APEA’s annual AGM, exhibition,conference and awards dinner will take place at the Telford International Centre on October 11. Keynote speaker is shadow defence minister, Dr Liam Fox. Topics to be addressed at the event include ’Fuels in the Environment’ and fuel safety. For reservations call 020 8932 4505.

Symbol group Spar celebrated its 50th anniversary of trading in the UK with a lavish gala dinner in London. More than 2,000 retailers, central office personnel and industry leaders attended, with entertainment provided by top comedian Peter Kay.

Simon Turl has been named as chief executive of Roadchef. He joins from travel sector concessions group, Select Service Partners, and will take up his new role on November 1. Richard Hunt, who has been acting as interim chief executive, will leave at the end of this month.