All Forecourt Trader articles in May 2008

View all stories from this issue.

  • Truckers stage second fuel protest
    News

    Truckers stage second fuel protest

    2008-05-27T00:00:00Z

    Hundreds of truckers from around the UK are heading to London today in the second protest against soaring fuel prices. The lorry drivers are demanding an “essential user” duty rebate for HGV drivers. Heavy congestion was expected on roads leading into central London as the truckers, who claim it now ...

  • News

    EUROPIA launches "Save More Than Fuel" campaign

    2008-05-27T00:00:00Z

    The European Petroleum Industry Association (EUROPIA) is launching a campaign with the European Commission to encourage consumers to “Save More Than Fuel” by making small adjustments to their driving habits.The campaign will be run across 29 countries and is being backed by 40 oil companies in Europe, including BP, Chevron, ...

  • News

    ACS welcomes MP debate on supermarkets

    2008-05-16T00:00:00Z

    The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the call for an MP debate on the future of supermarkets. Conservative MP Mark Field called for the Westminster Hall debate following criticism of the Competition Commission’s final report and recommendations on the grocery market. He and other MPs have said that ...

  • News

    Co-op switches 45 sites to BP

    2008-05-16T00:00:00Z

    The Co-operative Group is converting 45 of its petrol station sites in the UK to BP. The major deal, which follows a year of negotiations, will also see the Co-operative Retail Trading Group re-sign 40 other sites with BP’s dealer network for a further five years. Peter Molloy, BP’s UK ...

  • News

    Budgens sets out its stall for 2008

    2008-05-16T00:00:00Z

    The message at this month’s Budgens retailer conference was that the key to success lay in delivering brand basics and building a culture of customer service. Retailers were joined by management from Musgrave for the event in London on May 8, which the company said was packed with sessions to ...

  • News

    Bradford targets forecourt crime

    2008-05-12T00:00:00Z

    Forecourt criminals across the Bradford District are to be targeted by a new joint initiative between West Yorkshire Police, Crimestoppers and British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS), whose members are Esso, BP, Shell, Texaco, Total and members of the Petrol Retailers Association. ’Name, Shame and Claim’ aims to reduce crime committed ...

  • News

    Petrogas set for UK expansion

    2008-05-09T00:00:00Z

    Petrogas is planning to expand its operations in the UK and buy at least 100 petrol stations over the next five years. The company, which operates the Applegreen chain of forecourts and currently has about 50 sites in Ireland, is actively looking for potential sites, and expects the UK to ...

  • News

    GNE Group sees profits rocket

    2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

    GNE Group has seen full-year profits jump by 93% to just over £1 million after margins in both shops and fuel improved. The company, which owns Top Indies retailer Petrol Express, said margins had also increased due to improvements in quality at its sites. GNE bought 10 new petrol stations ...

  • News

    Truckers name next fuel protest date

    2008-05-07T00:00:00Z

    Lorry drivers are planning to hold another fuel price protest in London at the end of this month. TransAction 2007, the group behind the recent protest in the capital, has told truckers the next one will be on Park Lane on May 27th. On its website, Transaction 2007 states: ...

  • News

    WashTec workshop

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    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 ...

  • News

    Single-serve Spray

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    Ocean Spray is launching a single-serve bottle for its cranberry juice range.The 250ml bottles are available in cranberry classic, cranberry classic light and cranberry & raspberry. Multipacks of four will also be available.The launch is being backed by TV and press campaigns, which will concentrate on the health benefits of ...

  • News

    What a show!

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    The NEC was the place to be last month, when visitors flocked to the International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment (IFFE) Show. Event director Matthew Butler explains: "Visitor feedback has been excellent. Petrol retailers praised the exhibition for being the one place where they could catch up with important suppliers under ...

  • News

    Szechuan Sensations

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    Walkers has added an extra flavour to its Sensations range of crisps.The new Szechuan spice flavour combines ginger, lemongrass & coriander with soy sauce and chilli.It is available in both 40g single serve and 175g sharing bags.Walkers has also increased its 100g pack to 105g and extended its 99p price ...

  • News

    Road to recovery

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    The hot topic in the pumps sector this year looks set to be Stage II Vapour Recovery(VR) - and the deadline is approaching fast.In just over 18 months any retailer selling more than 3.5m litres of petrol a year will need to comply with the new legislation, with an estimated ...

  • News

    wilkinson sword’s Razor sharp offer

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    To celebrate the launch of Quattro Disposables - described as the world’s first performance four-bladed disposable razors - Wilkinson Sword is giving away five packs of female and male Quattro Disposables to Forecourt Trader readers.The UK disposable razor category is worth £65.5m, up 2.3% year on year, with Wilkinson Sword ...

  • News

    Never say never

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    ’You only live twice’ - so why not enter our awards this year, which culminate in a James Bond-themed evening (at the London Hilton on September 25) in recognition of the latest 007 film. And to ensure it’s more than a ’Quantum of Solace’, you need to make sure your ...

  • News

    Results of this month’s online poll:

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    Are you going to write to your MP about the CWCG’s EDM?YES27%NO73%Although many retailers in the industry say they are concerned about the threat of illegal hand washes to their business, only about a quarter of readers seem to be prepared to take action and write to their MP over ...

  • News

    Mo’gas

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    A few months ago I was musing over whether the concept of loyalty could be applied to the forecourt industry. At the time my comments were mainly focused on our customers and whether loyalty cards per se were a worthwhile proposition. Of course, the other side of the coin is ...

  • News

    More truck protests looming

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    Truckers may be planning further action to follow the protest staged in London against the soaring price of diesel fuel. Lorry drivers travelled from as far as Cornwall and mid-Wales for last month’s rally, which included a delegation handing a coffin in at the Houses of Parliament to symbolise the ...

  • News

    Ketchup makeover

    2008-05-02T00:00:00Z

    Heinz has revamped its classic tomato ketchup design to raise awareness of the product’s natural ingredients.The new packaging and label emphasise the message "Grown not made" and feature an image of a tomato. The bottles are also made of clear, recyclable PET plastic, which Heinz says has a more glass-like ...