers accommodation, a restaurant, a 24-hour fully licensed bar, as well as in demand wash facilities and showers.
“We’re delighted to unveil our plans to build a brand-new HGV refuelling facility,” said Andrew Goodwin, national bunker manager.
“Holyhead Port strengthens our commitment to fuelling Britain’s ports which includes the Port of Liverpool.
“Around 400,000 lorries and trailers pass through the busy Holyhead Port every year making it one of the busiest ports in the UK for Irish Sea freight, so this is a strategic investment for us that supports our ambition to establish a strong network of refuelling locations across the UK.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for all of us at Certas Energy and we’re very pleased to be working so closely with RoadKing again. Our partnership means drivers passing through Holyhead will soon be able to benefit from the convenience of a state-of-the-art refuelling site alongside a best-in-class RoadKing truck stop.”
The partnership between Certas Energy and RoadKing follows on from the success of a similar development in 2017, which saw a new HGV refuelling bunker built at the New Hollies Truckstop in Cannock. Located on the A5, just off junction 12 of the M6, over 16,000 drivers have refuelled at the site since it launched 8 months ago.
Nicholas Whatmore, Director for RoadKing said “We pride ourselves on speaking to drivers to make sure we give them everything they want in a truck stop and a refuelling facility is something that many of them have told us would be a huge benefit.
“Our collaboration with Certas Energy at our Cannock site has been a great success and we’re thrilled to now be extending that to Holyhead Port. It means even more of our customers can take advantage of the 24-hour truck stop services we offer and conveniently refuel their vehicles at the same time before completing their journeys.”www.certasenergy.co.uk/fuel-cards
CEO William Bannister – MFG is ‘now better positioned to successfully perform as the UK’s number one independent operator’
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) is ranked 6th in a league table of Britain’s one hundred private companies with the biggest sales in the 17th annual Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 100.
Issued on Sunday (8th July), the league table ranks companies by sales as reported in their latest available accounts, or by more up-to-date figures as reported directly to Fast Track by the companies. This year, the 100 companies reached a record £205bn in total sales, up an average of 16% on the prior year, with record total profits of £23.5bn, up by 10%. An impressive 90 companies increased sales in their latest financial year.
“This is the first time that we have appeared in this league table, and to come in at number six is a great acknowledgement of the hardworking performance of the whole MFG team,” said William Bannister, MFG’s chief executive officer.
“Looking forward, I am confident that with our recent acquisition (21 June 2018) of MRH, we are now even better positioned to successfully perform as the UK’s number one independent forecourt operator.”
The league table is sponsored by HSBC, Linklaters and PwC and compiled by Fast Track, the Oxford-based research and networking events company.www.motorfuelgroup.com
Welcoming the ‘opportunity to increase our customer base’ Ruairidh Beath, regional director for Rix Petroleum at Wynnstay Fuels
Rix Petroleum has expanded its UK depot network into North West England and Wales for the first time in its 140-year history. The acquisition of Wynnstay Fuels, with depots at Waverton, Chester, and Pwllheli, North Wales, was completed by parent company, J.R. Rix & Sons, on Thursday, June 21st.
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, brings Rix Petroleum’s national network to 14 depots, ranging from Aberdeen in the north to Essex in the south, and from Hull in the east across to Pwllheli.
Headquartered in Hull, Rix now has depots in all the regions of England and Scotland, as well as one in Wales, for the first time.
J.R. Rix & Sons purchased the business from owners Wynnstay PLC and majority shareholder Jeff Kendrick who said:
“The time has finally come for me to retire but I am delighted to be selling to family-owned business Rix.
“I can see that Rix genuinely care about their customers and staff and I have no doubt that they will look after the customers and staff of Wynnstay.”
Rory Clarke, managing director of J.R Rix & Sons, said the Wynnstay business was a valuable addition to the company’s network.
“There is a lot of synergy between Wynnstay Fuels, which runs a fleet of 8 tankers, and Rix Petroleum in terms of values and commitment to customer service, so when we heard Jeff was planning to retire it made sense for us to look to acquire the business.
“From a location point of view, this acquisition gives us a much stronger foothold in North West England and Wales, so we’re delighted we were able to agree a deal and take over the reins from Jeff.”
Ruairidh Beath, regional director for Rix Petroleum, added: “We already sell fuel to customers in Wales through our local business Rix Petroleum (Mercia) Ltd which is based in Market Drayton. We welcome this opportunity to increase our customer base in the area.”www.rix.co.uk
With ‘numerous suppliers not able to guarantee their SFGO will be free of FAME’, FPS technical manager, Tony Brown, wants to ensure all are well-prepared
The FPS wants all distributors and users of SFGO to be aware of the impact that changes to the UK’s Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO) target will have on non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) equipment.
“The FPS understands that numerous suppliers cannot guarantee their SFGO will be free of FAME,” explained Tony Brown, FPS technical manager.
“In April this year, the legally required percentage of fuels derived from renewable sources increased to 7.25%. From 1 January 2019 this will rise to 8.5% and keep rising till it reaches 12.4% by 2032.
“All suppliers are obligated to meet the new targets but free on just how they reach each target. There are different ways to achieve this, including the addition of FAME to SFGO, so we want to warn all users of NRMM.
“It may be that road diesel, including FAME, will be marked and supplied for NRMM use – and it is important that business owners and farmers who use mobile machinery, are aware of what this could mean for them.
“The increased use of FAME in SFGO could lead to issues and challenges with agricultural equipment including tractors, forestry equipment, construction machinery, forklift trucks, portable generators, inland waterway vessels, and recreational craft.
“FAME is corrosive to certain materials such as rubber and can cause filters to clog and increase the risk of bacterial growth as well as instability levels of the fuel. The good news is there are steps which farmers and businesses can take to prepare for the change.
“Before taking delivery of any biofuel, give the tank a specialist clean or check on the tank immediately after. Continue to carry out regular tank checks and take remedial action if you notice any water, dirt, mould or growth. It’s worth examining filters, pipework and seals on a regular basis, and to replace filters after every 2 or 3 deliveries anyway.
“Most NRMM engines are thankfully compatible with fuel containing FAME in the proportion found in fuel, but farmers and businesses who own older equipment may need to make modifications such as the inclusion of a drain point in the tank to remove any water build-up.
“As water is a big problem for SFGO containing FAME, it’s recommended to limit storage time of FAME blended fuels, and to keep tanks topped up to reduce air which can draw moisture,” added Tony.fpsonline.co.uk
Last week UKPIA published its annual review of the downstream oil industry. Now in its sixteenth year of publication, the 2018 Statistical Review is a valuable compilation of UK downstream oil industry statistics.
The Rt Hon Claire Perry MP, Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, in her introduction to the review, commented:
“The downstream fuels sector has an historic role in underpinning economic prosperity in the UK, and as the UKPIA’s latest Annual Statistical Review reminds us, oil still plays a major role in driving UK prosperity and will continue to do so in the coming years.”
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the 2018 Statistical Review,” said UKPIA’s director-general, Stephen Marcos Jones.
“The information and statistics it contains provide a comprehensive and clear picture of the downstream oil sector in the UK. In its 16th edition, revised and expanded to include relevant additional data, the Statistical Review continues to be widely regarded as the go-to source of information on our sector.”
For an electronic version of the 2018 edition of the Statistical Review, click here.
“EOGB believes that the proposals discriminate against some of the most vulnerable rural households,” says Martin Cooke, technical director at EOGB
Burner manufacturer EOGB Energy Products is urging government to acknowledge ongoing innovation in the oil heating sector, following proposals to exclude oil from the next round of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme.
The proposed changes to ECO, which aims to help low income households reduce their energy bills through energy efficiency measures, would see oil-heated households unable to repair or replace an old, faulty or broken boiler with a new oil appliance.
Consumers in off-grid homes may be allowed to fit other solutions such as air source heat pumps and LPG boilers, but these systems are more expensive to run.
Therefore, EOGB believes that the proposals discriminate against some of the most vulnerable rural households who need access to the cheapest form of heating, leaving them at a significant financial disadvantage compared to those on mains gas.
“We believe it is premature and short-sighted to remove oil from ECO3,” says Martin Cooke, technical director at EOGB.
“The oil heating sector is brimming with new technology, particularly considering that the government have yet to formulate policy towards decarbonising the off-grid sector.”www.eogb.co.uk
Lee Thomas, procurement and contracts manager, Silverstone Circuits with Craig Nugent, head of dealer sales, Certas Energy
Gulf Retail has become the fuel partner to Silverstone Circuits providing the motor racing venue with its full requirement of fuels including a range of premium and racing fuels as well as heating oils and generator fuels. “We are impressed by Silverstone’s vision to become a year-round leisure destination and see great long-term potential from this agreement,” enthused Craig Nugent, head of dealer sales at Certas Energy.
“It also enables us to align our Gulf brand with one of the world’s leading race circuits and showcase the quality and performance capabilities of Gulf fuels.”
The forecourt within Silverstone Circuits National Paddock has been extensively refurbished to meet the future needs of the circuit and its range of fuels now includes unleaded, Gulf’s premium fuel grade Endurance, Gulf 99 Octane Track unleaded and Gulf 102 Octane specially blended racing fuel formula for even greater performance.
Gulf was supported by retail technology specialists, HTEC who supplied and installed the outside payment terminal, POS and back office system, allowing the site to operate a 24- hour service.
Investment within Silverstone Circuit is ongoing and includes ‘The Silverstone Experience’, a new technology driven and interactive visitor attraction due to open in 2019, as well as development of Silverstone’s premium meeting and accommodation facilities.
“This is a partnership between two companies with a rich motor racing heritage and a strong commitment to the future,” added Lee Thomas, procurement and contracts manager, Silverstone Circuits. “Our forecourt has now been refurbished to meet future demand from both the racing fraternity and motoring public. The Circuit’s entire fuel needs are now serviced by Certas Energy and Gulf and we hope that this is the start of a strong relationship that in time will extend well beyond the supply of high quality fuels.”gulfoil.co.uk/retail/
Scott Roberts
“LIKE MANY ORGANISATIONS IN OUR INDUSTRY, THIS WINTER WAS CHALLENGING FOR US,” REPORTS SCOTT ROBERTS, OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS DIRECTOR AT WATSON FUELS WHO SHARES THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE COMPANY TO BUILD RESILIENCE INTO ITS OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES
Inclement weather is always a boost for fuel services but high customer volumes, supply chain pressures and intensity of demand puts pressure on all levels of your business, reports Scott Roberts, operations and logistics director at Watson Fuels, pictured above.
Despite this, Watson Fuels emerged with record customer retention figures. This success can, in the main, be put down to a resilient, flexible and responsive operations strategy. But how can organisations build resilience into their operational strategies? These are the steps we took at Watson Fuels.
Essar – ‘welcomes expressions of interest from retail partners in both developing the retail offer and in running the business with Essar’ – retail@essaroil.co.uk
Having successfully broken through the milestone of over 50 dealer supplied sites, Essar Oil UK is looking to build on its successful retail brand by developing a leading edge, new build ‘Roadside Retail’ location, opposite the entrance to its Stanlow Refinery in Ellesmere Port.
The company is keen to use this prestigious retail investment to highlight their brand and would welcome expressions of interest from retail partners in both developing the retail offer and in running the business with Essar.
The one-acre site, situated on the busy A5117 road between the M56 and M53 motorways, was previously a small forecourt, but will be transformed into Essar’s flagship vision for retail in the coming months. Planning permission has already been secured for the development which will comprise a convenience store of c4,000 sq ft., and five fuelling islands – four for retail and one HGV enabled. There will be parking for around 25 cars and space for up to four electric charging points. It is expected that around 30 jobs will be created, with the site expected to open later this year.
“This development has been two years in the planning and marks the next stage in the evolution of our retail brand offering and is a real statement of intent,” explained SB Prasad, chief commercial officer, retail.
“The funds to develop the project are in place and whilst we have the ability to operate the site ourselves, we think that there is a real partnership opportunity for those with an evolved retail offer or real forecourt expertise to do the retailing while we focus on producing high quality fuels for the UK. Accordingly, we welcome any expressions of interest from forecourt operators keen to run what we believe will be one of the best retail sites in the North West.”
Essar are confident their award-winning brand proposition can enhance any retail business, with this latest bold move representing another compelling reason for retailers to sign up with the company.
“Dealers and motorists already understand Stanlow’s role in providing high quality fuels made in Britain and our brand is the perfect complement to the latest redevelopment,” added SB Prasad.
“Where better to showcase this than opposite our main manufacturing base.
“We fully expect this location to pump well over six million litres each year. We have already had significant interest from big retail brands in working with us and will look to finalise matters in the next three months.ANYONE INTERESTED IN THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY SHOULD CONTACT RETAIL@ESSAROIL.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION
OFTEC CEO Paul Rose sees the government’s carbon reduction plans as ‘the chance for the industry to once again demonstrate its proven capability to adapt and reinvent”
The development of a low carbon solution to secure the future of liquid fuel heating will be the focal point of this month’s OFTEC’s 2018 annual conference which takes place at the Hilton Puckrup Hotel near Tewkesbury on Tuesday 19th June
OFTEC CEO Paul Rose will update members and guests on industry’s progress to bring to market a low carbon liquid fuel to directly replace kerosene in support of government’s decarbonisation plans.
____________________TO BOOK A FREE PLACE AT THE OFTEC CONFERENCE, PLEASE CONTACT ANDY PEIRSON apeirson@oftec.org OR 01473 618552
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“Much progress has been made since OFTEC’s strategy for the future of off-grid heating was officially launched at last year’s conference and AGM,” said Paul Rose.
“A year ago we were talking about plans to develop a low carbon liquid fuel as a ‘green’ alternative for the 850,000 oil using homes in England and Wales.
“Fast forward to today and, following direct engagement with government and policy makers, a joint OFTEC-BEIS industry working group has been established to co-ordinate discussion and action in this area.”
“In partnership with Ecoflam, EOGB and Riello, OFTEC has also begun testing the viability of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) as one potential option. At this early stage we’re keeping our options open to ensure we find the right sustainable, cost effective and technically suitable solution for consumers, policy makers and our planet but the initial findings are very positive. Although this process will likely take a matter of years rather than months, OFTEC is keen to introduce a suitable low carbon fuel as soon as possible.”
“We are fully committed to supporting our members and will do all we can to find the right resolution for those affected by the truck cartel.”
The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is assisting its members across the UK in making damages claims against truck manufacturers MAN, Volvo Renault, Daimler, Iveco, and DAF, who were found guilty by the European Commission (EC) in July 2016 of price fixing.
The FPS is now working closely with Hausfeld Solicitors with company currently representing over 44 UK-based FPS members in making a claim against the manufacturers on a no-win no-fee basis.
Unite has called on the government to fully enforce new European Union regulations which will improve safety by placing import duties on inferior quality tyres being imported from China.
Unite has been increasingly alarmed that low cost inferior quality tyres have been flooding the market from China and other Asian countries. The tyres are of an inferior quality to those produced in the UK.
Due to the poorer quality of these tyres there are significant safety concerns associated with them as they have a much shorter road life and are more likely to ‘blowout’.
There are also concerns that if no action is taken against the cheap imports it could lead to job losses among UK based tyre manufacturers, who are unable to compete on price.
Under the provisional regulations published last month by the European Union, inferior quality tyres made in China for use on buses and lorries will be subject to anti-dumping duties of between 29% and 68%.
There will now be a six-month consultation period to decide if the new duties are correct and Unite will be lobbying the government to ensure that not only are the new regulations fully implemented in the UK immediately, they continue after the country leaves the EU next year.
“The regulations currently only apply to tyres for lorries and buses and we believe that it should apply to all imported tyres,” said Tony Devlin, Unite national officer for rubber.
“Safety concerns should never be comprised on the grounds of price. It is imperative that the government fully implements these new regulations and ensures that they remain in place after the UK leaves the European Union next year.”
www.unitetheunion.org
Thirty years on from the world’s worst offshore disaster, an Act of Remembrance will take place in Aberdeen on Friday 6th July with families, friends and industry representatives gathering to remember the 167 men who lost their lives.
The reverend Gordon Craig, chaplain to the UK offshore oil and gas industry, who is organising the Act of Remembrance said:
“Thirty years may seen a long time to some, but for those who lost a father, son, brother, husband, partner, uncle, nephew, friend or colleague, the tragedy is still very much part of their life.
“Our commemoration is an opportunity to gather together and remember those loved ones who never came home. By naming every person who tragically lost their life, the city and industry together can demonstrate that the loss of these men will not be forgotten.”
“It’s hard to believe that three decades have passed since the Piper Alpha tragedy,” added the lord provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett.
“The shocking events of that night thirty years ago are imprinted on the Aberdeen memory forever.
Beginning at 7pm the names of the perished will be read aloud and a lone piper will play a lament followed by a minute’s silence. The service, which takes place in the Piper Alpha memorial garden, is also open to anyone who wants to remember and pay their respects.
To assist with the hours of television coverage of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Certas Energy partnered with FTVS (Film & Television Services) to deliver a cleaner, greener broadcast by fuelling its specialist twin set generators with Shell GTL Fuel.
The fuel, which is exclusively available from Certas Energy in the UK, reduced emission levels, noise and strong-smelling fumes for the thousands of spectators lining the streets in Windsor.
“Diesel powered generators can often be noisy and pump out strong-smelling fumes so when Certas Energy first told us about the performance benefits of Shell GTL Fuel last year we were keen to trial it,” explained FTVS technical director, Chris Pratt,
“Our clients are increasingly specifying the use of cleaner, greener fuels and we have now used this fuel for a range of projects including BBC Springwatch, Big Brother and the Open at Royal Birkdale.”
“As a direct replacement for diesel, we haven’t had to make any modifications to our equipment or storage tanks.
The fuel’s improved combustion properties reduce emission levels of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) to immediately improve local air quality. Paraffinic fuels are also free of unwanted components such as sulphur, metals, and aromatics, making them non-toxic and less harmful to the environment.
GTL offers another important advantage when used in back-up generators. Contamination issues can often occur when storing fuel for long periods of time caused by bacterial growth. Shell GTL however is FAME free which reduces the risk of bacterial growth resulting in a longer shelf life for the fuel. GTL Fuel also has a better starting performance in cold conditions compared to conventional diesel which is another benefit when working on outdoor sets although hopefully the royal couple and well-wishers will enjoy good weather on their special day!
“We were delighted to work with FTVS to fuel the coverage of the royal wedding which was watched on television by millions of people across the world,” commented Certas Energy marketing manager, Emma-Jayne Brown.
“It’s been great to see the immediate benefits FTVS has experienced having switched to Shell GTL and the positive response they’ve had from broadcast and production companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint without affecting performance or reliability.”
To find out more about the benefits of Shell GTL Fuel please click here.
Mabanaft’s James Alden presents top scoring Ian Gibson of Certas Energy with his GoPro HERO5 action camera at FPS Expo 2018
Mabanaft is delighted to announce that Ian Gibson of Certas Energy won their MABAMAYHEM competition at FPS EXPO this year. It was a challenging contest but Ian really persevered to achieve 24,000 points, making him this year’s top scorer!
Ian, who won a fabulous GoPro HERO5 action camera – made to capture photos and videos in extreme conditions, said:
“I was delighted with the prize. I have booked a ride on a massive zip wire in Wales soon and was thinking of buying a GoPro to capture the experience, so this was perfect!
This was my second visit to FPS and it was great to catch up with James and Martin at the event. Mabanaft is a great company to work alongside and we genuinely appreciate the support that we receive from their professional, dedicated marketers.”
Mabanaft’s commercial director, Martin Cook, said:
“Ian is a regional supplies coordinator at Certas Energy, a long-standing customer of Mabanaft. We were all delighted to see him achieve such a high score and win the coveted prize.” www.mabalive.co.uk/news