Total energy production – Q2 2012 Oil production fell by 12.2% in the second quarter of 2012, compared with a year earlier. Oil consumption fell by 2.4%. The Department of Energy and Climate Change has published the figures in Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices, publications which give statistics on energy production and consumption. The data showed that the price of heating oils fell by 4.5% between quarter 2 2011 and quarter 2 2012, and by 5.6% between the first and second quarter of 2012.  Natural gas production fell by 13.9%, while total primary energy consumption rose by 6.3%.  The falls in production of oil and natural gas have been attributed to maintenance activity and a slowdown in a number of fields.  Total energy consumption in the second quarter of 2012 was recorded at 31.5 million tonnes, with oil producing 12.2 million tonnes of that figure. Natural gases accounted for 10.2 million tonnes. Total primary energy consumption rose by 6.3%, but when weather differences between 2012 and 2011 were accounted for, the figure was 0.8%.www.decc.gov.uk

Millers Oils officially opened its state of the art Research and Development (R&D) centre in Brighouse, Yorkshire, last month. Millers, which has been supplying lubricants that help save energy for 125 years, has invested more than £500,000 in the new facility, providing it with the capability to develop low friction oils that set new standards for efficiency. “The new R&D centre is essential to ensure we continue the steep growth we have experienced for the last decade,” said Nevil Hall, joint managing director of Millers Oils. “As a relatively small company it is important that we develop innovative solutions to meet the challenges our customers face.” The company was recognised for its commercial success in 2012 with a Queen’s Award forEnterprise: International Trade. Through products like the revolutionary Nanodrive oils, efficiency-boosting Solform gel and independently endorsed VSPe fuel additives, the company has built its reputation, while almost trebling its turnover in the last 11 years. While motorsport users of Nanodrive oils have reported power increases of up to 5.6 percent, the technology is set to reduce fuel bills by up to 2.5 percent for the everyday motorist. Underlining the value of motorsport, both for development and exposure, Millers Oils has extended its support for Callum Black, British Rally Championship driver.

Paralympian Josh Cassidy reached a speed of 45mph during the race Simon Storage and its Canadian parent company, Inter Pipeline Fund, were among the proud sponsors of Paralympian, Josh Cassidy, as he stormed to victory in the Tyne Tunnel 2K International (TT2K). Josh won first place in what has been dubbed ‘the fastest wheelchair race on the planet’ for the fourth time. Clocking an incredible 45mph on the downhill stretch of the race, he finished the 2.3km course in just 4.40.2 minutes. Cheering him on during the race on behalf of Simon Storage, was Gary Lacy, engineering director, and his wife, Linda. Gary commented: “Simon is delighted to support such an exciting and inspiring event in the region. The TT2K always draws a good crowd.  This year’s race, also attended by special guest Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, generated even more interest after the incredibly successful Paralympics in London this summer.” The event is held at night along a closed section of the road tunnel under the river Tyne, and attracts elite wheelchair athletes from around the globe. Afterwards, an elated Josh said: “I love the adrenaline-charged super speeds on the Tunnel downhill and the challenge of the gruelling uphill. I’ve been here six times now and there is no race quite like it anywhere in the world. ” Just two days after winning the 2012 TT2K Josh successfully defended his title in the wheelchair category of the 2012 Great North Run.www.joshcassidy.comwww.SimonStorage.com.

Andrew Gardner, PetroIneos Refining commercial manager The biggest strengths of Scotland’s Grangemouth refinery are its products, its logistical capability, including excellent road/rail links, and a pipeline from the east coast to the Finnart ocean terminal on the west coast  On a recent visit, Fuel Oil News spoke to Andrew Gardner, commercial manager, PetroIneos Refining and Gordon Grant, CEO, Services & Infrastructure, to find out why INEOS entered refining, what the joint venture with PetroChina brings and to discuss trading conditions. “When BP sold its olefins and derivatives chemicals business in 2005, the Grangemouth and Lavéra refineries were part of the package,” explained Andrew.  “At the time, chemicals had suffered a downturn but refining was doing well.  I don’t think INEOS would have chosen to buy a refinery, however, it’s a good natural hedge in terms of profitability – one being a feedstock of the other.”Investment INEOS has invested in infrastructure such as pipe tracks, jetties and tank farms at the 90-year old refinery. “We value the refinery. In order to maintain the value we invest every year in the plant and infrastructure and the investment produces results,” said Gordon. “However, buying a plant in theUKis like buying a used Morris Minor – it’s still got a good engine, it’s had good drivers but its bodywork is poor and the brakes don’t work!  Catch up remediation was required.” Since mid 2011, PetroChina has had a 50% stake in INEOS Refining’s European business. Although not many people knew of the company, there was wholesale support from customers, the local community, industry and service industries.   The joint venture was one of the biggest deals seen in the UK for some time.

Margins in the Republic of Ireland The market for both distributors and equipment manufacturers in Ireland can, at best, be described as challenging, says marketing consultant John Switzer “Product and fuel volumes have decreased significantly from just a few, short years ago.  Economic confidence remains subdued, with consumers hesitant to spend and borrow. Consequently, it’s no surprise that the new build and new to oil markets have both ground to a halt. For distributors, last winter was the mildest for several years with many tanks unfilled since before last autumn. And on top of all this, renewables are becoming an ever-more significant competitor. “But, despite the doom and gloom, it’s important to remember that opportunities for growth and success do remain.Margins holding steady “Across Ireland, we’ve noticed a reduction in the number of new entrants to the distribution industry, during recent years. In some areas, this has also been accompanied by consolidation amongst existing players, to the benefit of remaining suppliers. And whilst product volumes are down, margins are holding steady. At the same time, distributors are re-evaluating their business models; some are moving away from peripheral activities to concentrate solely on fuel distribution, whilst others are expanding into businesses such as boiler servicing and tank installation.

Pete George Phillips 66 ‘brings with it a proud and successful heritage ready to move forward into a promising future as one of the world’s largest downstream companies,’ wrote chairman and chief executive officer, Greg C Garland, as the downstream business split from the ConocoPhillips name in May.  Wishing to learn more about the transition to this ‘advantaged downstream company with an impressive portfolio of highly competitive businesses,’ Fuel Oil News recently quizzed the company.  “The name may have changed, but what’s in a name?” said Pete George.    With its Humber and Whitegate refineries and product portfolio, Phillips 66 – remains a strong mid-sized company following its demerger from ConocoPhillips earlier this year.  “This is first and foremost a relationship business; the Jet name remains on UK forecourts and we’re still working alongside our former ConocoPhillips customers,” added Pete.  Pete had planned to retire later this year but recently accepted the role of manager, UK and Ireland marketing. “One of the main reasons I chose not to opt for my pipe and slippers just yet was the huge amount of excitement surrounding the company’s transition to a pure refiner and wholesaler. So, when the opportunity to stay on came about, it was simply too good to resist.    Focused team work aids customer relationships “Earlier this year, we undertook a strategic review up to 2015.  Having looked at where the market’s going, we responded with a new organisational structure very firmly focused on delivering the best possible service to the customer – both large and small,” says Pete.   Lead by Lindsey Grant, Phillips 66 now has a dedicated national sales team to look after UK resellers and dealers with a national presence such as GB Oils and MRH.  Customers in Ireland, supermarkets and specialty fuels, such as marine, aviation and LPG, also come under the remit of Lindsey and her team.   The needs of independents working from local and regional sites are looked after by Guy Pulham and his team of seven territory managers. Working across seven key regions, they are supported by a dedicated customer account co-ordinators based at the company’s headquarters inWarwick.  A large proportion of the Jet branded distributors – there are currently 18 with another due to join early next year – and forecourts, are also covered by Guy’s team. To support both teams, Phillips 66 has also created the position of demand manager. Taking up the new role, Ken Johnson will be responsible for ensuring that product is available where and when customers need it. The new teams are a combination of unrivalled sector experience sprinkled with the fresh thinking of newcomers. Since January, customer facing time has increased with Andy Viens, the company’s US-based global marketing director, taking the time to visit distributors and dealers.Good communication to ensure a seamless transition “Customer relationships are precious, that will never change. Some dealers have been with us for 50 years and we have branded distributors with over 40 years of trading history,” explained Pete.   Ensuring customers are well-informed of the recent changes has already kept the Phillips 66 brand and communications team busy.  A series of ‘top secret’ road shows are planned for October, there is a conference in the offing and a special promotion for forecourts and distributors has recently been unveiled.  Phillips 66’s heartland remains in the north of England, Scotland, London, the south east and the Midlands.  With the company looking to strengthen its northern presence, its Bramhall terminal has been expanded. The south west is still an important hub for the company and Phillips 66 still sells product through this location, working with leading branded distributors such as Heltor, Opie Oils, Kinch Fuel Oils and F J Emerys.  With the Plymouth-based terminal being able to be fed from both the Whitegate andHumberrefineries, it offer customers piece of mind and security around supply.Key issues facing the industry “The industry faces two key issues as I see it – consistency of supply and price volatility,” said Pete.  “I’ve been in the industry for a long time and sometimes I don’t understand the price volatility from one day to the next. We can’t affect the latter but we do appreciate the difficulties and constantly try to understand customers’ issues.    “Would I be a distributor? It’s tough and it’s competitive but in a consolidating market – the right business with the right financial model and the right attitude can do well; new entrants are certainly seeing opportunities.  The dilemma for any distributor is – do you pick up and deliver straight away or keep a lot in stock?  This is still a great industry and its volatility keeps you on your toes. “When I came into this industry, my father asked me: why are you joining an oil company, they’ve only got 10 years left – that was over 40 years ago.  Now, I’m very positive about Phillips 66’s ability to cope; we’re bullish about theHumber refinery and what we can offer our customers.  I wouldn’t be staying if I didn’t believe in it – I’d be sitting on a beach!  “After making the decision to stay, I received some great emails and phone calls which just reinforced that I know I made the right decision to stay with Phillips 66. I now want to drive our culture of a customer focused organisation that delivers on its promises, to an even better place as we go forward.”

A new challenge for Chris Chris Dalton, formerly of Heil Trailer International and Reynolds Logistics has established a new company – Lateu Logistics. Having worked in the industry for many years, managing director, Chris has experienced first hand, numerous changes within the logistics chain. He believes that as a result of rising fuel costs and banks holding back credit, there is a considerable case for fuel and lubricant distributors/suppliers to dispose of their fleets entirely, freeing cash to build their business. Chris has taken the opportunity to fulfil a growing need for a specialist, non-asset based company in offering a flexible logistics management service, which works as an extension to an oil company/wholesaler or distributor. Located in Albrighton near Telford, Lateu can manage in-house fleets or utilise approved sub-contractors (pre vetted to meet the high standards of the industry). In addition to logistics management the company can set up and operate all back office services, telemetry, customer care service and order taking. “As the retail sector changes and ex rack becomes a growing part of the business, the asset based logistics industry needs to reinvent itself to meet what is a logistical nightmare of multiple pick up points, split loads and relocated vehicles,” explains Chris. “I’ve identified a need for an independent logistics company to help oil companies, wholesalers and distributors to manage their distribution requirements more cost effectively by taking a critical look at in house fleets, logistics management and outsourced contracts. “There’s a growing case to consider 4PL managed through an experienced logistics team – a procurer of effective logistics services which  integrates internal and external resources into a logistics model. The company acts as an extension to organisations and manages the supply chain within tight KPI measurements, regularly testing the market for newer, better or more cost effective solutions. Asset based logistics companies are just not independent or flexible enough to do this well and in house logistics departments are often under staffed or lacking experience. Lateu Logistics integrates into the customer’s business and can offer experience and total transparency without the in-house cost, skills need and risk associated with employing people.” Former Heil operations director, Wendy Dalton joins Chris on the board as Lateu’s operations director.info@lateulogistics.com

Mick (second from left), joins colleagues at Suckling’s Race Day in June Mick Smith, transport manager, Suckling Transport reports from the Freight Transport Association’s recent dangerous goods seminar.ADR photo cards Fraser Talbot from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) explained pending changes to ADR certificates. Certificates will now be issued by the SQA on behalf of the Department for Transport instead of the DVLA. Although the format will change from paper to a photo card, the good news is that there will be no additional cost. Drivers will simply have to produce a passport-style photo when attending a refresher course. It is expected that this will take place in October.Fire extinguisher failures Terry Laker of the Health and Safety Executive spoke about the carriage of dangerous goods and road enforcement. He was particularly concerned that historically, hauliers are continuing to make the same mistakes and highlighted the high percentage of fire extinguisher failures.Changes to OCRS The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’s (VOSA) Matt Barker was on hand to talk about recent changes to the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system. Key changes include:- Targeting priorities Points OCRS bands Timescales of point allocation for prosecution Removal of predictive scoring Weighting factor according to age of event Larger data sets calculated more frequently Straight-to-red for prosecutions and most serious infringement New events included Matt explained that the changes have been designed to help examiners to target non-compliant hauliers. www.vosa.gov.ukwww.fta.co.uk

The Seal Sands terminal, located at the mouth of the River Tees Harvest Energy is expanding its presence in the UK road fuels market through its partnership with Simon Storage. Less than three years ago Harvest Energy began storing fuels at Simon’s Seal Sands terminal. Now it utilises a substantial proportion of the terminal’s fuels storage. As well as fuel storage, Simon provides Harvest Energy with specialist biofuels blending to help the company meet the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. A bioethanol in-line injection system is provided for the company’s unleaded and super unleaded gasoline products, while diesel and FAME are blended in-tank. Harvest Energy took over a biodiesel production plant at Seal Sands two years ago.  Simon stores and handles raw materials for the plant, including used cooking oil. FAME produced by the plant is transferred by pipeline from the plant into the terminal for use in Harvest Energy’s biodiesel blending operations or for export to out-buyers. Simon Davis, head of sales and logistics, Harvest Energy, believes reliable supply partners like Simon Storage are vital. “Simon’s expertise in storage and handling helps us to provide products that are competitively priced, supplied and delivered with a customer-focus. The Seal Sands terminal plays a critical role in Harvest Energy’s UK-based storage and supply network and we look forward to developing new market opportunities with Simon’s support.” Harvest Energy has recently announced that Trafigura has invested in the company, providing a long term financing platform and enabling future growth in the UK market.www.SimonStorage.comwww.harvestenergy.co.uk

Emco Wheaton has been named as a preferred supplier to Vopak. Under the terms of the three year partnership agreement, Emco Wheaton will supply, install and maintain marine loading arms for Vopak. The partnership, which has a further two year option, also covers the erection and servicing of marine loading arms, designed to ensure the safe loading and unloading of gas, oil and other fluids from super tankers to storage facilities on shore. Emco Wheaton designs and manufactures a wide range of highly engineered marine loading arms to load and unload almost any liquid and compressed gas product from river barges, ships and ocean going super tankers. Each loading arm incorporates advanced safety features combined with pantograph balanced mechanical link technology, to provide stability and strength. www.emcowheaton.com

Hertel staff celebrate six years of safety Six years of safe working have been achieved by maintenance and services provider, Hertel, at the Phillips 66 oil refinery in Humberside.  The period spans a total of 823,857 hours without an Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) recordable incident. A ceremony was held onsite to mark the occasion. The company’s UK operations director, Nick Henderson, was joined by Phillips 66 senior management to present the team with certificates of achievement and a commemorative jacket. Nick commented: “Six years without a lost-time incident is a significant landmark both for Hertel and the client. It’s a demonstration of the commitment of staff to achieving a world-class performance through safe working practices.”www.hertel.com

The National Skills Academy has launched a one day Petroleum Safety Training course. Aimed at contractors working at top tier COMAH petroleum sites, the course has been designed to supplement existing safety passport schemes such as Client Contractor National Safety Group (CCNSG). The first train the trainer event is being held on 3rd October. To book a place email industry@process.nsacademy.co.uk

The Fleet Safety Forum, a division of Brake, has published new guidance for fleet managers on managing agency drivers. The guidance, sponsored by Pertemps, provides advice on how to minimise the risks posed by using agency drivers. Research has shown that agency drivers are more prone to be involved in collisions, and with 42% of UK companies using temporary staff as drivers, it is a key safety issue. The new guidance covers effective partnership working with the driver agency, rigorous inductions on company safe driving policy and vehicle checks and subjecting agency drivers to the same spot checks, e.g. for drug and alcohol use, as company employed drivers. The guidance features a best practice case study of a fleet operator that has successfully mitigated the risks associated with agency drivers. The guidance is free to Fleet Safety Forum subscribers or £5 for non-subscribers. Email admin@brake.org.uk.

50 distribution terminals currently serve the UK inland market. An updated wall map will be sent to Fuel Oil News subscribers in early 2013 A dislocation of fuel product supply – affecting around 20% of regional requirements – followed the explosion at the Hertfordshire Oil Storage terminal at Buncefield in December 2005. Coming just a few years after fuel supplies were almost totally paralysed during fuel price protests in September 2000, these events prompted a heightened awareness of the importance of an infrastructure that is essential to the wider economy and, indeed, everyone’s daily life.    In government circles, this heightened awareness resulted in the setting up of the Downstream Oil Industry Forum. A forum charged with addressing the diverse challenges faced by the downstream sector, and, in particular, improving the resilience of both the physical infrastructure and the security and continuity of supply. Commissioned by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), three separate reports on the subject have been undertaken by WoodMackenzie, Deloitte, and Purvin & Gertz.  v    UKdownstream oil infrastructure v     Downstream oil – short term resilience and longer term security of supply v     Developments in the international downstream oil markets and their drivers: Implications for theUKrefining sector The above reports can be downloaded at www.decc.gov.ukThe refinery network Following the closures of Petroplus’ Teesside facility in 2009 and Coryton in June this year, the UK now has 7 operating refineries.  From the start of 2005 only the twoHumberrefineries and Fawley are under their original ownership. Since the last refinery – Murco’s Milford Haven – was commissioned in 1973, refinery numbers have progressively declined – from 18 with a total distillation capacity of 132 million metric tonnes (mt) to 7 with a total capacity of 77 million mt. In the 1970s/80s refineries invested in fluid catalytic cracking capacity to upgrade surplus fuel oil into petrol; then the chosen motoring fuel*.  The next two decades saw the introduction of more stringent specifications for clean fuels and a need for refineries to invest to ensure compliance. Prior to the recent Coryton shut-down, around two thirds of refinery production was delivered to the inland market with approximately 80 % of the crude oil feedstock being sourced from theUKand Norwegian sectors of theNorth Sea.Refinery challenges Poor profitability conditions in refining have been evident since 2008 and will continue, with no prospect of improvement expected, for another two to three years. *UK refineries now have excess petrol production capacity and a shortfall for middle distillate grades. Finding outlets for this petrol surplus will become an increasing challenge. UK and European refiners face increased competition from Asian and Middle Eastern export refineries.  From January 2013, they will also face additional costs associated with the requirement to comply with the EU Emissions Trading Scheme; additional costs not being borne by Asian and Middle Eastern competition.Bulk product movements – by pipeline Over half of all bulk movements are made on the oil company owned pipeline network.UKOP links the Thames and Mersey refineries, serving theMidlands (Kingsbury) and BuncefieldEsso Pipeline System serves West London (Heathrow), Purfleet (Gatwick), Avonmouth and theMidlands (Bromford) from FawleyMainline serves the Midlands (Kingsbury) andNorth West (Manchester) from Pembroke and Milford HavenFinaline services Buncefield (Heathrow) from Lindsey; currently restricted to Jet A-1 Two aviation systems feed Heathrow and Gatwick airports from Buncefield and Walton terminals Originally commissioned before World War II, the government pipeline system is primarily a strategic defence facility used to supply military JetA-1; it also supplies Heathrow (from Avonmouth by Q8 Petroleum) and Stansted airports. Third party commercial use is limited to Killingholme to Bramhall in south Manchester. Former road loading terminals at Blackmoor, Hallen and Aldermaston are no longer in third party commercial use.– by rail Rail movements account for 15% of bulk movements. 

A family affair – Craggs Energy directors (l-r) June and Ralph Thornber and Chris and Heidi Bingham Individuals and personalities have been the driving force for Craggs Energy in carving out a space for themselves in the oil distribution business, writes Alex Porter Only in operation since October 2011, the company has focused on the individual and a new approach to serving customers from its picturesque base, sitting comfortably in the Yorkshire hills near Halifax. “We saw an opportunity to bring a different way of thinking to the industry,” said managing director Chris Bingham, who admits the business started without much market research, but instead relied on a gut instinct. Chris had no personal experience in oil, but set up Craggs Energy with his father-in-law, Ralph Thornber, who sold his own fuel distribution business to Shell in the late 1980s. The two saw a gap for a small company with a high quality of customer service. “A significant number of locals kept asking if we would launch a small family run distribution business as many such businesses had been absorbed into larger fuel concerns. By focusing on servicing the local communities, the business has been able to provide higher levels of service.” He added: “A major focus for the business is building a level of trust with its customers, which means always delivering a good service at a fair price whatever the weather. Someone is on the phone 24 hours a day – it’s occasionally even me! We employ good people with enthusiasm and passion. We give customers guarantees and then we deliver on them.”Quality promise There is a strong local focus. The three tankers and Land Rover, supplied by Tasca, have been likened to milk floats by customers thanks to the unique white design with a large image of the local area on the side. The name Craggs was also chosen to reflect their local surroundings. The company sponsors the local Young Farmers’ club rugby shirts, and Chris has been actively involved in fundraising for local causes. He recently completed three marathons in three days for charity, and in September has challenged himself to run ten marathons in ten days in aid of a local child. “I don’t want people to think of me, or the company, as bland and corporate,” he explained.

RNLI has an active fleet of 344 lifeboats operating around the UK The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has awarded a five-year national contract to GB Oils. For the next five years, GB Oils will be supplying the RNLI with both ultra low sulphur gas oil and marine gas oil to 61 of its sites, located across the UK. As part of the contract, the company’s marine team will handle RNLI fuel enquiries, orders and deliveries, and will provide one central point of contact for the designated sites 24/7. Andrew Woods, hovercraft operations manager at the RNLI, said: “The charity has an active fleet of 344 lifeboats that are used to provide 24 hour search and rescue services, so it’s really important that we have access to a reliable supply of fuel. Having experienced working with GB Oils previously, we were impressed with the company’s fast, efficient and dependable delivery service, and wide choice of quality marine fuels available.” Gary Byres, national sales manager at GB Oils, said: “Over the years, we’ve built up a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the marine industry, to complement our large range of quality marine fuels and exceptional standards of customer service. “We’re proud of the high quality services offered through our depots and no doubt this played a great part in us being awarded the national contract.”

The new site in Corby’s Southern Gateway is the company’s largest ever development The retail arm of Brobot Petroleum has built a striking new development on a greenfield site in Corby’s Southern Gateway. The site, which opened in May, represents the company’s move from a forecourt business to convenience retailing.  It is two decades since Brobot built a site from scratch. Brobot’s biggest development to date includes a large Londis convenience store with a Costa express machine, a Bake & Bite food-to-go, and seating. The company is also in talks to fill the currently empty unit next door with a branded food retailer. Director Eddie Bright said: “Corby Southern Gateway is a big step forward in terms of concept. It’s a leap of faith into a different trading format – from a more traditional forecourt business to a full-on convenience business.” Brobot has enjoyed a successful partnership with Londis since June 2009. Eddie added: “The industry was changing so much and we needed more expertise in shops because the shop is now the driving force behind the business.”http://www.brobot.co.uk/

Keyfuels is working in partnership with the RAC to help manage its fleet more efficiently.  The RAC serves more than seven million customers nationwide.  With a large mixed fleet of more than 1600 vans and 45 10-tonne recovery trucks, it’s imperative to the profitability of the RAC that the fleet operates at maximum efficiency. Dave Matthews, Keyfuels account manager said: ”Thanks to the flexibility of Keyfuels’ solutions, we were able to provide additional services to meet with the requirements of the RAC delivering a comprehensive and robust fuel management package for all its vehicles.”   Gary Wrightson-Heyworth, operation service manager at RAC said: “Fuel represents one of our biggest expenditures. Keyfuels’ cards and services give us the ability to accurately control and monitor the cost of fuel and our fleet’s expenditure, helping us to plan our fuel needs and purchase at the right time to save money. “By utilising the Keyfuels network we are able to accurately distribute bunkered fuel nationwide and the extensive coverage provided by Keyfuels ensures that our drivers are never far from a participating site.”    www.keyfuels.co.uk

 Tanker drivers have called for a new union – the National Tanker Drivers’ Union – to be set up. “We could call it NTU, the National Tanker Driver’s Union,” wrote an anonymous driver on the DCC-GB Oils drivers’ info blog.  “We could recruit every driver in every sector of the industry.” Arguing that Unite, the drivers current union would not provide enough leadership going into the winter, the poster added:  “I’ve spoken to a lot of main fleet drivers who feel the same way, and they would be interested in a union that deals with our problems and not everybody else’s.” Others commenting on the post were quick to agree, one pointing out that he had received a letter saying his current union fees were set to be increased. Another argued: “We should be fighting for equal pay and terms and conditions for all drivers of all brands. We all do the same job, some are paid a lot more than others, some are on time and a half everyday, some get sick pay, some get laundry allowance and some are paying for the driver CPC.” http://dcc-gboil.blogspot.co.uk/

Comedian and compere Sean Lock and DAF’s Ray Ashworth are joined on stage by John Jackson, sales manager, Chevron Lubricants – sponsor of the award As DAF’s CF85 vehicle wins Fleet Truck of the Year for a record-breaking 11th time, Volvo continues to strive to cut the number of rear-end impacts. Ray Ashworth, managing director of DAF Trucks UK said: “To go on winning the Motor Transport award during some of the most challenging years the UK transport industry has ever experienced, underlines the key principles of our truck range – maximum reliability, highest driver comfort, together with the outstanding in-service support provided by our nationwide network of dedicated dealers.”Volvo helps drivers avoid accidents Meanwhile the first results of the European Field Operation Test (euroFOT) field study presented in Brussels earlier this year, showed that Volvo Trucks’ active safety systems can help drivers avoid accidents. “We studied 30 trucks, operating with two haulage firms, and examined the effectiveness of three systems: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Lane Keeping Support,” says Karsten Heinig, manager of the project at Volvo. The study revealed that ACC and CW, which are used together to maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle in front, could cut the number of rear-end impacts on motorways by 15%. “On average, the system is used less than half of the driving time. If usage increases, this will bring about a further reduction in accidents,” adds Karsten.

Figures supplied by OFTEC members to HHIC Boiler sales for the first six months of 2012 are at the lowest for 10 years, figures have revealed. Sales of all oil boilers during this period were at 23,254 compared to 26,590 during the first six months of 2011. The figures cover all the SEDBUK bands and are based on figures supplied by OFTEC members to the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC). Numbers also showed that sales of all gas and LPG boilers were recorded at 671,435 from January to June this year, which was a 5.9% fall on the sales during the same period of 2011. The HHIC has called for urgent support for the construction industry which is in a “perilous state”, before boiler manufacturers and other related businesses fall victim to the depressed state of the housing market. Manufacturers have invested heavily in new product development, but remain dependent on a large number of property transactions.