PetroForum UK closes with optimism for direction of the forecourt industry
Over 160 delegates – made up of UK, Irish, a handful of European retailers, and a wide range of forecourt suppliers – came together at this year’s PetroForum UK (18-19 June, Marbella).
The conference, opened by this year’s Platinum Partner, Eurotank, provided attendees with a holistic view of the industry. Tracey Stirling (Fast Trak, Silver Partner) took the delegation through the top trending impulse products retailers could expect to see stocked this year, and James Nicholson and David Locker (Franke Coffee Systems, Coffee Partners) showcased why forecourts should be taking note of the millennial-driven expresso-based beverage boom.
Special guest Roger Hertzenberg – Green Executive Officer of UNO-x Norway – then took the room’s imagination by storm, as he explained his company’s vision to install a network of 20 hydrogen refuelling stations by 2020. Whereas the environmental case was covered in detail, it was the commercial model that most inspired.
To round up, Brian Madderson (Chairman, PRA) took to the stage to chat with broadcaster, and Conference Chair, Mark Durden-Smith. In a no-holds-barred conversation, there was promise of increased industry stability after a period of disruptive M&A, alongside assurance of action on illegal human car washes. ‘It was an excellent forum to focus on the industry’s future direction, but also to give some attention to the growing problem with human slavery and environmental pollution in the human car wash industry,’ said Madderson.
Brian also reaffirmed his tentative approach towards the swift adoption of electric vehicles: ‘There is still a long way to go in the development of batteries, charging points and handling the surge in electric supply. On the flip side, as we have heard from UNO-x, we should not be dismissing hydrogen too quickly with quantifiable successes in the field.’
Conversations regarding alternative fuelling continued well into the event’s signature one-to-one meetings. Keith Guppy (Fuel Supply Solutions), said that his ‘advice for retailers would be to do their research’ before committing to installing charge points, to see that it was in line with their wider retail strategy. Robert Botkai (Winkworth Sherwood) agreed with this cautious approach, saying that ‘he could see both sides of the argument,’ and that ‘examining the income potential versus the potential to blight a spot of land’ was a difficult decision to make.
Michelle Machesney (TSG) took a lighter tone: ‘the outlook is more positive then people believe. I think a lot of people are waiting and watching, with technologies upgrading exponentially. It’s important to recognise that charging points can be upgraded with each new development.’
Platinum Partners Eurotank took the opportunity to deliver a Boardroom Session on maximising fuel margins. Gold Partners, Volumatic, also delivered an engaging session on counteracting effects of the living wage one year on.
Ian Woodcock, of Harvest Energy, concluded that PetroForum had ‘given me invaluable knowledge and opened my mind to the countless new possibilities on offer at the moment.’
OpenRoom now look forward to a growing portfolio of PetroForum events – with 2019 events taking place in Africa (4-5 March), Europe (13-14 May) and the Middle East (September 23-24).
About PetroForum UK
18th-19th June
Don Carlos Resort, Marbella
Organised by OpenRoom Events
Sponsors:
Platinum Partner – Eurotank
Gold Partner – Volumatic
Silver Partner – Fast Trak
Car Wash Partner – WashTec
Coffee Partner – Franke Coffee Systems
Media Partner – PetrolPlaza & UNITI expo
