News 51
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
When it comes to heating their off-grid homes, “cost will remain the most crucial consideration for homeowners who want quick, affordable solutions” says Paul Rose
In decarbonising heat from rural homes, OFTEC has highlighted ‘a strong case’ for the use of low carbon liquid fuels. The case was put forward in response to a call from BEIS for evidence as to the Future Framework for Heat in Buildings.
OFTEC’s submission focused on the introduction of reduced carbon liquid fuels as the most affordable and practical decarbonisation route for the 850,000 oil using homes in England and Wales.
“It is premature for government to consider regulating against oil heating when all liquid fuel boilers could be run on a low carbon alternative fuel before 2035,” said OFTEC CEO Paul Rose.
OFTEC’s response also highlights the harsh realities of decarbonising off-grid housing stock -over 70% of rural properties have unfilled cavity or solid walls (English Housing Survey 2015) making them difficult to treat without significant investment.
OFTEC’s stepped pathway to achieving zero emissions by 2050 includes:
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
The key theme of OFTEC’s 2018 annual conference was liquid fuel heating’s future. OFTEC CEO Paul Rose updated members and guests on the key steps achieved since the trade association’s two-stage strategy to decarbonise off-grid homes was launched last year.
OFTEC plans focus on an incentivised programme to upgrade the 400,000 old, inefficient oil boilers still in use across England and Wales, providing immediate carbon reduction wins of up to 20% per household and paving the way for roll out of a low carbon liquid fuel as soon as it becomes available.
Over the last year, OFTEC has carried out extensive lobbying activity to explain the practical difficulties and potential cost to rural consumers of government proposals outlined in the Clean Growth Strategy to phase out high carbon fossil fuel heating, whilst emphasising the viability of low carbon liquid fuels as a practical and cost-effective solution for off-grid homes.
From these discussions, a Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and OFTEC working group has been established to co-ordinate discussion and action on the future of the off-grid heating sector, with the first meeting held on 3rd May. In partnership with leading manufacturers, OFTEC has also begun performance tests on various low carbon liquid fuel blends and a 100% biofuel, with highly positive results.
“The climate change challenge is one we all need to work towards addressing,” said Paul Rose.
“OFTEC has been working hard to progress a low carbon liquid fuel solution which offers a realistic, practical alternative to the current options on the table for off-grid homes which are not fit for purpose.
“Now is the time for our industry to unite, step up and act collectively to meet the significant opportunity decarbonisation brings. This means everyone from installers and manufacturers to fuel suppliers and refiners playing their part. Much progress has been made to date, and against an undeniably challenging backdrop, but we need to keep this positive momentum going and deliver a futureproof solution that works for consumers and government alike.”
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.
“Oil is the cheapest option for off grid homes and has been since October 2014,” says FPS chief executive Guy Pulham. The FPS is urging all those using oil to have their say and ‘make a big difference to the future of heating oil’
“It’s vital that everyone who uses heating oil has a say on A Future Framework For Heat In Buildings – and seizes the opportunity to voice their opinion to make a difference to this most critical government consultation,” says FPS chief executive, Guy Pulham.
“The current government’s policy seems to be encouraging moving rural households and businesses – currently using oil heating – to electrically driven heat pumps to cut carbon emissions, reports Guy.
“We’re concerned that this may place a large financial burden on many rural communities whose housing stock will need additional costly insulation to make the investment in heat pumps provide competitive energy bills.”
“According to the latest quarterly data released on 30th April 2018 by Sutherland Tables, running an oil condensing boiler currently remains far cheaper than any renewable heating options. The average annual cost of heating a three-bedroom home in Great Britain with an oil condensing boiler is £1143 per annum compared to an air source heat pump radiator system at £1685 per annum and electricity is £1913 per annum. For homes using an LPG condensing boiler the cost is £1567 and wood pellets is £1532.
“Oil is the cheapest option for off grid homes and has been since October 2014.”
This month’s Cornish front cover star, Consols Oils, has entered its Isuzu Truck Forward N75.150 (M) Urban 7.5 tonners for the title of 2018 Fuel Oil News tanker of the year.
Group board director Mark Binns presents the winning driver Michael Williams with his prizes
Driver technician Michael Williams has been crowned HOYER Petrolog’s top driver of 2018. Based with the Petrolog Fleet at Stanlow in Cheshire, Michael, who received a £2250 Red Letter Day prize, has worked for HOYER for just over three years.
Last month 14 drivers representing each of the company’s major UK contracts* were invited to the finals which took place at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire where Sigma Studies partnered HOYER in creating the event.
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
As expansion manager for JET Germany, Soenke Voges was instrumental in bringing more than 100 new sites into the German portfolio within 5 years
To strengthen the brand and drive further growth in JET’s UK forecourt network, the company has appointed Soenke Voges as its new UK retail business manager.
Reporting directly to Mary Wolf, managing director of UK marketing, Soenke will oversee JET’s sales, brand, retail services and transport operations. Soenke was formerly expansion manager for JET Germany where he was instrumental in bringing more than 100 new sites into JET Germany’s portfolio in just five years.
“My initial focus will be on reviewing JET’s UK operations and taking advantage of best practices from our operations in North America and Europe where we have achieved considerable success. Working closely with my highly capable and ambitious teams here in UK marketing, my priority is to develop a future-proof strategy that will ensure JET’s continued growth throughout 2018 and beyond.”
JET has further strengthened its presence in the south east with three new sites Basildon Service Station in Reading, Brookside Filling Station in Hungerford and Postcombe Service Station in Thame, Oxfordshire. The sites which have a combined volume of 5mlpa, have already been reimaged and are being supplied out of the West London Terminal. It is anticipated that volumes will rise considerably under the JET brand.
“The south east is an important growth region for JET,” said Chris Murphy, JET’s retail account manager for the south east.
We don’t currently have many JET sites in Reading or Oxford, so it’s great that we can introduce the JET brand to these new communities. We’re delighted to welcome these new sites to our network and look forward to helping them flourish in the coming months and years.”www.jetlocal.co.uk/jet-fuels/
The recently updated Blue Book produced by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (APEA) and Service Station Panel of The Energy Institute (EI), states that it will be a fundamental expectation of any forecourt operator with single-skin pipes or tanks to implement wetstock management going forward reports Suresite.
Guy Pulham – the FPS has been active in voicing members concerns and lobbying government about the impact of changes to oil storage in Scotland
Last month, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) met with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) regarding the introduction of new legislation which affects over 95 heating oil and fuel distribution depots across Scotland.
The new legislation, which came into force in January 2018, has made changes to regulation for sites which store oils under the existing Oil Storage Regulations (OSR) (Scotland), such that they now come under the scope of the amended Controlled Activities Regulations (CAR).
Voicing members concerns about the impact of the new legislation and the timings to comply, FPS was encouraged by positive dialogue during the meeting and has subsequently reached agreement with SEPA on: