Forecourt and convenience retailers will be welcomed to the NEC, Birmingham this month as both The Forecourt Show and the National Convenience Show open their doors to reveal a comprehensive display of the latest, equipment, products and services in the market.

Whether it’s car washes, fuel pumps, coffee or food-to-go offers, there’s something to interest everyone. And if you’re on the look out for a new fuel supplier then you’ll be spoilt for choice. Harvest Energy has exhibited at the show for several years, and sponsored the entrance for the past four. Simon Davis, head of sales and logistics, at the company says: "All independent forecourts supplied by Harvest Energy benefit from a comprehensive support package, with the added benefits of direct customer liaison, including order taking and delivery scheduling, so there is no dealing with third parties. We also supply a number of sites where the retailer markets under their own or a different brand such as Applegreen."

Last year was Greenergy’s first time at the show. The company’s business development manager, Adam Traeger, says: "Since then we’ve launched an innovative new fuel supply offer for dealers and expanded our own dealer support team, and we’ve also become a significant supplier to the independent sector. This year, the show will be about meeting existing customers and new faces as well as providing an occasion to discuss the benefits of our flexible fuel and brand offer with petrol retailers."

Meanwhile, Paul Almond, dealer sales manager at Murco Petroleum, says: "We are continuing our growth plans in the UK and this event enables us to meet many of our existing dealers and introduce our flexible package to a host of potential new dealers."

Phillips66, which markets fuel under the Jet brand in the UK, will be following the recent success of its nationwide dealer roadshow. Pete George, managing director, UK and Ireland marketing at Phillips66, says he looks forward to welcoming visitors from across the sector to the Jet coffee area.

Finally, a first-time exhibitor at the show is Prax Petroleum, which is expanding its facilities to include gasoline imports and marketing. It operates nine sites and also offers a branded package to retailers. Read on for more information about exhibitors.

lunchtime spotlight

On the Monday of The Forecourt Show (April 15) you can attend the Forecourt Spotlight session, at 11.30am in the Forecourt Live area. Forecourt Trader editor Merril Boulton will play host to a panel of industry experts who will discuss the latest developments in the market. The panel includes the PRA’s Brian Madderson, Experian Catalist’s Arthur Renshaw, Adam Wadlow and Amanda Barber, property specialists from Barber Wadlow, and Mark Lodge from Lloyds Banking Group. This will be followed by the Exclusive Forecourt Trader Lunch, where research specialist Him will share the results of its latest petrol-retailing sector survey. The lunch will also reveal the winner of Best Forecourt Loo 2013, which is sponsored by business supplies and consumables distributor, RS Sales. For a ticket to the lunch please contact clair.bowman@wrbm.com.