Tony Smith brings over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector to the Peel Gas and Oil team. Peel Gas & Oil, a member of United Kingdom Onshore Oil and Gas (UKOOG) has expanded its team by appointing Tony Smith as commercial strategy manager. Joining from SLR – where he led development of business strategy, including environmental services, relating to shale gas – Tony brings over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector to the team. Born in Bradford, Tony joined BP Research after gaining his PhD in oil degradation, kick-starting an accomplished career that would see him negotiate landmark gas contracts for ExxonMobil. He will strengthen Peel Gas & Oil’s offer as an essential development partner to shale gas licence holders, helping to speed up delivery and de-risk investment via the company’s skills and assets in land, infrastructure and utilities. “I’m extremely proud to be starting the next chapter of my career with Peel Gas & Oil,” said Tony. “The commercial factors to getting an onshore industry off the ground are complex and require a collaborative approach. My experience of advising global clients on all aspects from sales and quality, to transportation and infrastructure will be a key aspect of my new role.” Before joining Peel Gas & Oil, Tony also travelled the world during successful periods with Schlumberger and as a strategic adviser to some of the biggest players in the global gas market. “Tony’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and enviable experience of the market mean he will be a valued addition to our team,” said managing director Myles Kitcher. “He joins us at an exciting time for the industry, as a swathe of new shale licences are due to be offered across the country. Our focus must now be to overcome the industry’s challenges and foster a connected approach that will deliver progress and stimulate a thriving supply chain in the UK.” Earlier this year Peel Gas and Oil commissioned a study by AMION Consulting. The report Shale Gas – Creating a Supply Hub for the Bowland Shale – found that developing a supply hub in the Bowland Shale could see Northern economies benefit from a £30 billion boost. It also found that development of a supply chain to support the industry could also support 13,000 jobs – more than double the amount than without a supply hub.  Download a copy at www.peelgasandoil.co.uk.www.peel.co.uk

Certas Energy vehicles are now equipped with ATEX-approved Hawk mobile computers from TouchStar Technologies TouchStar Technologies has been working with Certas Energy to optimise its fuel delivery process. Having grown organically and rapidly through acquisition, Certas Energy’s network of depots has grown.  Finding there were multiple sites serving each region, the company reviewed its whole supply chain strategy. The decision to implement in-vehicle technology was part of a wider strategic review with Certas Energy wanting to ensure its operation remained cost-effective, provided product on time and to agreed service levels. “TouchStar and Certas Energy worked closely to define and implement a robust system capable of handling the transaction and delivery scenarios necessary for a service-driven heating oil distribution environment,” commented David Hauff, head of logistics services at Certas Energy. “We anticipate a relatively short ROI based upon the genuine reduction in vehicle mileage and the administration associated with delivery errors. Of equal importance are the ‘softer’ benefits we have derived such as a delighted customer base.” “I’m pleased to report that, six months after implementation, the system has met all of the key aims listed below: • Reduction in paperwork by eradicating the need for delivery tickets • Reduction in vehicle mileage • Elimination of errors in delivery data via automation of updates • Elimination of delays in delivery data via real-time transmission • Increase in service levels through a more reactive service • Optimisation of the scheduling process TouchStar’s software application has been designed specifically around the requirements of a heating oil delivery process, handling the interfaces to the tachograph, various meter types, printer and navigation data. The system provides vehicle checks, loading instructions, delivery details and end of shift reports to HMRC approved standards. In the vehicle TouchStar has supplied  ATEX-approved Hawk mobile computers. The Hawk devices have a robust large screen interface for the driver that clearly presents delivery instructions and navigation guidance, as well as facilitating a signature capture option for customers. The live link between the driver and the back office facilitates the optimisation of the scheduling process by enabling a central view to be achieved leading to optimised fleet utilisation.www.touchstar.co.ukwww.certasenergy.co.uk

Members of the Tuffa team celebrate their award winning success Staffordshire-based Tuffa Tanks, which recently supplied an oil tank to the country’s National Memorial Arboretum, has been awarded the title of manufacturer of the year.    The award, which was in recognition of ‘the ever-growing manufacturing sector in Burton, South Derbyshire and Uttoxeter’ was given by the Burton Mail. Looking for companies that had excelled in the manufacturing sector since July 2012, the judges considered all aspects of the manufacturing process including product design, testing, development, production, marketing, sales and overall business performance. “This was one proud moment in the history of Tuffa,” said Charlie Goring. “The years 2013-2015 saw some tremendous changes which were only possible through the hard work and dedication given by all the Tuffa team. Illustrating the diverse list of Tuffa’s customers, a 1350SLB bunded oil tank was  recently delivered to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire. The tank will supply a jumbo 200watt heater which warms a large outdoor marquee used for various events throughout the year.www.tuffa.co.uk

Hoyer will have 14 vehicles making bitumen deliveries out of Dagenham, Cardiff and Glasgow on behalf of Puma Energy Hoyer Petrolog has won a four-year contract with Puma Energy, the global mid and downstream energy company which entered the UK bitumen market in July 2015. Deliveries will be made out of storage depots in Dagenham, Cardiff and Glasgow. Allan Davison, operations director, said: “This new business will start with 14 vehicles operating from three UK bases with an expectation of further growth in the coming years. “As well as undertaking physical deliveries Hoyer will be responsible for all planning activity using our bespoke planning software.” Roy Brooke, general manager for Puma Energy UK, said “Puma Energy prides itself on delivering high-quality products safely, swiftly and reliably. Our focus is clear – to help our UK customers grow and prosper via the secure delivery of product which is why we partnered with one of the UK’s best bulk logistics providers.”www.hoyer-group.comwww.pumaenergy.comFOR MORE ON PUMA ENERGY SEE INSIDE OUT IN THE DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS

Understanding the importance of helping the next generation of engineers and technicians, Greenergy’s new apprentice Michael Fesler (r) works alongside mechanical maintenance leader Tony Gibbons Greenergy has taken on its first apprentice at the company’s Plymouth fuel terminal. Michael Fesler, an 18-year old Plymouth resident has just joined another eight young people currently completing their apprenticeships with Greenergy throughout the UK. “Michael brings a renewed enthusiasm to site and we’re all enjoying the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience,” said Tony Gibbons, Greenergy’s mechanical maintenance leader. Michael will spend three and a half days a week learning on the job with his mentor, Tony. Together they conduct routine maintenance inspections and carry out remedial work and safety testing at the fuel terminal. The remainder of Michael’s week is spent at City College Plymouth studying for an NVQ level 2 in mechanical engineering. “We’re taking on another apprentice at our Plymouth terminal next month to help develop the skills we need for the future,” added Tony. “Traditional ‘A’ Levels didn’t appeal to me,” said maintenance apprentice Michael Fesler. “I wanted to start work, and this apprenticeship has allowed me to continue studying while getting hands-on experience in a real working environment. In five years’ time I’d like to have completed my NVQ qualifications and gained an in-depth knowledge of the terminal. It could also be the right time to consider an engineering degree.” Greenergy has owned the Plymouth fuel terminal, made up of sites at Cattedown and Mayflower, since 2008 and recently completed an extensive five year regeneration programme at the facilities.www.greenergy.com

Last month several oil boiler, tank and burner manufacturers got together to promote the use of oil with an advertisement in the Belfast Telegraph. ___________________________________________________________________ WITH THE GROWTH OF NATURAL GAS ACROSS IRELAND, THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF FUEL OIL NEWS ASKS WHAT MEASURES ARE IRISH DISTRIBUTORS TAKING TO HELP PROTECT THEIR SHARE OF THE ENERGY MARKET?   EMAIL jane@fueloilnews.co.uk __________________________________________________________________ With oil prices at a five-year low, boiler manufacturers Firebird, Grant and Warmflow together with tank manufacturers Harlequin and Kingspan and burner manufacturer Riello worked together to promote a pro oil message to consumers reminding them that ‘oil is cheaper’ than all the alternatives in Northern Ireland. The advertisement, which appeared within the home heat supplement in the Belfast Telegraph on Thursday 29th October, is in direct response to a very aggressive natural gas promotion in Northern Ireland. “It is proposed that this marketing committee of manufacturers will look at pushing out the ‘oil is cheaper’ message across Ireland in 2016,” said David Blevings, OFTEC’s Ireland manager.  “The intention is to build this into a bigger and better campaign to retain oil customers.” For more information, please contact David Blevings.  

Employers are being urged to encourage staff to Drive less, live more – the theme of this year’s Road Safety Week.

“The extension of operation to cover logistics on behalf of Esso is a significant development for the business,” said Allan Davison, operations director for Hoyer Petrolog in the UK & Ireland Hoyer Petrolog has been awarded a new three-year contract by Esso. The UK-based contract runs until June 2019 and covers Esso’s UK industrial and wholesale delivery network and its delivery business for Tesco Express (Alliance). Under the new contract Hoyer Petrolog will also undertake all supply chain management activities including order taking, stock management, planning and delivery confirmation for Esso. “I am delighted to announce this strengthening of our relationship with Esso,” said Allan Davison, operations director for Hoyer Petrolog in the UK & Ireland. “I would like to thank everyone involved at Hoyer Petrolog for their contribution towards this successful outcome.” The transition towards Hoyer fulfilling the new Full Service solution for Esso is likely to take around six months through to the second quarter of 2016. The agreement with Esso follows a string of new business wins for Hoyer Petrolog including the recent additional branded wholesaler contracts awarded by Eurogarages, MRH and Rontec in the south of England.www.hoyer-group.com

Delighted by the company’s achievement Rory Clarke, managing director of Rix Petroleum and board member of J.R. Rix & Sons Having grown its profits to £4.4m last year J.R. Rix & Sons has been ranked 38th in the 2015 Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250. “To continually feature in the Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 is a real source of pride for the company,” said  Rory Clarke, managing director of Rix Petroleum and group board member. “The list features some truly great businesses so to be ranked alongside them is always a thrill. “Whilst we experienced a small drop in turnover last year – group turnover was £453m in 2014 – slightly down on the previous year due to a fall in the price of oil – however the volume of oil we sold outstripped that in 2013 and we grew profits by 33% so it was a solid performance to say the least, and we’re delighted that our progress continues to be recognised by the Sunday Times.” The Hull firm, which started out as ship owners in 1873 and today has interests in fuel distribution, shipping, motor cars, caravan manufacturing and property, has appeared in the prestigious business listing for the 10th time in 11 years.www.rix.co.uk

Russian oil companies have rapidly increased exports to post-Soviet record levels as internal demand has declined by a quarter and international oil prices have fallen. Among the companies discussing recent projects at Oil Terminal 2015 will be Gazprom Neft, Rosneft – both of which along with Surgutneftegaz and Lukoil, showed rapid growth in the second quarter of this year – and Bashneft. The agenda at the Oil Terminal 2015 industry forum reflects how growing oil exports have led to additional demands to increase the capacity of tank farms and exporting oil terminals. Tank Farms and Oil Terminals – 10th technology conference The companies below have confirmed their participation in the 10th technology conference Tank Farms and Oil Terminals, which will take place in St. Petersburg on 26-27 November as a part of the Oil Terminal 2015 industry forum. Rosneft, Transneft, Ust Luga Oil Terminal, Gazpromneft Terminal, Rosrezerv, Don Terminal, Chernomor Trans Neft, Port of Amsterdam, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Novorosiysk, Port of Kozmino, Port of Ust-Luga, Port of Primorsk, St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, Sibur-Portenergo, Transit-DV, Neftegasindustria-Management, Rosneft-KubanNefteprodukt, Baltic Gas Chemical Company, Baltmorproekt and Gazprom Neft Marine Bunker Key projects will be presented by expert speakers and delegations giving attendees insights, experience and strategies direct from the terminal operators.

Fuelled by Morris Lubricants, the three Group 4 RS 1800 Mark 2 Ford Escorts that will be competing in the East African Classic Safari Rally Shrewsbury-based Morris Lubricants is to provide specially formulated lubricants for next month’s East African Classic Safari Rally. Morris Lubricants will assist three Group 4 RS 1800 Mark 2 Ford Escorts entered by Newtown-based Viking Motorsport. Participants will be covering 4,000 miles between Kenya and Tanzania meaning the cars’ engines will need to withstand searing heat of 40 degrees Celsius over long distances. “It’s the roughest, toughest rally in the world,” said Viking Motorsport’s’ managing director Phil Mills who won the 2003 World Rally Championship. “We’re rallying in extreme conditions with 45-year old cars, which are specially prepared for the punishing surfaces. “We’ve developed a good working relationship with the technical team at Morris Lubricants,” said Phil who will also have 20 staff, eight trucks and a helicopter to support the three cars out in Africa. “We need a slightly heavier engine oil and slightly better gear and differential oils for this long distance rally. Morris Lubricants have come up with everything we needed and they have been faultless. “When we strip the engines, gearboxes and transmissions, they’re like brand new, which shows how good the oils are. The company provides a high quality, dedicated service that you don’t get from larger oil companies.” “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Phil Mills and his team at Viking Motorsport, said Craig Bastable, Morris Lubricants’ marketing manager. “It’s a real testament to the quality and performance of our products that they’re chosen by motorsport professionals to keep these classic cars running smoothly in such extreme conditions.  We wish them success in the East African Classic Safari Rally.” The rally takes place from 19th – 27th November – cars will be driven by Jorge Perez-Companc and co-driver José Volta from Argentina, Jan Hagman from Sweden and English co-driver Philip Clarke and John Lloyd and Adrian Cavenagh, an English/Kenyan pairing.  Phil  has set a target of the trio all finishing in the top 10, with at least one driver on the podium. Two years ago, his cars finished third and fifth.www.morrislubricants.co.ukwww.vikingmotorsport.co.uk

Certas is responsible for several market-leading lubricant brands including Shell, Castrol, Gulf, Valvoline and Total Last week Certas Energy opened the doors of its Livingston warehouse in West Lothian to existing and prospective customers and local businesses. The 33,000 sq ft hub has been opened just under a year and as well as a huge warehouse facility, the new site features a specifically designed tank farm, with a 150,000 litre storage capacity, as well as holding in excess of 2000 pallets. “We wanted to demonstrate and guide visitors through the bulk facilities offered at our new depot,” said Andrew Salton general manager, Certas Energy North. “Perhaps the most important part of our operations is our lubricant farm; we went to one of the best fuel tank manufacturers in the UK – the Blake Group – who were invaluable in helping us achieve our goals. The unique design and set-up of the tanks ensures we eliminate contamination, as well as having total control of oil in/out of the tanks with millilitre accuracy.” Certas is responsible for several market-leading lubricant brands including Shell, Castrol, Gulf, Valvoline and Total, which meet the requirements of every major sector, including agricultural, automotive, commercial, manufacturing, industrial, haulage, marine and aviation.www.blakegroup.co.ukwww.certasenergy.co.uk

To speak to one of our fuel experts please call us on +44 (0) 121 511 0470 IPU recently launched its upgraded Diesel Defence on-tank fuel polishing systems to deliver improved filtration, user-friendliness and to ensure smooth running for back-up generators in applications such as hospitals, datacentres and hazardous environments. Recognising that fuel polishing is a job that often falls under the radar, IPU has designed its new Diesel Defence DD50 (flow rate of 50 litres per minute for tanks holding 7,500 and 40,000 litres) and DD100 (flow rate of 100 litres per minute for tanks holding 40,000 and 75,000 litres) to be the simplest, fuss-free fuel polishing solution to ensure users get  the most out of their fuel. Engineered to a high standard Diesel Defence  remains user friendly; simply set it up once and it will run unassisted, month after month.  Alerts, which can also be sent by email, are clearly displayed on the integrated touchscreen controller which is visible at any time through a viewing panel. The touchscreen controller is password-protected to prevent unauthorised alterations to the fuel polishing cycle. With improved filtration for water, the advanced water absorbing filters remove virtually all emulsified and free water present in the tank preventing both injector damage and microbial growth.  The multi-stage fuel filtration system removes solid and microbial contamination to the one micron level ensuring fuel is maintained to surpass ISO 4406’s 18/16/13 standard of cleanliness and EN590’s 200ppm level of water content. Several improvements have been made to increase reliability; anti-rotational fittings prevent the polisher’s internal pipework turning when external pipes are tightened during regular maintenance checks. Optional extra features include an external alarm beacon, custom enclosures (e.g. vented with extractor fan) and a particle counter plus IPU has the ability to adapt to specific needs and applications.www.ipu.co.uk/diesel-defence

Morrisons is to pilot a convenience food offer in five filling station shops owned by the Motor Fuel Group which was recently ranked 40th in the 11th annual Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250. “In April, we were ranked 9th in the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 league table of Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing profits,” said  Jeremy Clarke, MFG’s managing director. “Our position in the Top Track 250 is yet another sign of our success in achieving our commitment to become one of the most dynamic and profitable independent forecourt operators in the UK.  2015 is continuing to be a very eventful and exciting year for us.” The league table ranks Britain’s private mid-market growth companies with the biggest sales;  All the 250 companies in the table increased sales or profits by at least 10% in their latest year. The Morrisons’ pilot will start by the end of the year and will allow Morrisons to supply branded and own-brand food to the forecourt stores. www.motorfuelgroup.com

Guests were treated to a tour of the Harefield site plus a fully catered meal from award winning chef, Andy Waugh, and an inspirational speech from guest presenter Phil Bevan, designer and founder of Trident Cars, producer of the world’s fastest diesel car. Following a £1 million investment, Advance Fuels formally opened its redeveloped Harefield Oil Terminal at Uxbridge on 30th September. The terminal is now the second largest fuelling facility to the west of Greater London, with a storage capacity of over 1.3 million litres for road diesel, gas oil and kerosene, and represents one of the largest development projects commissioned by Certas Energy. Addressing an audience of local dignitaries, businessmen, customers, journalists and staff,  Alex Ward, regional manager for Advance Fuels said: “This is the conclusion of a complex redevelopment project, which has transformed the site into the modern facility we have here today. “With London and the south east having seen a sharp decline in fuel storage and supply over the past 10 years following the closure of Buncefield and Coryton, Certas Energy responded to customer demand and invested in Harefield to provide a much needed fuel source and security of supply for customers in the capital, Home Counties and the south east. “There are now 18 employees on site and we’ve also launched a sales apprentice scheme in conjunction with Sussex Downs College – the company’s first. This is proving beneficial, and I hope to extend the initiative further across my region,” added Alex.www.certasenergy.co.ukwww.tridentsportscars.com

Having worked with a traditional oil company, two supermarkets and a key fuels importer/blender, Simon Davis brings some 26 years of valuable oil industry experience to the MFG management team The Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has confirmed the appointment of Simon Davis as its new fuel operations director. Within the MFG management team, Simon will be responsible for the on-going business relationships with MFG’s fuel suppliers, all fuel operations and for the implementation of the company’s fuel pricing strategy at each MFG service station in order to optimise revenue and volumes across the MFG network. Jeremy Clarke, managing director of MFG said: “Simon has an excellent track record and he brings valuable experience which will help to strengthen our already strong fuels team. Success in this key area of our business is essential to the continued growth and profitability of MFG.” Starting with Kuwait Petroleum in 1989 where he held various business, planning and logistics positions over eight years, Simon then spent the next seven years with two leading supermarkets, Morrisons and Safeway, to successfully manage the development and growth of their filling station activities. For the past 10 years, Simon has been company director and head of sales and logistics for Harvest Energy with full responsibility for all UK downstream sales, marketing and logistics and the successful introduction of the Harvest Energy forecourt brand.www.motorfuelgroup.com

Patrick Henry, director of logistics at Modal Training which will deliver realistic training, replicating the working environment in a wide range of settings Road, rail, sea and air  – plans for the first integrated, multimodal logistics training have been unveiled for Immingham. The new £7million centre of excellence for the ports, energy and logistics sectors is on schedule for completion and full operation in September 2016.  Funded by the Grimsby Institute and the Humber LEP, it will be located in a 5,696 m2 fit for purpose designed facility on Kings Road in Immingham. Equipped with state-of-the-art simulators for training maritime crew, truck and crane drivers, Modal Training will deliver realistic training, replicating the working environment, in a wide range of settings.  Facilities will include extensive warehousing, engineering and rail safety teaching facilities, and the UK’s only Air Freight Forwarding Academy. “The Humber is already home to the UK’s largest, multi-purpose ports complex which, for decades, has supported a growing trade in coal, cars, food, freight, passengers and petroleum,” said Sam Whitaker, vice-principal for strategic projects at the Grimsby Institute and board member of Modal Training “Now the region is set to expand again, as it takes on a new role as the international logistics hub for the emerging renewables energy sector.” “We’re looking forward to working with the Modal team to ensure that the programmes being developed meet our needs exactly,” added Mike Sellers, ABP’s port manager for Grimsby and Immingham. “I urge other businesses to get in touch to discuss their own requirements. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in the creation of a centre of excellence for our sector.”www.modaltraining.co.uk/about/energy-estuary/location

In a 360° VR experience, Esso has captured Jensen Button driving a McLaren Formula 1™ car around Silverstone In late September Esso launched Synergy Fuels with a star-studded event at the iconic UnderGlobe venue in London.