The Sun girls will be causing a stir at next week’s International Fuel and Forecourt Equipment Exhibition as they rally support for the national newspaper’s campaign to cut fuel duty, being run in conjunction with RMI Petrol.

They will be visiting the show at the NEC from late morning on Monday, March 28, and will be on the RMIP stand handing out petitions for retailers to take away and give to their customers.  Additionally, retailers are being invited to bring their completed petition forms to the stand where there will be a prize for the most names.

The show will be used to launch ’Indie 5000’, an exciting new project targeting dealers with a handful of sites or less, who make up the majority of the independent fuel retailing market. An Indie 5000 dinner is being held on the evening of Sunday February 27.

There will also be special presentations targeting independent fuel retailers during the show on Sunday February 27 and Monday February 28.
The programme of special presentations includes:
• Optimising property value and business exit strategies – Barber Wadlow
• How to improve fuel margins – Simon Kucher & Partners
• Taking small steps to maximise shop income and profit – InStore Profits
• The car wash business – Wilcomatic
• Making car wash pay in a difficult climate – WashTec
• Forecourts of the future – brand agency Circle

In addition, there is the Eurotank Fuels Handling and Storage technical seminar, which will take place: 2pm-5pm on Sunday February 27 2pm-5pm on Monday February 28
11am to 2pm on Tuesday March 1.

This will include information on preparing for the arrival of E-10, testing multi-fuel installations, redeveloping forecourts with minimum downtime, tips on securing your underground fuel storage, and a bio-bug update. It really is a packed programme and should definitely not be missed. Sessions include:
• Responding to suspected fuel leaks – Environmental Alliance Inc
• Reducing downtime in redeveloping petrol station fuel systems – Eurotank Environmental
• Detecting diesel bugs in your fuelling facility – Conidia Bioscience.
There will also be Walk-in Clinics between sessions where you can discuss your individual needs.
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IFFE 2011 runs alongside the new National Convenience Show (NCS). A key part of the NCS will be the chance to visit ’Live @ the Counter’ where you’ll be able to see practical demonstrations, enjoy sampling opportunities and attend seminars. Members of Unilever’s Partners for Growth Retailer Advisory Panel will share their experience. Key debates will include: ’Recession – Survive or Thrive?’ and ’Statistics & Insights – turning data into profit.’

In addition, you’ll get the chance to hear from MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace, who will be offering advice on how you can source and promote local produce. He will show that, by doing so, you will not only build better relationships with suppliers in your area, but also gain a valuable point of difference in the eyes of your customers – one which the multiples will struggle to match.

Meanwhile, ‘Ask the Experts’ is your chance to get some free advice from industry experts. Whether you’re looking for help in cutting your energy bills or for remerchandising your store, there’ll be an expert to help you. Log onto www.nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk to book your appointment.

Your ticket to IFFE will grant you free access to the NCS.