All Forecourt Trader articles in January 2008
View all stories from this issue.
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News
Retailers warned to not ignore the ‘silver pound’
Retailers are potentially losing money by failing to cater for older customers, according to Help the Aged. According to the charity, people over 50 currently spend £175 billion a year in the UK – which accounts for 45% of total consumer spending. But it said the industry was missing out ...
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NewsPalmer and Harvey launches Partnership Plus scheme
Palmer and Harvey has launched a scheme aimed at providing fully-tailored retail solutions for independents. The wholesale distributor said the Partnership Plus initiative focused on areas such as specialised category management, stock merchandising, expert business advice identifying new sales opportunities and exclusive promotional packages for big brand products.The launch of ...
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News
Thumbs up for Capital Gains Tax u-turn
The government’s changes to its controversial plans to reform the capital gains tax (cgt) have been welcomed by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). The policy u-turn was revealed this week when the chancellor, Alistair Darling, outlined revisions to plans previously announced in last year’s Pre-Budget Report. At the ...
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News
ACS calls for action on supermarket planning laws
Three quarters of the public are opposed to any changes in UK planning law that would make it easier to build out-of-town supermarkets. The figure comes from a survey carried out by GFK-NOP on behalf of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). The poll also found that choice was top ...
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News
Faulty tyre gauge threat to driver safety
Tyre pressure gauges on nearly half the forecourts spot-checked by Auto Express magazine were damaged, out of order, or giving wrong readings.The checks were conducted on 80 sites with the help of Cheshire-based kit calibration company Caltec ATC. The magazine reported that it found equipment on 39 sites were not ...
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News
Former Chevron bosses head up top indie group
Former Chevron executives John Lynn and Guy Vigar have joined MRH (GB) Limited – the parent company of both the Malthurst group and Pace Petroleum. Lynn replaces Graham Peacock as managing director of the MRH (GB) group, although the latter will remain on the group board as chief executive officer ...
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News
Environmental impact of biofuels is concern says Royal Society
Biofuels on their own cannot deliver a sustainable transport system and must be developed as part of an integrated package of measures – but the environmental, economic and social impact of such developments must also be taken into account. These are the conclusions of a report by the Royal Society, ...
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News
Somerfield up for sale is blow to consumers says ACS
News that Somerfield is up for sale is a “major blow to consumer interests”, according to James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores. The sale of the £2.5 billion group is the latest major step in the consolidation of the grocery market, and speculation suggests that bidders ...
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News
Spice up the year
A new range of KP nuts, the relaunch of the entire McVitie’s Digestives range and the extension of the Go Ahead portfolio are the highlights of a busy programme of activity planned by United Biscuits UK for the first two months of 2008.Designed to appeal to younger adults who are ...
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News
Smoke signals
Another year and yet more legislation for the tobacco industry. In 2007 we had the ban on smoking in public places plus the rise in the age at which people could buy tobacco - from 16 to 18. This year we have new laws for lighters plus the introduction ...
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News
Old-fashioned treats
Speciality toffee maker Walkers Nonsuch is re-launching its traditional slab range with a more ’retro’ feel.The new packs come in three varieties: family slab, original creamy slab and nutty brazil; which are the best sellers from the company’s extensive range. The family slab contains two 400g slabs - one nutty ...
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News
Results of this month’s online poll:
Do you agree with retailers who are calling on the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to investigate Shell’s "unfair" pricing policy which they say is "murdering" the industry?YES69%NO31%Most readers seem to be in agreement on this one ? they want the OFT to take a look at what Shell is ...
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News
Mo’gas
Loyalty points, loyalty schemes, loyalty rewards. That word ’loyalty’ really is an interesting one. We use it all the time but what does it mean for a retailer? In its true sense ’loyalty’ is a devotion and/or commitment to someone or something come what may. Despite everything that may happen ...
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News
A taste of the Med
Ryvita is hoping to attract new year dieters by adding a Mediterraneantwist to its range.Its flavour crispbreads are available from this month in two new Mediterranean-inspired variants: tomato & basil and garlic & rosemary. The products are low in fat (with between 39-43 calories per slice) and are made ...
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News
Local and proud
Not only were the Frasers named Best Independent with Nine Sites or Less at the Forecourt Trader of the Year Awards back in September, they also picked up the overall category award for Best Neighbourhood site for their Brize Norton Service Station in Oxfordshire.Brothers Robert and Hugh are looking forward ...
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News
Key to safer storage
Securikey is expanding its product offering by introducing a range of high security deep key cabinets aimed at forecourt stores.The cabinets in the Automotive range are designed to store items such as mobile phones, keys, money and alarm fobs safely but also conveniently.The company says the longer hooks in ...
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News
Size matters for Imperial
Imperial Tobacco is expanding its Richmond range with the addition of King Size Menthol 10s.The cigarettes are available in plain and pricemarked packs, and Imperial says the rrp of £2.28 makes them the lowest-priced menthol pack on the market.Iain Watkins, Imperial trade communications manager, says: "The Richmond brand has ...
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News
Hot property
When an article appeared in The Grocer at the tail end of last year stating that the Co-operative Group had snapped up another seven forecourt sites, Allen Shepherd’s phone did not stop ringing. That’s because Shepherd is director of corporate retail at Christie & Co, which had handled the sale ...
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News
Healthy investment
Zovirax cold sore cream is back on TV this month with a £850,000 campaign featuring its "helmet" ads which aim to show how cold sores can make sufferers feel self-conscious.The 30-second ad, which runs until February 3, has been updated to include a product demo showing the suitability of Zovirax ...
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News
Grab one of these
Musgrave Retail Partners GB have brought out a "Grab and Go" unit to hold spirit bottles, mixers and bagged snacks.The company worked with drinks group Diageo to create the design for the three-tiered stand which is aimed at driving sales at its Budgens and Londis stores.In trial runs, retailers told ...