The Simon Smith Group has been trialling a system by Greengate Energy aimed at cutting energy bills at its Monmouth site. The 3M Plan works by measuring energy consumption and setting realistic parameters for each energy-consuming device on site. This is controlled via Greengate's wireless energy management system.

BP has renewed its contract with WashTec to maintain its complete fleet of rollover washes on its company-owned sites. Commenting on behalf of BP, UK maintenance manager Mark Rogers said: "Over the course of the next three years we look forward to working with WashTec on our service approach to minimise the calls to site, improve machine reliability, and ultimately contribute towards increased sales in our car wash estate."

European Wash Systems, the UK partner of Ceccato, has launched a new website.

Wilcomatic has been awarded the maintenance of all Euro Garages' WashTec, Christ and Ceccato car washes.

Kärcher Vehicle Wash, the car wash equipment division of Kärcher UK, has launched a new online chemical store.

WashTec has recently installed a state-of-the art SoftCare2 Pro car wash at the Harwoods Group's Texaco site on the Isle of Wight. The car wash has a number of new features including oscillating high-pressure jets, 21-inch wheel washers and a 270-degree revolving roof, high-pressure jet and drying system.

Durapipe UK is celebrating its milestone 1,000th forecourt project with one of the UK's leading forecourt suppliers, D Berry & Co Ltd this month.

The recent icy weather has caused no end of problems for businesses and organisations as staff and customers have battled against the elements. However, the problems have not ended at the front door. As snow is brought in by those who have managed to get across the threshold, hard surfaces can become dangerously slippery and cause a potential health and safety risk.

Fairbanks, the wetstock management specialist, has announced that following the successful re-signing of its contract for BP company-owned and dealer sites, the expansion of its MRH contract and securing the Tesco PFS contract during 2009, it has been engaged by Murco Petroleum to provide wetstock monitoring, SIR-based leak detection and pump calibration audits on the company-owned network of 230 sites.

MRH (GB) has named Amscreen as its exclusive digital signage partner. The close proximity signage units will be installed across the Top 50 Indies retailer's sites as part of a five-year deal.

WashTec has developed a tool to help independent retailers understand what the impact of the government's new Business Rates system is likely to be on their business.

Murco Petroleum has chosen Hampshire-based waste management specialist Cleansing Service Group (CSG) for a major forecourt-servicing contract. According to Murco, CSG will be cleaning forecourt and car wash interceptors as well as the silt traps and associated surface and underground drainage channels and gullies.

SATO UK has launched a new tag printer, the DR3, to cater for what it says is the retail market's increasing need for more visible and flexible price marking and in-store promotions.

Dresser Wayne has been awarded the International Standards Organisation 14001 certification for major locations in North America, Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

Dragons' Den's Peter Jones has launched a prepay cashcard called On-X Go prepaid MasterCard via his mobile distribution company Data Select. The company has teamed up with prepaid programme manager M-Cube for the project. George

PDQ Manufacturing has launched its latest touch-free car wash live on the internet. The US company hosted LaserWash Live online where viewers could see the equipment and ask questions about the new system via a chat room.

National crime prevention initiative Raid-control has expanded its robbery deterrent package to include tobacco products within cigarette gantries. According to the organisation, some criminals have been targeting the tobacco gantries within c-stores and demanding that the person behind the counter hands over cigarettes.

Signwaves' pavement sign 'the Swinger' is being changed to make it more user friendly. All poster versions of the sign are now fitted with top-opening poster pockets, which replace the existing bottom-opening oness. The company said this will make it much easier to get to the posters.

GS1 UK, a not-for-profit supply chain standards and solutions organisation, has launched a new online resource to raise awareness of the new GS1 DataBar bar code due to be introduced as a global standard in 2014.

Mabco Petroleum has been working with Indigo Media to find a way of using its former Big Media Group screen. The screen at the retailer's Lancashire Hill site in Stockport was left redundant after Big Media went into voluntary liquidation. According to Indigo Retail, Mabco managing director Usman Patel spoke to the epos technology provider about the problem and discovered he was able to run content using the existing screen and PC for less than £50 a month (after the initial set-up fee).

Moto Hospitality has appointed G4S Cash Services to provide cash collection and delivery services. The three year contract started this summer making G4S the sole provider to Moto's 58 sites.

UK POS has launched an Independent Point Of Sale Starter Kit as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

Geoff Thomasson (pictured below), chief executive of chiller company Husky, has these festive chiller tips:

Pantheon has recommended that retailers invest in its heavy duty PSK soup kettle this winter.

VSG has been working to improve a number of security issues at BP sites around the UK. According to the company, this includes introducing a 'profit protection' scheme with manned guarding as well as the appointment of two regional and one national profit protection managers.

Signwaves has introduced new wall and pavement signs for The National Lottery as part of Camelot's £16.5m investment in refreshing its permanent point of sale. About 6,000 of the 'bubble' pavement signs, 5,500 Ecoflex pavement signs and 15,000 wall signs are being distributed around the UK.

Refrigeration company ISA (UK) is launching a chilled multi-deck cabinet range featuring new technology which it says offers big energy savings.

Software firm CV Retail is targeting UK forecourt operators with its online accountancy service CounterBooks. The company says it aims to give retailers an 'up-to-the-minute overview of the whole business' by not just looking at the profit margins on sales but the overall profitability of the business.

Husky says it has given its long-established bottle and snack cooler range a major eco upgrade.

Rolls Royce Motor Cars has chosen Kärcher Vehicle Wash as its preferred supplier for its new water leak test and car wash facility at its UK headquarters in Chichester, West Sussex.

Savortex Limited has launched what it says is the world's greenest hand drier. According to the company, founded by The Apprentice contestant Syed Ahmed, the Vortex hand drier uses patented spinning air technology that breaks up water droplets on the skin, accelerating drying times. As well as having a low carbon footprint and low cost of ownership, the company says it dries hands in just 10 to 15 seconds and is the quietest in its range.

Hako Machines has launched the compact Hako-Hamster 500E walk-behind sweeper, designed to provide powerful sweeping performance on hard floors and carpets.

PayPoint has secured direct distribution agreements with Vodafone, Virgin, T-Mobile and Orange that will allow retailers to receive commission of up to £5 on each SIM card when sold with a top-up voucher.

Payment processing company DataCash has added a new fuel cards service.

JJ Beano's has negotiated a new contract to provide its gourmet coffee and convenience foods machines to Lancashire retailer Euro Garages - number four in the Forecourt Trader Top 50 indies listing - as well as to Roadchef and First Motorway Services.

Dresser Wayne has signed a three year deal with BP to continue as its primary supplier for fuel dispensers at its forecourts in Europe and North America. Neil H Thomas, Dresser Wayne global president, said: "The new agreement builds on a long and successful relationship. BP is known for its innovative and performance-driven approach."

Xmo Strata has won the Health, Work and Wellbeing Award for small business in the South of England, in the National Business Awards Regional Programme.

Tchibo Coffee International is launching two new fully automated hot drink machines into the UK market. The company says the stylish machines are a continuation of the Coffea range which was launched in 2000.

Camelot is introducing new-look playstations, scratchcard dispenser fascias and external signage across its network of more than 27,500 National Lottery retail outlets.

Time2 is targeting forecourt retailers with a new hand-recognition technology system designed to cut payroll costs.

Verco has installed bespoke versions of its Kingston open-chill cabinets at Welcome Break's Oxford and South Mimms servies.

Coffee Nation has launched the 2G Touch, its new 'intelligent' coffee machine.

Kärcher UK is introducing a number of initiatives including a revenue-sharing scheme, opening a chain of standalone car wash centres, and launching a new coin-operated jet wash.

Signwaves is celebrating 20 years in the sign and display industry with the introduction of a range of new products.

PayPoint and BP Retail have extended their exclusive agreement to provide mobile top-up and other services to BP forecourts.

Westomatic Vending Services is being relaunched with a series of customer-focused initiatives which it says are designed to improve customer service.

Software and services company FuelQuest has issued a set of guidelines aimed at helping petrol retailers operate successfully during the recession.

In the current economic climate, repairing rather than replacing equipment is becoming more and more popular. According to catering equipment manufacturer Lincat, the prompt availability of spare parts is becoming critical.

Valera is urging retailers to make the most of ice cream sales this summer with one of its specially-tailored display units.

Westomatic Vending Services has launched a Pour Moi branded version of its Sigma hot drinks machine.

Park Garage Group has become the first retailer to install Scheidt & Bachmann fuel pumps at a site in the UK.

Sign installation and maintenance company Xmo Strata said it has added to its fleet of cherry pickers due to increased demand for refurbishment work.

Asda has decided that all contractors working on its forecourts must carry safety passports.

A Shropshire-based company is supplying touchless car wash systems from the US.

Westomatic Vending Services is inviting retailers to attend a series of workshops around the UK to learn more about its products. Each workshop is divided into two dedicated zones, technical and sales, to enable bespoke training.

Xmo Strata has launched a specialised sign valeting service which uses purpose-built VW Crafter vehicles carrying their own water tanks, cold pressure washers and hoses, lighting and a full health. The company says the £30,000 vehicles have one key advantage: they allow operators to clean hard-to-reach areas without the need for ladders, access equipment, or the need to be near a water tap.

WashTec is launching a raft of car washing equipment including a new roll-over car wash, jet wash range, turbo vacuum, and air and water tower. According to Dawn Frazer, WashTec marketing manager, improved features and services include better wheel washing, better drying and a deeper shine.

Dresser Wayne is bringing two new hi-tech products to the market this spring which it says are both aimed at UK independents.

Dresser Wayne has signed a three-year deal with Total to supply fuel pumps to its forecourts

ATM supplier Hanco is launching a new way for retailers to bank their takings with a charge-free internal cash machine.

Accountancy specialist CV Retail is targeting independents with its web-based accounting system CounterBooks.

Solo Cup Europe has launched the Bare range which it describes as the industry's most extensive line-up of single-use products that are made from alternative resources.

PetroTechnik has introduced a range of new products designed to make its UPP underground pipework system easier to install and use, including an electrofusion chamber.

Nestlé Professional has launched its new Go Large coffee offering aimed at increasing retailer profits.

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd (CCE) has launched a bespoke off-trade website - http://trade.cokecce.co.uk.

Searle Manufacturing Company says it has tailored its new ME range of air-cooled condensers to include the high-performance and cost-competitive options needed by c-stores.

A Portsmouth-based company is launching a new piece of equipment designed to protect retailers from credit card cloning. Pin Protect says its Pin-Defender units aim to "eliminate the weak point of Chip & PIN" by preventing shoulder surfing, covert cameras and viewing or tampering with point-of-sale card readers or PIN entry pads by rogue members of staff.

Original Equipment has launched refrigeration management device CoolerSave which it says cuts in-store energy costs.

Wilcomatic has launched a new online facility aimed at boosting the business of its car wash customers.

Ixtar has extended its product range to include two varieties of absorbent granules that are ideal for clearing away any garage spillage.

Pump manufacturer Dresser Wayne has reached an agreement with Irish company Pumps & Fuel Installations to provide equipment sales and service to retailers in Ireland. The aim is to bring the latest in fuel dispenser design and technology to the Irish market.

Xmo Strata has extended its forecourt maintenance contract with Swiss company ABB for another five years.

PayPoint has launched PayPoint Plus, a package of deals and offers aimed at independent retailers.

WashTec used this year's Automechanika trade show in Frankfurt to showcase its latest car wash technology.

Zurich has published a tax guide for small business owners. Its 2008/9 Tax Handbook includes advice on how to finance a business effectively as well as guidance on Capital Gains tax, deducting tax at source and an outline of VAT.

CTEK has released a new counter-ready display unit for its smart chargers.

The British Safety Council has launched a one-day course designed to provide a good understanding of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the impact of the Work at Height (Amendment) Regulations 2007.

VapaSava has launched what it says is a unique system which recycles petrol vapour on site.

Layton Blackham Insurance Brokers has launched an insurance policy which it says is the first to provide cover against cleaning up a pollution incident at an affordable premium.

Working at height continues to be a major cause of death and injury at work.

ELAFLEX is launching its new generation of ZVA Slimline 2 and ZVA Slimline 2 GR nozzles this month to replace the standard ZVA Slimline and ZVA 200 GR vapour recovery versions.

The Carsley Group has invested in a Daikin Conveni-Pack cooling, refrigeration and heating system for its Cromwell Services convenience store.

Total Refrigeration says its Vista 12 ice cream freezer is more than 30% more energy efficient than its predecessor.

Display design and manufacturer AG Neovo has launched a high-end SX and RX range of security specific monitors.

UK company Ecologia has developed what it calls a "ground-breaking remediation technique", which can be used to clean up forecourts.

Kruger Tissue is expanding its Da Vinci range of washroom products. There are four toilet tissue dispensers, including two twin roll models. The compact, transparent Arctic blue Versatwin has a gravity-assisted mechanism for a more ergonomic transfer to the second roll.

PayPoint has launched a credit and debit agreement with Lloyds TSB which aims to ensure retailers get the best deal on credit and debit card payments. The deal means retailers pay a maximum of 1.4% on credit card payments and 14p on debit cards.

The Fri-Jado Bake Basic 3P programmable oven, designed for small-scale baking needs, is now available exclusively from Equip Line.

Spring Petroleum has become the first retailer to install Dresser Wayne's Global Ovation fuel pump.

The Ladder Association has published a book to promote safety and best practice. The free 12-page A5 publication is intended to be a handy reference for use in the office or on site. The LadderBook champions the ladder as an invaluable piece of workplace equipment, taking as its theme: 'if it's right to use a ladder, use the right ladder and get trained to use it safely'.

Moto Hospitality has signed up with Virgin Radio to provide its 48 outlets across the UK with a dedicated radio stream.

A new handbook aims to help retailers deal with red tape relating to issues like health & safety, fire and food safety.

Flow Control (GB) has launched a new fuel can which has a patented dispensing method aimed at speeding up the filling process without spillage or overfilling.

Pipework and tanks specialists PetroTechnik and Cookson & Zinn (CZ) have announced that they are both ready for the move to biofuels.

A Staffordshire-based company is selling a range of automatic recycling machines which reward consumers for recycling.

WashTec is running a series of maintenance and marketing workshops this June and July, aimed at retailers who run car washes. The events aim to increase sales for legitimate vehicle washing sites and "create centres of vehicle washing excellence" in the UK.Topics include equipment maintenance, local marketing and dealing with unregulated sites.

US software and services firm FuelQuest is launching in the UK via its European headquarters in Manchester.

Retailers who signed up to the new gift card service launched by payment collection network PayPoint last November have seen a good response from customers, plus they've boosted their own profitability, according to the company's retail director Mike Igoe (pictured right).

Verco is launching a new generation of its open-chill Cambridge which is fitted with the latest rotary scroll compressors and features a low-front design of 410mm.

A new system has been launched to help staff who have to deal with verbal abuse, harassment and anti-social behaviour in the workplace.

G&P Batteries has introduced a service to help recycle used batteries in the workplace.

Anglian Water has teamed up with Payzone and the Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank to let customers pay their water bills at forecourt shops. Anglian Water, which includes Hartlepool Water, says the move will provide extended water bill payment services to its 2.5m customers. Shoppers can pay bar-coded bills or make free regular instalments using booklets and plastic cards at any of the 17,000 Payzone retailers in the UK. 08705 134360

A website has been launched to offer advice and reviews to retailers looking to buy CCTV or security systems. The site, [http://www.cctv4u.tv], offers video demonstrations, industry news and reviews from site users of hi-tech security systems. CCTV4U managing director Duncan Griffiths says: "They say a picture is worth a thousand words so a video must be worth a million. That's why we're using it on our new website to show off the market-leading CCTV security systems. It can be very difficult for ordinary people who aren't familiar with this kind of system to decide what best suits their needs. But demonstrating them online using video is the obvious way to overcome this."

Dresser Wayne, the retail fuelling business of US manufacturer Dresser, Inc, has launched a new high-tech petrol pump with integrated multi-media display.

Avery Berkel has launched a range of counter service scales aimed at smaller independent retailers.

Lincat has added two powerful new fryers with built-in oil filtration to its heavy duty Opus 700 cooking equipment range. The new products are designed to save money by extending the life of cooking oil by up to 50%.

Securikey is expanding its product offering by introducing a range of high security deep key cabinets aimed at forecourt stores.

Somerfield has teamed up with Coinstar E-Payment Services to roll out its Gift Card programme throughout its UK forecourts.

Lincat has launched a range of contact/panini grills as part of its new generation of Lynx 400 electric, counter-top cooking equipment.

Musgrave Retail Partners GB have brought out a "Grab and Go" unit to hold spirit bottles, mixers and bagged snacks.