Euro Garages has opened a 'drive-thru' Starbucks coffee store at one of its forecourts in Wales. The Blackburn-based independent retailer said it had signed a licensing deal with Starbucks to open up to 30 such coffee stores in the UK – some on forecourts, some as standalone outlets. The first 'drive-thru' opened its doors today and is based at

BP has signed a four-year deal with DHL Supply Chain to manage the UK warehousing and distribution of dry goods and chilled produce for its UK Convenience Retail business.

Morrisons has reported record profits despite seeing a fall in fuel sales. The Yorkshire-based supermarket group

Alastair Darling is expected to deliver the last Budget of this Parliament later

Spar (UK) Limited has launched a new consumer website aimed at enhancing

Sewell Group, which owns Hull-based independent retailer Sewell Retail, has

Chevron has announced it is looking for a buyer for its Pembroke refinery in west Wales. The operation, which is

BP Oil UK Limited has been fined £200 after admitting selling petrol to a

One in three motorists in the UK (one in five in Europe) are reducing their car journeys in order to slash their fuel

MP Philip Dunne has led a House of Commons debate on the potential devastating effect of the new Business Rates on petrol stations. Speaking in

The Top 50 Indies sector has seen plenty of activity in the past year even though many retailers have opted to upgrade their existing networks rather than splash the cash on new acquisitions.

Murco Petroleum is expanding its Scottish network with four more sites,

In light of the strong feelings against VOA revaluations for forecourts, are you planning to appeal your business rates bill?

RMI Petrol is urging retailers to continue piling pressure on their MPs as the April 1 business rates deadline looms.

Jet has announced the winners of its annual Aim Hi awards, which recognise commitment to offering friendly, efficient and safe service in the local

Total is paying for a mobile police station that has been set up on one of its forecourts to combat anti-social

During the floods that hit Cumbria last November, staff at Fairfield Garage in Cockermouth went out of their way to

Many shoppers are confused about what to expect from forecourt stores and, as a result, it's costing the industry footfall

This year's Association of Convenience Stores' Summit will take place at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole at the NEC on Wednesday, May 5.

Shell has expanded its trial with Waitrose to include its convenience products at three more sites. Shell UK Oil Products Limited (Shell), which

Specialist media agency Ambient Media is running a reverse graffiti ad campaign for Texaco in Cardiff over the next two

Jet has announced the winners of its annual Aim Hi awards, which recognise dealers’ commitment to offering friendly, efficient and safe service in the local community.

Tickets are available for the ACS Summit taking place on May 5th at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole. The Summit is the ACS's flagship event which it says is the biggest of its kind in the convenience sector.

RMI Petrol is urging retailers to continue stepping up the pressure on their MPs as the April 1st deadline approaches for business rates.

MRH (GB) Ltd is believed to be in talks with Chevron to buy more than 20 of its company-owned Texaco sites in the Republic of Ireland. According to a report in The Irish Times, talks between

Oil distribution event FPS EXPO 2010 is being held at the Harrogate International Centre on April 21st and 2nd.  It will be the 30th anniversary of the event. More

Wilcomatic has been awarded the maintenance of all Euro Garages’ Washtec, Christ and Ceccato car washes. According to Wilcomatic , the move to

A consortium of businesses including ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has claimed a victory for shops today after an appeal from the music licensing body PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) was rejected by the high court.

RMI Petrol's campaign to step up pressure on the government over Business Rates is gathering support from MPs. A total of 41 MPs have now signed the Early Day Motion

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has warned of the risks of weakening the powers and independence of the proposed Grocery Ombudsman, and has urged ministers to implement

Shoppers have become confused over what to expect from forecourts and it’s likely to be costing the industry footfall and sales, according to Mike Greene, CEO at him! research & consulting.

Hundreds of residents in the market town of Cockermouth had to be rescued from their homes during the floods that hit Cumbria during November 2009. Robin Benn, proprietor of the

Imperial Tobacco Group's subsidiary cigarette vending machine company, Wolverhampton-based Sinclair Collis, is seeking a judicial review of the relevant sections of the Health Act 2009, which

The popularity of LPG in the UK is increasing as motorists look to help the environment and reduce their carbon emissions.  Emma Bartle from Autogas, said: “As running costs become ever

The motorcycle and scooter market is riding high as new research from Mintel predicts that sales of new machines will rise strongly over the next five years.

Royal Dutch Shell said today the sale of its Ellesmere Port refinery to Indian conglomerate Essar Energy was still under review after reporting a steep

BP has reported a surge in profits for the fourth quarter of 2009. The oil giant said profits surged by 70% to $4.4 billion (£2.8 billion) in the last three months of the year, compared with a loss of $3.3 billion (£2 billion) for the same period in 2008. Meanwhile, for the full year, profits were down 45% at $14 billion (£8.7 billion). According to BP,

RMI Petrol has called on retailers to get their MPs to support its business rates challenge. Brian Madderson, RMI Petrol chairman, has been leading the charge against the methodology used by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in its recent revaluations after retailers

Have you taken action to complain to the relevant parties about the new business rates scheme?

Car owners appear to have a more relaxed attitude to car use and fuel purchasing than they did in July 2008, when fuel prices were at their peak, according to a consumer survey by research company Key Note. Comparing the results of its latest survey which

Major oil companies have failed to demonstrate the sustainability of their biofuels, according to the Renewable Fuels Agency, in its latest report on the impacts of the biofuel supplied in the first year of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). The report

Euro Garages' big spend

Harvest Energy, which opened its ninth branded site just before Christmas and will be opening its 10th shortly, will be hard to miss at this year's International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Exhibition (IFFE). That's because the oil company

Simply Coffee has signed a three-year contract with Murco to provide premium coffee to 130 of its refitted sites. This

Co-op staff have been thanked for their sterling efforts in coping with the recent bad weather by the company's

Barclaycard is to launch a new loyalty scheme Freedom in March, describing it as the broadest retail rewards scheme the UK has ever known.

MP Philip Dunne has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for the government to postpone the Business Rate revaluation for petrol stations. In the EDM, the Conservative MP for Ludlow, in Shropshire, said independent forecourts were under threat from the new Business Rates, adding the

Euro Garages plans to spend £6m to give a motorway services on the M61 a major overhaul after getting the green light from Chorley Borough Council. The Top 50 Indies retailer said it aimed to start work in the spring after gaining permission to refurbish the northbound and southbound areas of Bolton West Services.

MP Philip Dunne has joined retailers in their fight against the new Business Rates, calling for the revaluation to be postponed. The Conservative MP for Ludlow in Shropshire said the anticipated increases under the new rating methodology were unfair and threatened the livelihood of retailers.

Retailers are being urged to write to their MPs to air their objections about the new Business Rates scheme. Brian Madderson, the new chairman of RMI Petrol, is also urging those retailers who are either lessors of a service station, or are renting their forecourt to other operators, to provide on a confidential basis what could prove to be extremely valuable information regarding rental costs. "We need to get a broader picture of what petrol filling station rental values are," explained Madderson,

It was snow joke for retailers battling against the elements as Britain was gripped by the big chill. Many had to go and buy basic goods and deliver them to sites themselves

The Association of Convenience Stores is concerned by the recommendations of the Health Select Committee's report into alcohol, which includes a range of

Spar UK has announced strong results for Christmas with total convenience store sales rising by 10.39% since December 14, according to Jerry

DCC buys Brogans DCC plc, the business support services group, which bought Bayford Oil last year, has agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital

When Rohan Xavier took ownership of Windermere Service Station, his priority was to renew the site's fuel agreement with Gulf Retail.

In light of reports that vehicles have broken down after filling up with E5 fuel, has your site experienced any similar contamination issues?

Fame at last for Forecourt Trader magazine, which made an appearance as the 'guest' publication on an episode of 'Have I Got News For You', just before Christmas.

Ministers have failed to convince local shops that their new high streets planning policy will promote town centres and protect small shops.

The RMI Independent Petrol Retailers Association (“RMI Petrol”), which represents two thirds of the 9,000 petrol forecourt sites in the country, is predicting a minimum of five pence per

The introduction of the congestion calming M42 hard shoulder for traffic has been voted as the best automotive invention of the past 10 years. Fast-fit network HiQ has celebrated the end of the ‘noughties’ by asking customers for their favourite innovation of the decade, with the motorway’s hard shoulder being used at peak times coming out on top.

Warburtons, the UK's Number One branded baker, is delighted to announce that it will become the first truck operator in Britain to trial a new tractor unit from Mercedes-Benz that combines a low-entry cab with a low-emission, gas-powered engine.

The latest Insolvency Index from Experian, the global information services company, has revealed a positive picture in November, as the number of failing businesses continued to fall and the financial strength of businesses improved.

Topaz, the country’s biggest fuel and convenience retailer, has picked up an accolade at a prestigious industry event. The Topaz Dublin Port site has been named as the Forecourt Retailer of the Year at the recent 2009 ShelfLife C-Store Awards.

Fame at last for Forecourt Trader magazine, which was the 'guest' publication on last week's episode of 'Have I Got News For You',

Asda and Tesco have both cut prices at the pumps by up to 3p a litre in the run up to Christmas. Asda was the first to announce the price cuts for unleaded petrol and diesel over the weekend. It was soon followed by Tesco. The supermarkets said they were passing on

The AA today said there was "some relief but little Christmas cheer" in the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Report. The organisation welcomed the fact that the fuel duty increase due in April 2010 had not been brought forward as well as incentives for electric cars.

The AA has warned the Chancellor not to pull any 'tricks out of his box' to hammer the motorist in a pre-Christmas stunt. The organisation pointed out that since the last pre-budget report fuel

Harvest Energy has signed its fifth site with independent retailer Sectorsure. The site, on the Seven Sisters Road in London, will be fully branded to Harvest Energy by Christmas.

Jet has reconfigured and revamped its engine oils as the JetMax range which is designed to easily clarify performance and applications to help drivers choose the right product.

Raj Hindocha of the Hindocha Group will officially open the group's fourth forecourt site on December 11. The Perry Barr Service Station, a Texaco forecourt with a Spar store,

Palmer and Harvey has launched its new transactional website. The online site, offering 24-hour ordering, is designed to provide greater flexibility to customers and add real value to their businesses.

Criminals who fill up and drive off from fuel stations are the target of a new scheme launched by police and industry partners in West Fife.

Petrol pump advertising specialists Alvern Media is set to become an even bigger player in outdoor advertising sector following its acquisition by T4 Media.

In a first for Forecourt Trader, we set the cameras on our interviewee ­ Neale Smither BP's new UK supply and marketing manager. In another first, Graham Peacock, chief executive of the UK's biggest independent dealer group - MRH - asks the questions.

Brian Madderson has urged retailers to help the industry challenge the Valuations Office Agency (VOA) over its 2010 Business Rates assessments. The

Rumblings of serious problems with E5 are being echoed around the retail network following a spate of incidents where vehicles are breaking down

Forecourts across Cumbria reported that they were extremely busy during the recent devastating floods.

Shell has launched a trial selling Waitrose products in three of its forecourt stores in the Birmingham area.

Topaz, Ireland's largest fuels and convenience retailer, was recognised for its "new format, which responds to

Two men have been jailed for a total of seven years after a terrified woman cashier was forced to lock herself in a

Hilary Brock Ltd filling station in Olney, Buckinghamshire, has signed to Gulf after almost a century as a non-branded site. The old-style fuel stop, located on the Victorian high street, has been at the heart of the town since 1921 and serves customers with two traditional swing arm twin pumps. Owned and operated by brothers Norton and Patrick Brock, the site pumps 1.2mlpa and also has a Ford dealership.

Valerie Dowling (left) of Mace Approach, a BP service station in Andover, Hampshire, is the winner of the Forecourt Category of the Sales Assistant of the Year Awards 2009, run by Forecourt Trader's sister publication Convenience Store.

Do you think the expected hike in business rates will put some retailers out of business?

Shell UK and Waitrose are to run a joint trial of a selection of the supermarket's products in three forecourt shops in the Birmingham area. The Waitrose convenience products will be offered alongside Shell's current shop range to enhance the offer to customers. The trial begins this week with the launch of the Waitrose offer in a Shell forecourt on Wednesday. The range will include sandwiches, wraps and snacks, as well as a small selection of grocery items, ranging from bread and pasta to ready meals and toiletries. Depending on the outcome of the trial the two companies will decide whether to extend the offer to a larger number of Shell sites.

Valerie Dowling of Mace Approach, a BP service station in Andover, Hampshire, is the winner of the Forecourt Category of the Sales Assistant of the Year Awards 2009, run by Forecourt Trader's sister publication Convenience Store.

Indigo Retail Holdings Limited has acquired TQIPS Limited, part of the Petroleum and Convenience Division of Torex Retail Holdings Limited. TQIPS is described as the market-leading supplier of project management, construction and forecourt services in the UK.

Unite has announced that it is to ballot BP tanker drivers who deliver fuel to Sainsbury's forecourts. The trade union said the 240 drivers, around 200 of which are Unite members, work on the

Total UK has pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to charges relating to the Buncefield

Shell has reversed its ban on poppy appeal collections at its petrol stations. The oil company has also apologised to any customers upset by its original decision not to allow the collection boxes to be put on display at its sites. The announcement came after reports that forces veterans were threatening to boycott Shell over the ban.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called for retailers to get equal treatment with doctors and nurses when those convicted of violent attacks

Total has revealed it is adding new LPG facilities at five of its company-owned forecourts due to the increased popularity of LPG in previously converted sites. The oil company said

TomTom and digital signage company Amscreen have announced a sponsorship deal aimed at providing millions of motorists with up-to-date traffic information via TomTom’s HD Traffic.

BP said today it was business as usual at its Thresher-supplied sites, despite the drinks company's owner First Quench Retailing Ltd calling in administrators last week. A BP spokesman said he

A "bonfire of all the paperwork" has been promised by Tory MP Anne McIntosh should the Conservative Party prevail at the next election. In a debate at the Heart of the Community seminar

Bottled water sales have suffered in recent years with the credit crunch causing consumers to revert to tap water. However, Mintel says its latest

Park Garage Group has been nominated for one of the prestigious Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards, an annual event which celebrates Asian business achievement

Retailers are bracing themselves for significant business rate hikes after the new rateable values were issued by the

Watford Gap Services turned 50 today, celebrating by selling cups of tea at 1959 prices – and even getting its own musical. The infamous site was the UK's first motorways service area when it

Tebay Motorway Service Station has gained a top food award – the British Academy of Gastronomes' annual Grand Prix of Gastronomy. The Grand Prix is

Retail managers are dangerously underestimating the health and safety risks of sign installation and maintenance and their own liability,

Total UK has submitted plans to Dacorum and St Albans Borough Councils to rebuild the remaining part of the Buncefield oil complex in Hemel

A team of intrepid walkers from Park Garage Group (PGG) have raised £6,000 with a sponsored climb up Ben Nevis.

Euro Garages has reported a 5% year-on-year rise in fuel and retail sales

Total is the UK's first petrol retailer whose fuel cards can be used on the M6

Bexhill Garage on Barnhorn Road in Bexhill-on-Sea has recently re-opened as a Jet site after standing derelict for five years.

Spar has launched a new shop concept called Spar Express on six forecourts in

UKPIA rural warning

Do you find current practices in the newspaper and magazine distribution industry restrictive to the development of this area of your business?

Industry experts have slammed MPs after they voted in favour of the tobacco display ban. The move came as the Health Bill worked its way through the House of Commons yesterday. In addition, MPs voted to ban the sale of tobacco from vending machines – as a new clause this will have to go back to the Lords to be voted on.

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has expressed concern over the Conservative Party’s proposals to make sweeping changes to the current alcohol licensing regime. The measures, laid out by Shadow Home Secretary Chris

Fraud involving UK credit cards fell 23% to £232 million in the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year. The figures, from banking trade body Financial Fraud Action UK, showed that criminals had been switching to targeting foreign-issued cards.

Patrick Sewell and David Craven-Jones of the Hull-based Sewell Retail Group

Brian Madderson (pictured above) is been appointed as the new non-executive chairman of the Petrol

The car is still the most important mode of transport, according to an AA analysis of the Government's latest National

Drivers cashed in on cheap fuel after a technical hitch meant a Tesco site sold fuel at 40p per litre for nearly a week.

MRH (GB) subsidiary Pace Fuelcare has re-designed and refreshed the Pace brand for its dealer business.

A conman managed to help himself to £3,000-worth of fuel from a forecourt in an elaborately-planned, six-day

Surrey retailer S Satha has rebranded the store on his Jet forecourt in Chertsey as a Spar.

Wilson Girvan has switched his Fort Augustus store from Spar to Londis to match his award-winning forecourt store at Aberfeldy, run by his son Blair.

Londis is improving its supply chain efficiency with a new fleet of environmentally-friendly lorries. The multi-million pound 72-piece fleet will supplement the existing distribution fleet and be phased into circulation over the next two months. Chilled produce is a key focus for Londis as it embarks on a re-launch of its entire fresh range. All the new vehicles have facilities for chilled merchandise including fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, traditional dairy, cooked meats and ready meal products.

Waitrose c-store plan

Do you think the 2p duty hike will mean lower fuel volumes for your business?

Sewell Retail was named the Forecourt Trader of the Year winner last night at a glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton Hotel, Park Lane. The evening was hosted by veteran DJ Tony Blackburn and had a retro 70s theme, complete with an Abba tribute

Peter Oakford of Chevron (best known for its Texaco brand) is the new chairman of BOSS, the British Oil Security Syndicate, taking over the role from Total’s Peter Mellins who now becomes the vice-chairman. Oakford is manager of sales for the Texaco brand in the UK and brings to his new role as

Spar has reported overall sales up 8.1%, with like-for-like sales up 5.2%, in the three months (Q1) to July. Jerry Marwood, Spar UK MD, said the latest figures were very positive compared to most industry benchmarks, with a continued optimistic outlook for the months ahead.

Brian Madderson, managing director of Kent-based Top 50 Indie George Hammond, is to retire at the end of October and take on a new role as non-executive chairman of the Petrol Retailers' Association on November 1. George Hammond plc entered into petrol

Plans have been submitted for a new eco-friendly service station on the M5 in Gloucestershire. The site, which would be located between junctions 11a and 12 on the motorway, both north and soutbound, would be part-operated by a charity. The Gloucestershire Gateway

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has urged the Department of Health to follow the Scottish Parliament’s lead by addressing the issue of proxy purchase of tobacco. The Health and Sports Committee has recommended that measures to

Spar has announced a £200 million deal with Maxol in Northern Ireland. The five year deal involves 29 Maxol convenience stores being branded as Spar outlets and means that all of Maxol's company-owned service stations in NI will now operate under the Spar

The man heading up Morrisons' forecourt division, Phil Maud, is moving to Brulines – which owns wet-stock management specialist Edensure – as managing director of the group's petrol

The AA has described the govenment's plan to go ahead with this month's 2p fuel duty hike as "baffling" and "nonsensical", saying it has sympathy for retailers in the face of soaring prices.

== Duty hike backfires ==

In the light of recent sharply rising petrol prices, have you been using your diesel margin to subsidise unleaded?

Tchibo and Esso have withdrawn advertising posters at petrol stations after discovering they featured a slogan which was used by the Nazis on the gate at the Buchenwald concentration camp. The ad campaign, which began in early January, used the expression

BP has brought together its Convenience Retail, Logistics and Fuels business in the UK and appointed Neale Smither to

Kärcher Vehicle Wash has launched a scrappage scheme offering retailers up to £2,000 cashback for their old car wash. Similar to the government's

BP has signed a Joint Development Agreement with Martek Biosciences Corporation to develop biodiesel. US biofuels specialist Martek will work on technology to convert sugars into biodiesel for BP's Alternative Energy

This year's Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards includes a new award which aims to recognise the key industry players in the fuel retailing sector. The new award has been launched in conjunction with

== New text lube service ==

Are you worried that biofuels legislation could pose a threat to your business?

Jet is running a Local Hero campaign aimed at helping its dealers gain more

A merchandising trial at the three Oxfordshire-based Fraser Group sites has led to a 12% uplift in sales of oil.

Paramedics had to deal with two separate incidents on the same forecourt within one hour of each other. The accidents happened on a Morrison's forecourt at Coventry's Alvis Retail Park.

MRH Retail, number one in our Top 50 Indies list, has opened a Spar store on its BP site in Nettlebed, Surrey.

Around 2,000 companies from across the UK are expected to take part in National Customer Service week, which will run from October 5-11.

The RAC has warned that petrol prices are set soar to £1.20 a litre by the end of the year. The organisation said that several facters were to blame, including rising oil prices, the government's planned fuel duty hike, and the end of the lower rate of VAT. It added this could all lead to a return of the record highs seen at the pumps last summer.

Shell has confirmed it is considering selling its major oil refinery at Ellesmere Port. The spokeswoman for the company said the move was part of a review of Shell's refining business, and that if the Stanlow site was

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on ministers to act swiftly and decisively to introduce a Grocery Ombudsman now that they have received a formal recommendation from the Competition Commission. ACS

ExxonMobil Corporation plans to invest more than $600 million over the next five years on a new biofuels programme, following the announcement

Gulf has continued its growth in west Wales with retailers Andrew and Chris

Retailers have been given an extra three months to fight the tobacco display ban. MPs were expected to vote on the

A Yorkshire retailer is planning to sell off his stock at cost price and shut down the pumps at his family business after 50 years - due to biofuels legislation.

Top 50 independent retailer Euro Garages has reopened its flagship site -

Speedway Service Station, on the busy A396 between Exeter and Tiverton, Devon, has been sold by Christie & Co.

The Air Ambulance had to be called to a Shell filling station after an elderly couple drove their Jaguar straight into the wall of the forecourt's shop after filling up. The lunchtime accident happened at Shell's Broughton Astley

Sign installation and maintenance company Xmo Strata, which numbers several of the leading oil companies amongst its customers, has added to its already groaning trophy cabinet. The firm (which is based in Kent but operates across the UK) won the Health, Work and Well-being Award for small business in the South of England in the National Business Awards Regional Programme.

Asda has dropped the price of both petrol and diesel to 99.9p per litre at all its 176 forecourts. The supermarket chain made the move today, with its commerical director David Miles saying there was "no justification" for fuel to be on sale at above the £1 a litre mark. In a statement the company said: "UK motorists have become

Independent retailers have reported an increase in the level of shoplifting due to the recession. Many have also seen worrying rises in break-ins and credit-card fraud. According to online insurance comparator simplybusiness.co.uk, almost half of retailers (47%) said they had experienced an increase in shoplifting

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged the government to be cautious over claims that a national ID card would make a “significant difference” to preventing underage sales. ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Retailers face a tough job preventing underage sales; this is

Aldi has launched its first petrol stations offering cut price fuel. IGD Retail Analysis reported that the three trial sites in Austria had initially been selling diesel at 52 cents a litre. The petrol stations, located in the store car parks of the discount supermarket in the Salzburg area, were said to me unmanned, self-service facilities.

Marks & Spencer has called a halt to its pilot of a Simply Food franchise at Jonathan James' site in Ely, Cambridgeshire. BP announced it had picked Witchford Road Service Station, of James Graven & Son, for the trial at its Dealer Convention in Oman in November.

The first ever Motor Oil Industry Cricket Tournament was held at Lord's, the home of cricket on Monday, June 22. In perfect conditions, three teams from the oil, petrol and forecourt industry battled it out and competition was fierce. John Lewis, Forecourt Trader's executive director put on a star performance, but

Jonathan James has been forced to convert his two sites in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, to Spar following public outrage at the opening of a third Budgens store in the centre of the town.

Do you consider the arrival of two new fuel brands in the UK - FCL Petroleum and Solo - to be a positive development for the petrol retailing industry?

Gerald Ronson, the man who revolutionised the petrol retailing business in the '60s, has launched an autobiography entitled 'Leading from the Front - My Story. The founder and chief executive of Heron International, which operates the Snax 24 chain of service stations, is described as one of Britain's most successful businessmen, and one

Keeping the wheels of the UK economy turning while also meeting policies that aim to move the economy to a lower-carbon future remains a key challenge for the UK oil refining industry, said Janet Ashdown, president of the UK Petroleum Industry Association, as she launched the 2009

== AA signs to euroShell ==

Brobot Petroleum has confirmed Londis as its long-term retail partner. The northern-based family-owned business - which includes fuel distribution and 21 sites in the East Midlands and Yorkshire - is expecting to achieve in excess of £10 million sales a year as a result of the deal.

Pictured below is the new Shell Beaconsfield site on the M40 - which the oil company claims is the UK's biggest service station. With 36 forecourt pumps and six dedicated high-speed HGV pumps totalling 152 nozzles, the site in Buckinghamshire can serve several hundred customers an hour. It also has

Spar is relaunching its own-label brand as it steps up its focus on customers and growing store sales. Spar UK's marketing director Susan Darbyshire, told around 800 delegates at the recent Blakemore Spar Retail Conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole that the company would use its own brand to create a point of difference between

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has confirmed the agenda for its Forecourt Seminar 2009. Speakers include Stewart Samuel, IGD, Tony Evans from Christie + Co, Carol Smith, Ashdene Service Station, Spencer Marshall and Richard Box, both from JTI, Chris Mitchener, Licensing Solutions, Nick Vandervell, UK Petroleum Industry

Sainsbury’s and Tesco have reported surging sales – with Sainsbury also revealing ambitious expansion plans. In its First Quarter Trading Statement for 12 weeks to 13 June 2009, Sainsbury’s said total sales for the first quarter were up 3.2 per cent (7.6 per cent excluding fuel). There was also continued growth in customer numbers – the supermarket reported having over 18.5 million transactions each week. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s said it aimed to raise approximately £445 million of capital to “accelerate growth plans” which included acquiring 15% more floor space by March 2011.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the government to give all backbenchers a free vote on whether to introduce a display ban on tobacco. The Association said its

With crime costing the UK retail industry more than £3.5m a year, cash management company Loomis has urged retailers to be more vigilant with security.

Chevron has proudly put a classic race car from the 70s back on the race track through its Texaco brand. According to the oil giant, Texaco was originally involved with the Group One and Group Two Ford Capris from 1973 to 1976

With the British Grand Prix just days away, ExxonMobil is teaming up with Brawn GP to supply its fuel and Mobil 1 lubricants for the 2009 FIA Formula One season.

Committed Budgens retailer Jonathan James has been forced to convert his two forecourt stores in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, to Spar following public outrage at the opening of a third Budgens store in the centre of the town.

Following a successful store trial, Brobot Petroleum, the forecourt retailer with 21 sites in the East Midlands and Yorkshire, has confirmed Londis as its long-term retail partner, which is expected to achieve annual turnover of more than

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has called for Ofgem to go further in tackling ‘bullying’ practices adopted by some energy companies against retailers.

Two new brands have entered the UK forecourt market and are looking to recruit more independent retailers. The first

Total is claiming to be the first petrol retailer in the UK to offer its customers free breakdown cover, following the launch of its Total Assistance scheme last month. Launched on the basis that

Top 50 Indie Calanike Retail is rebranding nine BP sites to Esso, with two more sites - both Jet branded - following suit to Esso later in the year. Kenny Webster, managing director of Calanike, which has 19 sites, explained: "We are delighted to be joining forces

Customers at one of Shell's leading outlets in the East Midlands have been told it is now safe to use the forecourt after hundreds of people lost cash when their bank cards were cloned. Banks have been contacting motorists who used the Shell Trocadero forecourt, on

The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) has unveiled its website at www.bossuk.org. The new site aims to provide BOSS's police and petrol retail partners with a comprehensive information resource as well as informing visitors about the campaigning work that BOSS undertakes in order to

== Murco rebrands sites ==

On Monday June 22 three teams representing the oil industry will take part in a cricket tournament at Lord's, the home of cricket. Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers will do battle on

Sherlodge Garage at Lordswood near Chatham in Kent has been rebranded as a Harvest Energy site, replacing Pace.It is the first of many planned re-brands for 2009, according to a spokesman for

Jet teamed up with Royal Windsor Racecourse to treat all Armed Forces and NHS staff to a free night at the races last month. "Hosting the six-race event was a way for Jet to demonstrate to service personnel how much they are valued within their local communities," said Patrick Hudson, Jet's marketing manager, retail.

Do you think the upgrading of drive-offs to a criminal offence will do anything to discourage such crimes in the future?

Crime at Britain’s petrol service stations fell by eight per cent to £29.9 million in 2008, reversing a 13 per cent increase in estimated losses suffered by forecourt retailers in Britain during the previous year (2007) according to the latest forecourt crime statistics from BOSS – the British Oil Security Syndicate.

Following the publication by the Home Office of a draft code of practice on alcohol sales, ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores), representing 33,000 convenience stores that would be affected by the code, has urged Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to think

Plant power is being harnessed to fuel a car for the National Farming Union's renewable energy chief, underlining the technical possibilities and importance of sustainable biofuels.  The low-emissions Elsbett Audi A6 diesel will run on pure vegetable oil fuel produced by British rapeseed growers.

The Scottish Grocer's Federation has criticised the Government's timing following its announcement of the increase in the national minimum wage –up by 1.2% from October 1, 2009. It mens the the adult NMW rate will increase from £5.73 per hour to £5.80.

The convenience store market has rocketed in value to £29.1 billion in the last year, with fresh food and symbol group partnerships helping boost the forecourt sector. According to IGD’s Evolution of Convenience Retailing report, published this month, the figure

Stricter rules on drive-offs have come into force following a long campaign by the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS). The Home Office National Crime Recording Standards (NCRS)

Blackburn-based Euro Garages, number four in our Top 50 Indies list, has acquired three more sites taking its total to 75. The new acquisitions are a one-acre brownfield site on the Runcorn

Which Car? magazine is urging consumers to stop but not shop at motorway service stations. The magazine surveyed 51 sites and bought a selection of snacks (500ml still water, 250ml can of Red Bull, 215g bag of Jelly

Do you think the government's 11th-hour reprieve on business rates will be the first step towards a fairer rates system for businesses?

Wholesale distributor Palmer & Harvey unveiled a new format for its flagship symbol offer, Mace – which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary – at last month's Pro-retail exhibition in Telford, Shropshire.

MP Greg Barker visited independent retailer Carol Smith at her forecourt in East Sussex to show support for a local business and discuss the pressure of rising costs in the economic downturn and the problem of crime.

== Let there be light ==

The UK oil industry has exceeded the government's 2.5% volume target for biofuel content in road fuels (achieving 2.7%) in the first full year of the Renewable Transport Obligation (RTFO)

Greenergy Fuels Ltd has made a multi-million pound investment in new petrol and diesel blending and storage facilities in Teeside. The facility, which

BB's Coffee & Muffins has joined forces with Elite Fuels to open its first forecourt café in the UK - at Fleet Point in Middlesbrough.

BP has appointed Amscreen, Sir Alan Sugar's new digital signage company, as its exclusive partner in a five-year contract. Initially Amscreen's close-proximity signage units will be installed

The Budget, with its increases on fuel, alcohol and tobacco will do nothing to help retailers, according to trade associations representing petrol and convenience retailers. James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) ) said the Chancellor’s failure to act to prevent tax rises will hurt local shops: “At a time when

Devon-based independent filling station and convenience store retailer Julian Holliss has raised £7,500 for the NSPCC following the completion of a number of endurance feats. He is pictured presenting the cheque to Carrie Cardale,

Forecourt operator Dolphin Retail has gone into liquidation. The company which had 22 sites in the UK, including petrol stations in Scotland and Yorkshire, blamed the move on the credit crunch.

BP is now offering its customers the chance to purchase a range of gift cards from leading retailers, following a deal with gift card programme provider Coinstar E-Payment Services Limited. The introduction of the programme to

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has called on the Scottish Parliament not to proceed with plans to ban the display of tobacco as proposed in the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Bill. In its submission to the

Gulf Retail has appointed Karlos Ambrus as regional manager, Scotland. Ambrus, 45, from Falkirk, will be responsible for business development from The

The Chancellor's 11th hour decision to back down over business rates is a step in the right direction but still not enough to help retailers, according to industry groups. Business rates were due to rise across the

An investigation by consumer website www.cleangreencars.co.uk has revealed potential dangers in buying a high-blend biodiesel called B30, which does not have the approval of many car manufacturers to use in their vehicles.

Gerald Ronson, chief executive of leading property group Heron International, and founder of Snax 24 predecessor Heron Service Stations, summed up the past few years of the property market with the words: "If it

Do you think petrol retailing is one of the more resilient businesses to be in during a recession?

Motor Fuel Group has opened a new BP Connect franchise site including a Wild Bean Café.The Crownwoods Connect forecourt in Eltham, South London, was built in 14 weeks at a cost of about £1m - it was previously a closed site owned

Sewell Retail has been named one of the best companies to work for in the country. The Top 50 Indie retailer was included in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Companies to Work for Top 100 –

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) aims to strengthen its lobbying role and introduce a range of new initiatives as it

== Waitrose opens sites ==

This month has been deemed National Green Car Month by Total. Working in association with Nationwide Autocentre,

More people are expected to take their holidays in the UK this year as the recession bites.

Murco has signed a three-and-a-half-year shop supply contract with Costcutter, worth more than £100m a

Murco is moving 62 more of its forecourts over to its state-of-the-art core network to help increase management efficiency. The 62 join 168

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) is to continue as the representative body for independent forecourt operators. The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) today said that, following a full strategic review, it had been decided that the PRA would continue to be the voice of the industry. In a statement entitled "PRA – 2009 and beyond", the RMIF stated: "The role of the Petrol Retailers

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed Gordon Brown's refusal to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson had previously called upon the government to adopt the measure in a bid to tackle alcohol related harm. He suggested a 50p

The Automobile Association (AA) today met Treasury ministers to argue that next month's 2p rise in fuel duty should be scrapped. A spokesman for the AA said the planned 1.84p extra duty the government plans to introduce on April 1 would mean more hardship for motorists. With the VAT on top of extra

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced it on-stand vote taken as part of the International Forecourt and Fuel Equipment show

BP has launched a refresh program for its Connect stores in the UK, with work underway at four trial sites. The oil

Murco Petroleum has strengthened its forecourt shop team with the appointment of Gary Pearce as network manager, shops. Gary takes over from

There are plenty of positives for petrol retailers to focus on – despite the recession – when considering prospects

The latest figures from the Energy Institute's annual retail marketing survey, published this month, shows an increase in the number of petrol forecourts operating in the UK.

Most of the biggest petrol retailing independents still have their eye on expansion, despite the curent economic climate, according to the data gathered in our latest Top 50 Indies listing, published as a supplement within this

Customers queued for the opening of a £1.25m forecourt redevelopment in Gloucestershire last month. Millwood Motor Company's refurbished site in Cam includes a 150sq m Spar store, Shell petrol and a car wash.

Benny Cherian, a cashier at a Texaco site in Skippool, Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire, has a won a Mini for his efforts in promoting Texaco's loyalty card. As part of the launch of the brand's Star Rewards scheme, forecourt staff were encouraged to help customers sign up for a loyalty card. Twenty cashiers received £500 each, with Benny receiving the top prize of the car.

The UK's leading independent petrol retailer, MRH (GB), is looking to re-negotiate the supply contracts on half its forecourts - around 150 - which come up for renewal next year.

== Fuel price counts ==

The recent snow was no problem for sign installation and maintenance firm Xmo Strata. The company's crews braved blizzard conditions across the country to help keep forecourts open for motorists.

For years many petrol stations have been infamous for their poor toilets - but not any more.Visitors to certain BP sites are in for a treat as new loo facilities include bright images of the

Having a clear vision of your customers and what they want, together with the flexibility to innovate, are the two keys to surviving the recession, says KPMG/Synovate Retail Think Tank's latest white paper.

Sixty five per cent of people are using less cash in a bid to control their spending, says a new report from ATM network operator Link. However the survey, conducted by YouGov, also found that 33% of people are using more cash. It found that for December and January, the total value of cash withdrawn

The government has set a higher than expected target for the use of biofuels in UK vehicles for 2009-10. The 3.25% target is 0.5% more than recommended in the Gallagher Review. Meanwhile, the UK is to get a biofuels research centre - the £27m Sustainable Bioenergy Centre will have hubs at six universities.

Despite predictions of a generally gloomy economic outlook, how positive are you feeling about prospects for your own business in 2009?

The industry has been left dazed and confused by the government's u-turn over plans to introduce an £80 fine for drive-offs.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the government's decision to withdraw plans to fine shop staff £80 for selling tobacco to under 18s - another measure proposed to be added to the Penalty Notice Disorder (PND). The on-the-spot-fine was due to come into force on 26 January, despite no communication or consultation with the retail trade. When the proposal was first muted last month ACS

Police are appealing for witnesses after three masked men raided a BP Snax 24 outlet on the A5 near Hinckley, Leicestershire last month. The cashier was hit across the face with a brick, bundled into an office and ordered to open a safe. He was hit with the brick after saying he had no keys for the safe. The gang took a till containing £395, and drove off in VW Beetle, with an 03 registration plate. The victim was so badly hurt that police were unable to interview him in hospital.

Autogas has announced an increase in the number of outlets providing LPG to their customers.

AW&D Hammond in Halesworth, Suffolk beat over 400 dealers to take the highest accolade at Jet's Aim Hi dealer programme.

The cost of running a car fell in December, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. Its Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a

The government is planning to introduce fixed penalty fines for drive-offs at petrol stations. The proposal, which would mean an on-the-spot-fine of £80 for offenders, is part of a new raft of extra powers proposed to be added to the controversial fixed penalty fines. Others include being caught with

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) has moved to allay retailer concerns about its future direction, amid widespread rumours that its days were numbered, and that director Ray Holloway had quit. Retailers have been withholding their membership fees as

Retailer Jonathan James has got the green light to build a new site following a three year battle with the local planning authorities in Cambridgeshire. Jonathan, who estimates the fight has cost him about £70,000 in legal fees and numerous reports and studies, received the news that the site could go ahead after councillors at East

Following a roller coaster year, the petrol retailing sector is trying to look for the positives as 2009 gets under way. Retailer Jonathan James, of James Graven & Sons, said he was feeling more confident than a few months ago, and this was largely due to

BP is back at the International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment (IFFE) Show for 2009. The oil giant is expected to showcase its Connect Wild Bean Café franchise

Blackburn-based Euro Garages, which is number five in our Top 50 Indies listing for 2008, has converted all its company-owned stores to Spar.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is holding its Summit '09 in Birmingham on April 30th. Guest speakers at the association's flagship event include David Smith, CEO of research company Global Futures and Foresight. An expert panel will also discuss future predictions for the industry.

Do you think the changes announced in the Government's Pre-Budget Report are likely to have a positive effect on your business?

== January ==

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has hit out at the government’s decision to increase business rates in April 2009 by 5%. The ACS said the government wrote to Billing Authorities earlier this month informing them of the rise. The rise was calculated on September’s Retail Price Index (RPI) rate, at the height of the market, which has since

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the first independent cash ATM being installed in the UK. The cash machine was installed by Bank Machine in a Spar store in Birmingham, creating a market that it says has been one of the fastest growing of the last decade.

ExxonMobil is set to invest more than $1 billion in three refineries to boost supply of cleaner burning diesel by about six million gallons per day. ExxonMobil Refining and Supply will construct new units and modify existing facilities at its refineries in Baton Rouge

APEA, the conference, exhibition and awards event run by the Association for Petroleum & Explosives Administration, is moving to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry for 2009. Next year’s event will be held on October 15th at the Jaguar Exhibition Hall, which the group says offers more than 3,000 square

Gulf Retail and fleet and fuel management specialist Arval, have entered into a new partnership agreement that will see the continued

Fuel sales at Morrisons are up 5.4%, according to its quarter three results, contributing to an overall sales increase of 14.9%.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the publication of a revised Tackling Tobacco Smuggling Strategy which outlines the reorganisation of enforcement against smugglers between the UK Border Agency and HMRC. But it warned there was a need for significant new funding and targets to reduce the market share of illegal tobacco.

Has the sharp drop in fuel prices caused any problems for your business?

The VAT and duty changes outlined in the Pre-Budget Report look set to cause a retailer hangover that will last well into the New Year.

Visitors to the International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment (IFFE) show 2009, which is being held at the Birmingham NEC from March 1-3, will get to see Gulf's Le

Hundreds of BP dealers were forced to work through the night after a system crash knocked out its credit card terminals. Retailers said the glitch,

BP is adding eleven Moto sites to its network by the end of next month.

Forecourt and convenience retailers came out in force last month to attend the inaugural Heart of the Community Seminar organised by the Association of

Budgens and Londis stores have been getting into the Christmas spirit by creating their own hampers for the festive season.

Asda has kicked off a new price war by slashing fuel prices – and claiming motorists are being “ripped off” at the pumps. The supermarket announced yesterday that it was lowering the cost of a litre of unleaded to 90.9p, its 10th

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the chancellor to take immediate and decisive action to postpone increases in business rates planned for next year.

Turtle Wax is moving into the car wash branding business – and targeting independent petrol retailers. The car care company says the move is part of its strategy to expand distribution for its Professional range of products which are aimed at businesses operating car

Richard Harding has been named as BP's new UK Convenience Retail director. He succeeds Karen Hubbard and will take up his new post on December 1. Harding, who has been with BP for 20 years,

As a show of strength by dealers helped put BP's deal with Arval back on the table, should retailers come together more often to fight their corner on key issues affecting their businesses?

As a show of strength by dealers helped put BP's deal with Arval back on the table, should retailers come together more often to fight their corner on key issues affecting their businesses?

Independent dealers have been left between a rock and a hard place following the speed at which fuel prices have fallen in the past month. Some also feel there is no one to defend their position to the public - particularly following prime minister Gordon Brown's call for forecourts to bring down fuel prices in line with the fall in the price of crude or risk an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) has criticised the media for being obsessed with the price of fuel, and said that it is doing all it can to defend independent retailers.

GNE Group has announced that it is keen to buy more forecourts in the UK. The company, which recently announced the completion of the sale of Petrol Express Limited for £51.66m, said it wanted to buy petrol retailing sites and/or make

Lorna McLaughlin of the Vivo forecourt store in Mountsandel, Coleraine in Northern Ireland was the overall winner of the Sales Assistant of the Year awards run by Forecourt Trader's sister

Independent dealers have been left between a rock and a hard place following the speed at which fuel prices have fallen in the past month. Some also feel there is no one to defend their position to the public - particularly following prime minister Gordon Brown's call for forecourts to bring down fuel prices in line with the fall in the price of

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) has criticised the media for being obsessed with the price of fuel, and said that it is doing all it can to defend independent retailers. PRA director Ray Holloway rejected comments that the organisation was not doing enough to be a voice for independents on this issue.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has rejected calls for a Code of Practice for alcohol retailers. Instead it has called for more guidance for local authorities and enforcement agencies to help them use the powers already available to them.

Police are hunting a three-man masked gang, which is targeting filling stations in the Lincolnshire area in a series of night-time raids. So far, the haul has always been cigarettes and the getaway vehicle a Land Rover. The robberies have occurred when the forecourts are closed, and have all been caught on

Total rewarded employees at an award-winning site by giving them the day off and getting head office staff to run the forecourt instead. The Pin Green forecourt in Stevenage fought off competition from 249 other stores to receive Total's Best Premier Store Award 2008.

Murco Petroleum has confirmed the £51.66 million acquisition of Petrol Express Limited from its parent company GNE Group plc.

The Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) has called for the government to put a freeze on fuel duty to cut prices on the forecourt. PRA director Ray Holloway said Gordon Brown could reduce fuel prices though a fuel tax reduction but was avoiding taking action.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has called on the government to take the lead and instate a Grocery Ombudsman, as recommended by the Competition Commission’s investigation into the Grocery Market.

THE issue of wholesale fuel prices in Orkney is to be taken to the Office of Fair Trading, according to a story in the island's local newspaper Orkney Today. The report said the situation had been

Asda has followed Morrisons’ lead by slashing its fuel prices again.

Retailer pressure was behind BP's resumption of talks with card giant Arval, according to PRA director Ray Holloway. Having been told in August that BP had decided to discontinue its Arval connection due to escalating costs,

A new association has been formed to represent those working in the car wash industry. The Car Wash Association (CWA) wants to recruit more members to help work for best practice in the

The M&S Simply Food brand could soon be seen on independent BP forecourt sites around the country, if a franchise pilot - to be launched in the new year - proves successful.

Automatic shutdown systems to prevent overfill at fuel storage terminals have been announced by UKPIA and the Tank Storage Association, as part of the ongoing process to improve safety at major fuel storage terminals following the disaster at the Buncefield oil terminal in December 2005.

Five oil companies have so far signed up to exhibit at next year's International Forecourt and Fuel Equipment Show (IFFE), which will take place at the Birmingham NEC from March 1-3, 2009.

Three fraudsters operating an international credit card scam via petrol stations have been jailed. They used a Leicester warehouse to store footage, from covert cameras, of PIN numbers being inputted into pads at garages across the country.

A new Budgens store has opened in Box, Wiltshire on an Esso forecourt on the outskirts of the village.

GNE Group plc has entered into a conditional share purchase to dispose of its main operating subsidiary, Petrol Express, to Leopard No. 2 Investments for £51.66m. For full details log onto [http://www.forecourttrader.co.uk]

With fuel volumes down, Arval cards under threat, and question marks over tobacco and alcohol, how concerned are you about the health of your business over the next 12 months?

Philip and Lesley Tout of Budgens Nailsea in Bristol were the Forecourt Trader of the Year winners last night at a glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton Hotel, Park Lane. The evening was hosted by Shaun Williamson of Eastenders fame, and featured a James Bond theme with a lookalike Jaws, gold-painted girls and a 'Casino Royale' complementing a great line-up of entertainment. It was attended by nearly 700 guests from the petrol retailing industry.

BP will continue to accept Arval fuel cards at its petrol stations. The oil company had previously stated it was terminating its contract with Arval at the end of next month due to escalating costs. It had told dealers they were free to continue accepting Arval business but would have to foot the bill themselves and deal with Arval directly.

As BP prepares to sever all ties with Arval, the issue of card payments has been hitting the headlines. BP wrote to its dealers last month saying it was ending its agreement with the fuel card company due to soaring costs. And while many retailers seemed to agree that Arval had been too greedy, they remain worried about losing this part of their business.

Murco Petroleum has moved into the Scottish market for the first time by buying seven sites from group dealer Brownwight & Wall. The Jet-branded sites are all west of Edinburgh in the West Lothian and Falkirk areas and Murco said it is on the lookout for "further network growth opportunities throughout the UK".