As the doors closed at the Harrogate International Centre on 10 April to the 34th oil distribution industry event, FPS EXPO 2014, organisers the FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) recorded an increase in visitor numbers of over 10% on day one and this was also matched by an increase in the number of exhibitors on previous years. Over 118 companies exhibited at this year’s EXPO covering three halls and outside exhibition space with a total floorspace of over 5250 sq. metres.
Exhibitors also gave the thumbs up to this year’s show confirming real business was done with high quality visitors from across the world attending including Republic of Ireland, Poland, Malaysia, Australia, USA, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Tony Reddington, Manager, National Sales for Phillips 66 UK & Ireland Marketing, comments: “FPS EXPO 2014 was very well attended and, as always, provided an excellent opportunity to network with new and existing wholesale customers. Customer relationships are precious to Phillips 66, and there is no better way to strengthen and enhance those relationships than to meet face to face regularly. The FPS EXPO once again brought everyone together under the same roof, and we were delighted to welcome so many of this year’s attendees onto our stand.”
Tony went on to say: “We understand that the energy landscape is changing rapidly and there is a lot of market volatility and uncertainty around the future of UK refining. Phillips 66 is positioned for growth and we believe that we can quickly and confidently capture opportunities based on our ability to offer a long-term commitment to the market, backed by our supply and refining infrastructure.”
“Andy Spencer, Sales and Marketing Director of long standing exhibitor Mechtronic commented: “FPS EXPO 2014 provided an ideal environment for progressive companies to showcase new and existing products and services to high calibre delegates with real buying power.”
Mabanaft’s Martin Cook said: “FPS is a key event in our marketing calendar. We see it as an excellent opportunity to meet with our existing clients and suppliers and to be in front of new prospects.”
Peter Millichap, Head of Acquisition Marketing UK, US, MX from Navman Wireless added: “After last year’s success, we were really excited to attend the UK oil distribution industry’s premier event. The FPS EXPO has always presented a great opportunity to meet key industry figures and to launch our new products and services.”
At this year’s show the FPS launched their new training programmes for tanker drivers which sees them offering a complete ‘one stop shop’ driver training service.
FPS Marketing and Events Manager Dawn Shakespeare comments: “The FPS now offers all the training tanker drivers need, including CPC, ADR and PDP training, making it easier and more cost effective for oil distribution companies to ensure their drivers are trained to the highest standard and continue to drive in the safest possible way.”
Commenting on the success of the show Dawn Shakespeare said: “We are pleased with the feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors. This event is highly regarded both within and outside the industry, and we were pleased to record an increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers for FPS EXPO 2014 and we hope to build on this in 2015 and 2016.”
The show ended with the glittering FPS Awards dinner where FPS President Mark Nolan of Nolan Fuel Oils addressed a packed audience of industry professionals and saw Alex Longman of NWF Fuels, Bangor in Wales win the coveted Driver of the Year Award sponsored by FPS Insurance Manager, OAMPS Petrochemical. The Depot of The Year Award was won by Kinmel Bay a Certas Energy UK Ltd depot.
Mark Nolan commented: “The FPS is proud to have organised another successful EXPO, which is regarded as the highlight of the year for the oil distribution industry.
It comes alongside all the other exciting work we are doing at the moment, for example, we have been working more closely with the Government, including the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), and consumer groups on a range of initiatives, from the Buy Oil Early campaign through to supporting best practice for buying groups. We are also pleased with the response we have received from both consumers and the Government, especially Energy Minister Michael Fallon on the new FPS Members Code of Practice. This has been favourably accepted by everyone involved and we hope that it strengthens the industry as a whole.
It is important that all members of the FPS feel the federation is addressing the issues which affect them – and we are taking steps to help achieve this, including giving all members the opportunity to share and contribute to the relevant issues at a local level.
In 2014/15 the FPS also hopes to work more closely with oil distributors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and I am pleased to see the appointment of Nick Hayes, our new FPS Ireland representative.”
Planning has now begun for the 35th FPS EXPO which will again be held at the Harrogate International Centre on 22nd and 23rd April 2015.
For 2016, FPS EXPO is moving to the newly extended ACC, Liverpool and will take place on 20th and 21st April 2016.
Anyone wanting to book a stand for FPS EXPO 2015 or 2016 can contact the FPS on Tel: +44 (0) 1565 631313or Fax +44 (0) 1565 631314 or e-mail:ds@fpsonline.co.uk or visit the exhibition websitewww.fpsshow.co.uk
