About 50 retailers enjoyed an action-packed day out at the Forecourt Trader Top 50 Indies Track Day last

week.

The group, mostly from the Top 50 Indies list, got the chance to drive Lamborghinis and an Audi R8 as well as having a go at some tarmac and gravel rally driving at Prestwold Hall RaceCircuit in Leicestershire. Away from the track, there was the chance to hear inspiring presentations from a

variety of speakers at the conference. This included a look at the future challenges and opportunities facing UK fuel retailers by Robet Onion, chairman of brand design agency Circle Brands. Guests gained insight into ideas from the global market as well as being given advice on how to differentiate a site from its competitors. Other speakers included Ed Wheeler, managing director of Eurotank Environmental, who highlighted some of the serious implications for retailers surrounding the introduction of bio diesel and ethanol into standard road fuels.

Meanwhile, Amanda Barber, partner at property advisory firm Barber Wadlow, gave a presentation on the factors affecting the valuation of petrol stations, including the current market conditions and a warning about the potential devastating impact of the 2010 Business Rates. Andreas Jonason, director of Oil and Gas, Simon Kucher, treated attendees to a look at key issues with margin and pricing – with some tips on how to maximise profit.

The event, which was sponsored by Air1, Burger King, eurotank and Scheidt & Bachmann, closed with awards for the day’s winners, including Devon-based retailer Julian Holliss who was named the Best Driver of the Day.