All Forecourt Trader articles in November 2013 – Page 5
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News
in brief
Union official resignsThe union official whose dispute with the chemicals giant Ineos escalated to the stage where it threatened the future of the Grangemouth oil refinery has resigned from his job with the company. Stephen Deans said: "Ineos Grangemouth is now entering a new period, and my own situation would ...
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Analysis
Merril Boulton: Duty deferment - a game changer
The Regeneration Forum hosted by the PRA last month, was extremely illuminating and not just in terms of the information aired, particularly the presentation about duty deferment (of which more later). But it was also notable in showing what an uphill struggle organisations like the PRA have in getting government ...
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Analysis
BOSS: Payback time
BOSS, the British Oil Security Syndicate, has welcomed confirmation from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that it has issued new guidance to lawyers and police forces to prosecute motorists who repeatedly claim to have no-means-of-payment (NMoP). After lobbying from BOSS, the CPS has issued new legal guidelines to police and ...
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News
Asda petrol station plan refused in Newport
A planning application for a petrol station at an Asda supermarket in Newport has been rejected, but at the same meeting Morrisons was granted permission for a filling station at its supermarket despite an 860-strong petition against it. Council planners recommended the Asda scheme was refused because it was not ...
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NewsDramatic decline in independents in some rural areas
There has been a dramatic decline in the number of independent forecourts across the south west and north of England, the PRA has warned. Figures show that in just five years, key counties have seen a 20% reduction in the number of smaller petrol filling stations. PRA chairman Brian Madderson ...
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NewsShop Doctor: In the surgery this month - GH Lunn & Sons, Simply Fresh Weare, Axbridge, Somerset
GENERAL APPEARANCE: I have read a lot of positive reports about Simply Fresh the fast-growing symbol group that places great emphasis on community-based, family-owned businesses that are encouraged to support local suppliers. The rustic style of branding promotes the concept of fresh foods and has an intriguing tag line ’convenience ...
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News
Yuletide additions
Cuisine de France’s Wrapped-to-Go range has two new Yuletide additions: soft and chewy Stem Ginger Cookies, with 15% stem ginger pieces; and a Cranberry & White Chocolate Bar, a shortbread slice topped with caramel and white chocolate, sprinkled with cranberries. In addition, the entire Wrapped-to-Go range has been given a ...
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News
Number of independent petrol retailers growing across Europe
There has been an upsurge in the number of independent petrol retailers across Europe as the major oil companies have been selling off many forecourt sites, according to the latest research from global real estate advisor CBRE. Europe’s largest oil companies are placing greater emphasis on upstream activities such as ...
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News
AA and RAC praise cuts
Both the RAC and the AA have praised retailers for passing on savings on lower wholesale fuel prices to their customers.RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams said: "Motorists often complain that prices seem to go up far faster than they come down, but this autumn is proof that this ...
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News
The swinging ’60s
Plans to boost the number of Jet sites by 30%, and a raft of initiatives aimed at enhancing the brand’s retailer package were announced at last month’s Phillips 66 annual dealer conference, held in the plush surroundings of Gleneagles, Scotland. At a convivial gathering of more than 200 delegates, including ...
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News
LCM prepares for E5
LCM Environmental has carried out E5 preparations for two forecourts in Lincolnshire, ensuring that their tanks were in prime condition prior to the introduction of E5 Super Unleaded. The work was carried out by LCM’s Ipswich-based teams over a weekend and the tanks were ready for delivery of the new ...
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News
PRA to hold forum in Somerset
The PRA’s next Regional Forum is being held in Taunton, on Wednesday 13 November. The event is taking place at The Holiday Inn Hotel, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton, with coffee available from 10am, and a free buffet lunch will be provided. Topics on the agenda include: PRA – update ...
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NewsRural fuel rebate plan delayed
The Government’s application to extend its fuel duty rebate scheme has been delayed and will not be submitted until next year, the minister responsible has admitted to the House of Commons. On October 18 the chief secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander announced that the Government had identified 10 rural ...
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NewsMFG signs multi-site fuel deal with Jet
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has announced the signing of a new multi-site fuel supply agreement with Jet. Jim Mulheran, MFG’s fuels director, said: “There were already two stations operating under the Jet brand when we acquired the MFG business in December 2011. This new agreement ...
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News
OFT investigation clears Keyfuels
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has concluded that it has no grounds to take action against CH Jones Ltd (trading as Keyfuels) over alleged abuse of dominance in the market for direct bunker fuel cards and pay-as-you-go bunker fuel cards. Having issued a Statement of Objections, the OFT conducted ...
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News
Trapped man rescued from carwash
Firefighters had to rescue a man after he was trapped in a carwash in Oxfordshire at the weekend. He is believed to have left his car to enter the start code at Shell-owned Frilford Heath petrol station on Sunday morning. The equipment began working, trapping him between the carwash frame ...
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News
Campaign to improve quality of used cars
The RAC has joined forces with the Trading Standards Institute and the Citizens Advice Bureau to launch a month-long campaign urging consumers to carry out checks when buying a used car. Research by Citizens Advice reveals that half of faults with used cars are discovered within a month of buying ...
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News
ACS urges changes to HMRC duty fraud proposals
The Association of Convenience Stores has responded to HM Revenue and Customs’ consultation on alcohol fraud, calling for the regulation of wholesalers to be properly enforced while minimising burdens on retailers. In its’ response, ACS has called on HMRC to ensure that retailers who very occasionally sell in large amounts ...
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News
ACS gives evidence to Low Pay Commission
ACS has given evidence to a hearing of the Low Pay Commission as part of its deliberations on the National Minimum Wage. Speaking to commissioners, ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We urge the commission to recommend a freeze in the minimum wage. We are aware that there is significant ...
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News
ACS opposes abolition of personal alcohol licences
Abolishing the personal alcohol licence would not achieve a lessened regulatory burden for retailers and would lead to significant confusion and inconsistency is the message of the Association of Convenience Stores in its submission to Government. Chief executive James Lowman said: “Ministers announced in July their intention to remove the ...