News 75
A diesel laundering plant, capable of evading £1.4 million in duty, has been dismantled by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in a commercial premises in Sunderland city-centre.
The laundering plant, with the potential to produce 2.5 million litres of illicit fuel a year, and an illegal filling station were uncovered earlier this month. HMRC officers, accompanied by Northumbria police, searched the city-centre property and discovered the filling station, where it is suspected fuel was being laundered and sold to the public as legitimate road fuel.
Forecourt pumps, 3,200 litres of suspected laundered fuel, tanks and equipment were seized during the operation. Investigations are continuing.
Pat Curtis, National Oils Co-ordinator, HMRC, said: “We believe that fuel was stored, laundered and sold from this property, without any safety precautions, endangering any motorist buying fuel there.
“Motorists may think buying illicit fuel is a bargain, but you have no idea what you’re getting, and you can be sure that you are lining the pockets of criminals. We ask anyone with information about this type of activity to contact us on the Customs’ Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
Follow HMRC on Twitter at @hmrcgovuk.
Topaz has freed up resources to make a really substantial investment in the business says Emmet O’Neill
The investment will transform the company’s retail network across the country says new CEO Emmet O’Neill.
The company, which operates 330 forecourts with around 40 in Northern Ireland, is hoping that the agreed acquisition of the Esso business will be completed before the end of the year.
In a further investment programme due next year the Topaz and ReStore brands across the Irish network of Esso forecourts will be extended.
Topaz reported a pre-tax profit before exceptional items of €2.1m on a turnover of just less than €3bn. When exceptional items of €6.9m are taken into account (mostly associated with restructuring the group’s borrowings), pre-tax losses stood at €4.7m at the end of the period compared to losses of €13.6m for the equivalent period a year earlier.
Over half of the companies exhibiting at this year’s FPS EXPO in April will be introducing new products and services.
Demand for space at FPS EXPO 2015, which takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, has seen the event extend into another hall. FPS EXPO 2015 is the 35th year of the exhibition and the last event in Harrogate before the show moves to the new Liverpool Exhibition Centre next year..
Bulk fuel logistics companies, Brit European and Norbert Dentressangle Tankers are the latest companies to reserve a place and the event has secured its first tyre wholesaler, Treadsetters. Other companies exhibiting for the first time include Applied Pumps, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, European Automation Projects, Samoa and KDC Contractors.
Dawn Shakespeare, FPS marketing and events manager comments: “FPS EXPO is always extremely popular but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event.
“Having a first night exhibitor and visitor drinks reception on the opening night of FPS EXPO 2015 means that exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day of the show and make the most of this fantastic opportunity, and individuals will now have a chance to network on an informal basis.
“Visitors will benefit from exploring the extensive array of new and innovative products on display including tankers, testing and safety equipment, computer software and oil storage equipment plus all the necessary ancillary equipment – there’s much for visitors to the show to see,” added Dawn.
“Visitors can compare the latest developments in tankers and oil distribution industry equipment, explore new technology, learn from industry experts, and talk with manufacturers — and each other — face to face.”
For more information and to book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015, please view www.fpsshow.co.uk or contact Dawn Shakespeare on Tel: +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or Fax +44 (0) 1565 631 314 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk
Jeremy Hawksley – welcome news for the industry and the 1.5 million UK households who use oil for heating
Oil is now the cheapest of all the major heating fuels, costing £119 less per year to heat an average three-bedroom home than mains gas, the second cheapest option.
According to the Sutherland Tables, a recognised independent source of data on comparative UK domestic heating prices, the price of kerosene has fallen by nearly 30% over the past two years and it is the first time the price has fallen lower than mains gas since 2010.
Cost comparisons and projections
Comparing the cost of heating the same average home with either LPG or electric storage heaters – the other main heating methods used by off gas grid households – and oil remains considerably cheaper, currently coming in at 47% less expensive than LPG and 37% cheaper than electricity.
Most analysts agree that the price of oil is set to stay low for the foreseeable future and this is supported by DECC’s most recent Fossil Fuel Price Projections Report which even forecasts the potential for further falls over the next three years.
Jeremy Hawksley, director general of OFTEC, said: “This is welcome news for the industry and the 1.5 million UK households who use oil for heating. With sustained low prices forecast, we envisage many households currently using LPG and electricity will look to switching to oil. We may even see some mains gas households changing to oil, particularly if they need to replace their boiler.”
Pie in the sky
The reduced price of oil is also expected to further dampen demand for the Government’s domestic RHI scheme. The Sutherland Tables show that the running cost of electricity driven Air Source Heat Pumps are significantly greater than those of a condensing oil boiler. Even after taking into account RHI payments, running costs are likely to remain considerably higher.
Ofgem’s Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Quarterly Report published in November 2014 shows that in the first nine months of operation, the domestic RHI scheme has only attracted 2,402 new (non-legacy) accredited installations and, when launched, DECC’s initial impact assessment stated that the RHI aimed to support around 750,000 renewable heat installations by 2020. This equates to approximately 10,800 new installations per month so, with the current rate of take up, this target is clearly ‘pie in the sky.’
A more pragmatic approach
In light of this, OFTEC has again been calling for more pragmatic approaches to be taken to reduce heating costs and CO2 emissions. The trade body has written to all the major political parties proposing the introduction of a simple boiler scrappage and energy efficiency scheme which gives financial incentives to all oil and gas homes so they can upgrade to a condensing boiler and full home insulation.www.oftec.org.uk
Campaigners led by Plumb Center, Honeywell and the Katie Haines Memorial Trust, want to see carbon monoxide alarms in every home in England and Wales when using any carbon burning fuel.
Last year’s StocExpo broke all records, attracting over 2,940 visitors, making it the most successful show in its history. StocExpo 2015 returns on 17-19 March at the Ahoy, Rotterdam, bigger still with an expanded show floor and its strongest ever conference programme and speaker line-up.
Nick Powell, StocExpo & Tank Storage Portfolio Event Director commented on the show’s progress: “The momentum behind the show is absolutely fantastic. This is the 11th edition of StocExpo and in that time it has grown beyond all recognition, becoming the most important bulk storage event anywhere in the world and a must attend event for Europe’s terminal operators, oil companies, traders and regulators. We don’t take this position lightly. That’s why we have worked hard ensuring we’ve the best speaker line-up possible and a packed exhibition hall of top industry suppliers.”
Over 200 major international exhibitors from right across the tank storage supply chain have already signed-up for the event and others are coming on board fast. The current exhibitors include A. Hak Beheer B.V, Kanon Loading Equipment, Emerson Process Management, Endress+Hauser, J. de Jonge Flowsystems, FOAMGLAS Industry, Lightning Master Corporation, CTS Netherlands BV, Dantec, Fabricom and Honeywell Enraf. With many exhibitors using StocExpo’s international reach to launch new technologies or make major announcements, visitors to the show will be able to see the absolute latest developments in tank design, construction & maintenance, metering & measuring, pumps & valves, automation & loading equipment and inspection & certification services.
In addition to the exhibition, 150 senior decision-makers are expected to attend the paid for, three-day conference which runs throughout StocExpo. Last year 100% of delegates rated the content as excellent, and the organisers have worked hard to maintain this standard, with a line-up of 25 industry experts confirmed to speak. They include Erik Klooster, Head of Government Affairs Netherlands at BP, Urs Beckmann, COO at TanQuid GmbH & Co. KG, Didier de Beamont, Commercial Director at VTTI and Onur Capan, Manager at Wood Mackenzie.
The speakers will be discussing the region’s critical issues – everything from market analysis, latest trends and developments, business opportunities and finance through to innovative new technologies, plus latest thinking on terminal efficiency, operational health & safety and cost reduction.
For more information on visiting the exhibition, booking as a delegate for the conference or becoming a media partner, please call +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or visit the event website: www.stocexpo.com.
Very impressed with the performance of its newest tanker, Knowsley-based Standard Fuel Oils has ordered two more.
With the price of heating oil at a four-year low, Which? has taken another look at the heating oil market; a market that has seen a 23% fall in price between December 2013 and December 2014.
Fuel Oil News provided Price Totem information for the article in which OFTEC ‘suspects that prices will remain low at least until March, and may indeed continue to fall.’ The article also contains a table of comparative costs of different energies including renewables being used to heat a three-bedroom home.
Getting the best heating oil price
Figures from Fuel Oil News Price Totem (based on ordering 1,000 litres of kerosene heating oil) showed a drop from an average of 56p per litre in December 2013 to 43p in December 2014.
Looking more closely at heating oil prices, Which? got a small sample of quotes in January from online heating oil companies delivering to a postcode in the north and the south of England. On average, the price quoted was 39p per litre when ordering 1,000 litres of standard kerosene with standard delivery and a regular tanker.
Aimed at heating oil users, the guide highlights a number of ways to keep the costs of heating oil down.
The Which? news story and heating oil guide can be found at http://www.which.co.uk/energy/creating-an-energy-saving-home/guides/heating-oil/
Helping vulnerable heating oil users – Steve Davis, Midland Fuel Oils and Mark Askew with Tina Costello of Heart of England
With the help of the Surviving Winter campaign, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is assisting people in fuel poverty who use heating oil.
Several donations have already been received from oil distributors across the Midlands where an agreement has been signed with the Heart of England Community Foundation to administer the fund, allocating awards to those most in need.
“There are many older vulnerable people now living in fuel poverty across the country,” said the Heart of England Community Foundation. “We’re delighted to work with the FPS to help support those pensioners in need as the temperature drops.”
The fund’s current balance has around £12k available for grants, which includes £3k raised at last year’s FPS EXPO awards dinner. The FPS also gratefully acknowledge donations made by OFTEC in support of this initiative.
There are 2.28m households in the UK living in fuel poverty. The scheme is being trialled in the Midlands area which has fuel poverty rates of 15%. Midlands oil distributors who have supported the fund, and whose customers will benefit, include Midland Fuel Oils, AID Fuels and Nolan Fuel Oils.
Before undertaking a national roll out, the FPS felt it was vital to pilot the scheme across the West Midlands first. It is hoped that as more oil distributors decide to support the scheme it can be spread across the whole country.
FPS chief executive Mark Askew said: It’s impossible to help everyone, so initially funds will be made available to participating companies’ customers that are pensioners in receipt of pension credit, living in their own property and using fuel oil as their main source of heating.
“Once a payment has been agreed to a household, the distributor that supplies that customer will be informed and receive a subsidy towards the next oil consignment.
“It is expected that payments will be in the region of £100-150 per household and this will be deducted from the total bill for fuel and delivery. After that, the fuel is delivered in the normal manner and the remainder of the bill is paid by the householder.
“Those companies who are participating in the scheme will also provide the entire charitable delivery at below the cost price meaning that the fuel is even less expensive.”www.oilsave.org.uk
Last week Greenergy acquired Harvest Biofuels’ biodiesel manufacturing facility at Seal Sands on Teesside.
The acquisition of Harvest’s manufacturing assets gives Greenergy additional biodiesel production capacity with which to meet its own biofuel blending obligations under the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation.
Greenergy already owns and operates a waste based biodiesel facility on the east coast at Immingham. Production from the Immingham facility is insufficient to meet the company’s growing biodiesel blending requirements in the UK and therefore these have been met partially through imported biodiesel.
The addition of the Seal Sands facility, which also produces biodiesel from waste oils, will reduce reliance on these imports and allow Greenergy to meet more of its biodiesel blending obligations through its own production.
As part of the agreement reached with Harvest:
• Greenergy has taken on Harvest Biofuels’ biodiesel storage contract at Dordrecht in the Netherlands.
• Harvest Energy will become an ex-rack customer of Greenergy for petrol and diesel for its customers in the south east of England, Teesside and in Scotland.
“The acquisition of the Harvest biodiesel plant will help bring our own production and blend requirements into balance,” said Andrew Owens, Greenergy chief executive.
“Most of the biodiesel that we blend into diesel in the UK will now be manufactured and quality assured in our own facilities.
“There are great opportunities to improve further the performance of both manufacturing sites by making best use of feedstock, through technology transfer and the sharing of best practice.”
www.greenergy.com
Adler and Allan has acquired MTB Environmental Limited at Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton.
The acquisition enables the environmental services provider to strengthen its regional presence on the south coast whilst allowing MTB – now known as Adler and Allan Hamble – to offer the full range of the Group’s services to its customer base.
MTB has built an excellent reputation for tank cleaning, tankering and industrial services which complements that of Adler and Allan.
In addition to this acquisition, Adler and Allan’s Glasgow department has moved to a new, larger facility in Uddington. The site’s location provides better access to local highways, helping Adler and Allan reduce its response time to incidents throughout the region.
www.adlerandallan.co.uk
Having been appointed as the new FPS regional representative for Yorkshire and the North East of England, Janet Kettlewell has joined the FPS Council.
Janet Kettlewell, who is operations manager at Ripon-based Kettlewell Fuels, a small independent family distributor formed in 1987, said:“ To be appointed as a regional representative is fantastic news.
“Success in this industry is based on strong relationships with customers and colleagues, and I am keen to build great relationships with every oil distributor in Yorkshire and the North East. I have a wealth of industry knowledge and experience as well as an understanding of this region.
“Kettlewell Fuels is proud that it is one of the last remaining independent oil distributors in the area – we attribute this to the fact that we always go the extra mile for customers.
“This commitment is something I will bring to my new role on the FPS Council. I will be helping and supporting all FPS members across the region, both on a personal and national level, ensuring they have an industry voice by representing their views and concerns at the quarterly Council meetings. I look forward to making a big difference to the working lives of FPS members in this region.”
To get in touch with Janet please email Janet.Kettlewell@kettlewellfuels.co.uk.
The OFTEC team joins the campaign to fight fuel poverty. Last winter (2012/13) there were 18,200 excess winter death in the UK, the majority of which were caused by living in cold condition.
Approximately 80% of oil heated homes have the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G. In Cold Homes Week, OFTEC once again calls for improvements in energy efficiency.
Run by the Energy Bill Revolution (EBR), Cold Homes Week brings together more than 200 businesses, charities and organisations in support of ending fuel poverty.
This week OFTEC will write to the major political parties and rural MPs to highlight the issue and urge for more practical measures to form part of their election manifestos.WANTED – better insulation and a boiler scrappage scheme
“Even though oil prices have plummeted in recent months to a four-year low, fuel poverty is still more likely in oil-heated households,” says OFTEC director general Jeremy Hawksley. “This is due to poor insulation levels and the high number of old, inefficient boilers still in use.
“We are urging all the political parties to add a generous boiler scrappage scheme covering all condensing types, to their manifestos ahead of the general election. Also to provide particular support to better insulate rural homes which tend to be least energy efficient.”
According to EBR, one of the main problems is that UK homes are amongst the least energy efficient in Europe, resulting in higher energy bills. As the majority of oil using homes are older, rural properties with the worst Energy Performance Certificate ratings of F and G – approximately 80% of oil heated homes in England fall into this category – OFTEC is keen to support the cause.
“Simply upgrading to a modern condensing boiler could see average fuel bills cut by as much as 50% compared to this time last year, with better insulation measures resulting in even greater savings. Fuel poverty is an urgent issue which needs to be tackled now.”
OFTEC has also teamed up with Age UK to produce a booklet for older people, who are most at risk, to help them keep warm and well during the winter. www.oilsave.org.uk
The awards were presented to the Brogan Fuels team at the Carden Park Hotel, Chester; Andrew Salton (l) with contract manager David Smialowski
Brogan Fuels has once again taken the Shell Lubricants UK’ Distributor of the Year Award.
For the second year in a row, the Brogan Fuels, which is part of Certas Energy, scooped the top prize and two other major prizes – Raising the Bar in 2014 and Sales Support.
The awards recognise best in class within the lubricants distribution sector. The winners are required to demonstrate superior knowledge and expertise, combined with a great sales and operations approach, as well as exceptional customer service.
The competition is open to all contracted distributors which have partnerships with Shell Lubricants UK. The nominees are evaluated against a range of six critical criteria, specifically chosen to demonstrate KPIs which focus on different aspects of the business, in addition to sales volume. The reason for including cross-business KPIs is to emphasise that, to be successful, distributors need to work as a team and that sales volume is just a part of that success.
Andrew Salton, lubricants manager Scotland for Certas Energy, said: “We’re delighted to receive this recognition for the second year running. As a team we aspire to be the best in our sector; these awards indicate that we are just that. We have ambitious growth plans, and I believe that if we continue to work and deliver to the level currently demonstrated, we will achieve our goal. I’d like to thank all of my team who played a part in maintaining our position as the largest distributor of Shell Lubricants in Scotland.”http://www.brogans.co.uk
In changes under the rebrand, Martyn Lyons becomes chief executive of Inter Terminals with Richard Sammons in the new role of executive chairman
From January 1st Simon Storage is rebranded as Inter Terminals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Canadian company Inter Pipeline.
The combined Inter Terminals business, which includes operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Denmark, is one of the largest independent bulk liquid storage businesses in Europe, with more than three million cubic metres of storage capacity located across 12 terminals. Terminals store hazardous and non hazardous liquids, including oils, chemicals, biofuels and waste oils at the coastal ports of Immingham, Teesside and Tyneside in the United Kingdom and on the Shannon estuary in Ireland.
Inter Terminals will be led by Martyn Lyons who is promoted to chief executive. With over 25 years experience in the tank storage sector, Martyn is well known within the industry and continues to serve as chairman of the UK Tank Storage Association. He succeeds Richard Sammons who is moving into a new role as executive chairman.
“I am delighted to see the integration of our operations under one unified management structure,” said Richard Sammons.
“I wish Martyn and his team every success in their new roles. Adopting the Inter Terminals name across our European terminal network will strengthen brand recognition and the marketing of our integrated suite of storage services. It also creates a stronger branding affiliation with Inter Pipeline which continues to provide strong support for our operational and growth initiatives across Europe. We look forward to serving both existing and new customers in the future.”www.interterminals.com
IAN WELCH HAS 25 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE DOWNSTREAM OIL INDUSTRY
Certas Energy has strengthened its retail team with the appointment of Ian Welch and Gary Conway, both former employees of Harvest Energy.
“As we continue to expand the Gulf branded network across the UK, we are delighted to bring Gary and Ian into the Certas Energy family,” said retail director Ramsay MacDonald.. “They share our team ethos and an enthusiasm for the business. It is important that our rapid growth is complemented by the recruitment of high calibre people who understand Certas Energy and the delivery of genuine customer service.”
Ian’s working life began in the Merchant Navy before he joined Texaco in 1990. He has now been associated with the downstream oil industry for nearly 25 years, gaining experience in commercial and retail sales, lubricants, fuel engineering and fuel cards. In his role as key accounts manager with Harvest, he helped grow dealer sites from less than 20 to over 100 in under four years. Alongside his career highlights, Ian has also achieved an MBA from City University London.
“I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity,” explained Ian. “It is exciting to join a team that shares my passion for the business, has a drive, vision and does it with a smile on its face.”
Maxol Lubricants is now supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces with high quality lubrication oils
In mid December Maxol Lubricants secured a contract to be sole supplier of lubrication oil to the Irish Naval fleet.
The lubricants supplied as part of this contract will be used to service their eight vessels patrolling Ireland’s one million square kilometres of sea. The contract will span a minimum of two years with the possibility of a third.
General manager Owen O’Neill said: “Maxol Lubricants has established a highly successful business as a supplier of premium quality lubricants to a wide cross section of industries throughout Ireland. As a family owned Irish company we are very proud to be supplying Ireland’s Defence Forces.”
Operating out of Haulbowline, Co.Cork, the Irish Naval Services is one of the three standing branches of the Irish Defence Forces.
Lieutenant commander Stuart Armstrong commented: “It is imperative that our fleet is maintained and operated to the highest standards at all times and we trust Maxol Lubricants to provide the high quality lubrication oils needed for our vessels.”www.maxol-lubricants.ie
Tony Mills joins Fairbanks with a ‘large network of contacts’
Last week Tony Mills joined Fairbanks to assist with the delivery of the company’s global sales and marketing strategy.
Formerly with OPW in the US, Tony Mills has joined the Fairbanks leadership team which includes joint managing directors Steve Jones and Bob Conlin.
“We’re committed to growing the business and I’m delighted that Tony has joined us,” said Bob. “His previous role with OPW as director of engineering and new product development for fuel management products in the US gives him significant experience that we’re delighted to acquire.”
Steve Jones added: “We were impressed with his passion and drive along with his depth of understanding about our industry which, combined with his large network of contacts, will help us reach new customers in previously uncharted territories. We look forward to introducing him to our existing customers in the coming months.”
Fairbanks delivers intelligent fuel management services to many leading oil companies, hypermarkets and retailers across 35 countries and provides data analysis that enables faster decision making via a secure web based system.www.fairbanksglobal.com
In his ambassador role, Nicholas Hamilton will be assisting the JET brand with campaigns, promotions and events in 2015
Nicolas Hamilton, who recently saw his brother Lewis crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014, has been appointed as JET’s ambassador for 2015.
Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, is an avid racing driver himself and vocal campaigner for disability in motoring. He will help to promote the Phillips 66 vision of providing energy – improving lives and the JET theme of On the Journey Together. Throughout the year, he will be getting involved in campaigns, promotions and events, including Silverstone Classic in July, where JET will once again be the official fuel partner.
“I am really excited to be working with JET and Phillips 66,” said Nicholas. “There are many similarities in how we both approach achieving our goals and ambitions – yet also areas we can learn from one another.”
“Despite living with a challenging and debilitating condition, Nicolas has made it his life motto to Exceed Expectations, said Pete George, managing director of Phillips 66 UK & Ireland marketing.
“Having met with Nicolas at the Silverstone Classic last year, we knew straight away that he would make an excellent ambassador for JET as it is our continued goal to exceed the expectations of our JET network. We are very much looking forward to working alongside Nicolas over the next 12 months and to giving our dealers and distributors the opportunity to find out more about and be inspired by this dedicated young sportsperson and campaigner.”www.phillips66.co.uk
Hoyer Petrolog driver trainer Chris Hill spent two weeks in Tanzania delivering a variety of training
In its latest link up with Transaid, Hoyer seconded one of its most senior driver trainers, Chris Hill, to a professional driver training project at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.
“We’re delighted to support the excellent work Transaid undertakes,” said operations director Allan Davidson. “We truly believe that the work undertaken by Transaid to assist with transport management and to develop driver training in developing countries has made a real difference in improving road safety in Zambia and Tanzania.
“Our driver trainers have contributed significantly to this worthwhile cause and have openly admitted that the experience has not only developed them professionally but also from a personal perspective.
Chris Hill, who is based at Hoyer’s Hythe terminal, commented: “It was a busy two weeks covering a variety of training, mainly focusing on driving the LGV 1 and practicing the reverse exercise, with classroom training as well all the trainees were very grateful of the training they were given and fully endorsed what was been put across to them.”
Despite the challenges of limited availability of equipment that might be considered standard in the UK, being able to make improvements in driver technique and to improve the handling of dangerous goods has proved to be personally and professionally fulfilling for trainers.
“In order for Transaid to keep improving road safety in Africa it’s vital that we can work with companies such as Hoyer Petrolog,” said Transaid’s acting chief executive Caroline Barber. “We’re extremely grateful to the company for their continued support and for offering their time and skills to develop the expertise of trainers at the National Institute of Transport which ultimately helps to address dramatic statistics and save many lives.”www.transaid.orgwww.hoyer-group.com
The six new Emco Wheaton products seen here will be joined by more variants in 2015
Emco Wheaton has launched six new products within its TODO range with plans to release more variants in 2015.
“The voice of our customers is a critical point of our development process,” said principal engineer Sam Blackmore. “We listened to our clients’ feedback seeking more sizes of the break-away couplings to support their production needs.”
The company welcomes more feedback about further products – see below. NEW marine break-away coupling
Available in a 4” diameter and is a version of the tried and tested TODO break-away coupling that has been designed to withstand harsh marine conditions.
Engineered to disconnect under straight pull force, separation takes place if a vessel moves too far. The valves, that are present in each half of the equipment, snap shut thereby minimising any potential spill of liquids into the environment or loss of client product. The marine break-away has a maximum working pressure of 25 bar.
Ken Rivers is one of the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit
On Wednesday 21st January, Ken Rivers and Judith Hackett will be among the keynote speakers at the Process Safety Management Summit II in London.
With its focus on the launch of the UK Process Safety Management Skills Strategy 2015 – 2018, HSE chair Judith will look at how the industry has been changing and how well process safety is understood by the new players that have entered the sector; the implications of the new COMAH 2015 regulation; public performance reporting and the Better Regulation Executive’s focus on enforcement.
With more than 35 years experience of the downstream oil industry, Ken is passionate about safety in the oil industry. He recently returned from New Zealand where he was running the country’s only oil refinery and was previously responsible for Shell’s refining and petrochemical operations in the UK.
Recognised as an industry expert, Ken chaired a joint industry/regulator task force in the wake of the Buncefield terminal explosion. He has also been appointed chair of the COMAH Strategic Forum tasked with improving the effectiveness of major hazard legislation in the UK and comprising both the regulatory authorities and the oil and chemical industries.
Also speaking are Allan Laing, CEO Pentagon Chemicals and chair of the Process Safety Management Project Board; and Malcolm Sarstedt, Europe operations manager – process safety, at Unilever.
An exhibition will also give the opportunity to meet and talk with representatives of companies offering a variety of safety-related services to the process industries.www.psmsummit.com
(l-r): Grant Lockie, Speedy regional director (power) with Jim Williams, northern regional director and Anthony Sharkey, national sales manager, Certas Energy
Speedy has chosen Certas Energy as its national fuel partner in delivering temporary power generation.
Speedy already owns the largest fleet of fuel tankers in the hire industry and, together with Certas Energy, it will have a combined capability of more than 1,000 tankers servicing every UK postcode and over 150 Certas Energy refueling depots nationwide.
Speedy achieved an industry first in 2006 by being the only hire company in the UK to offer fuel services and, by partnering with Certas Energy, which delivers over six billion litres of fuel annually, fuel can now be delivered anywhere in the UK – even in remote and inaccessible areas.
A dedicated Certas Energy account manager will be based at Speedy’s head office in Haydock.
“Speedy’s power division has seen major expansion over the years,” said Jim Williams, northern regional director at Certas Energy. “This strategic partnership is a fantastic opportunity for both companies and we look forward to developing a long-term relationship.”
Brian Cornett, managing director of Speedy’s Power Division, said: “By partnering with Certas Energy we’re now able to service the power generation demands of all sectors and industries and we can help our customers minimise fuel spend, streamline the administration process and benefit from quick and easy refueling at strategically located sites throughout the UK.”www.certasenergy.co.ukwww.speedyservices.com
Spaces at FPS EXPO 2015 are filling faster than ever reports the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers.
With just over three months to go before the exhibition takes place at the Harrogate International Centre on 22-23 April, the FPS has confirmed that more than 80% of the exhibition space has already been sold.
“FPS EXPO is always extremely popular because of the diverse range of industry experts that exhibit but 2015 looks set to be even more successful than our record-breaking 2014 event,” says marketing and events manager Dawn Shakespeare.
“In addition to the industry-renowned exhibitors that return year-on-year, we have a number of new firms exhibiting this year including Applied Pumps, Brit European Transport, Cleansing Services, Paul Read Print, and KDC Contractors, which we’re very excited about.”
Viewed as the main event in the oil distribution industry calendar, FPS EXPO 2015 is set to cover 5 halls at the Harrogate International Centre for the first time.
“There are some changes to this year’s EXPO,” said Dawn.
“We hope visitors and exhibitors will welcome the changes which include a visitor and exhibitor drinks reception on the first evening.
The Awards dinner is not being held in 2015 but this means we can really make the most of the Driver of the Year and Depot of the Year awards by presenting each award at the winner’s depot.
“Having a first night drinks reception means that lots of exhibitors and visitors can stay longer on the first day and network on an informal basis.”
The 2015 event will be the 35th year of the exhibition and the show’s last year in Harrogate. It will feature representatives from industry leading distributors, manufacturers, software firms and equipment suppliers, all displaying the latest breakthroughs in technology and innovation within the oil distribution industry.
Spaces and tickets have been reserved by companies and individuals from around the world, and interest has even been expressed for the show in 2016 when the event moves to Liverpool’s new Arena and Convention Centre for the following three years.
“From new products on display and forums on best practice, to networking opportunities and raising awareness for your company and interacting with key decision makers within the industry, FPS EXPO 2015 has it all – for exhibitors and visitors alike,” adds Dawn.
“With less than a quarter of the exhibition space now available, any company thinking of reserving a stand or individual wanting to book a ticket should do so sooner rather than later to ensure they don’t miss out on the industry event of the year.”
Book your exhibition space or visitor ticket for FPS EXPO 2015 at www.fpsshow.co.uk.
To contact Dawn Shakespeare call +44 (0) 1565 631 313 or email ds@fpsonline.co.uk