2020 Market Review - THE ROAD AHEAD - Petrol Retailers Association
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Market Review
2020
THE ROAD AHEAD
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Market Review
HELP US TO HELP YOU, THE INDEPENDENT CONTENTS 2020
FORECOURT RETAILER, BY SUPPORTING REVIEW OF 2019 4
YOUR TRADE ASSOCIATION NOW
POLITICAL
“Together we WORKING FOR YOU 10
MEMBERS
are stronger” THE PRA ON THE ROAD AGAIN 18
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS 20
TECHNICAL
RAY BLAKE ASKS: TO EV OR NOT TO EV? 24
CAR WASH
CAR WASH ASSOCIATION 28
BRIAN MADDERSON CAR WASH EUROPE 30
CHAIRMAN
OIL MARKET OVERVIEW
M
arket Review 2020 is the sixth issue of
MARKET BY NUMBERS FROM EXPERIAN CATALIST 34
PRA’s annual publication with more pages
ENERGY TRANSITION
dedicated to the Car Wash Association’s
(CWA) affairs and even greater emphasis on our ALLEGO TALKS ELECTROMOBILITY 38
role representing members’ interests with the ACCENTURE ON HOW THE FORECOURT IS GETTING PERSONAL 42
UK and Scottish Governments and the devolved TOTAL RETURNS TO THE UK WITH HARVEST ENERGY 46
assemblies. BUSINESS
I am delighted that the publication continues
BUSINESS RATES UPDATE FROM MUA 50
to generate so much interest and acts as a starting
CHRISTIE & CO’S PROPERTY VIEW 52
point for developing discussion at our popular
“Business Breakouts” and Roadshows. Details of LEGAL UPDATE FROM MILS 54
these important regional events, when we bring RETAIL
PRA/CWA and key suppliers to meet members, are FORECOURT TRADER OF THE YEAR 60
to be found on our website www.ukpra.co.uk
Throughout next year, we will be focusing on
alternative fuels – with electricity supply, charging
points, forecourt safety issues and hybrid/pure
Who’s who at the PRA
PRA MANAGEMENT TEAM Aziz Patel, The Brookfield Group
electric vehicles all commanding close attention. Brian Madderson, Chairman Hemant Tandon, Park Garage Group
There will be ample time to meet suppliers and 07768 608332 brian.madderson@rmif.co.uk Mark Wilson, Fraser’s Retail
other retailers to discuss your views and concerns at Gordon Balmer, Commercial Manager
our events. 07771 834073 gordon.balmer@rmif.co.uk PRA TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Phil Monger, Technical Director Gordon Balmer, PRA
Roadside retailing is definitely not an industry
07831 327990 phil.psac@gmail.com Matthew Bellamy, Certas Energy
sector on its knees, but one that is displaying Ray Blake, PRA
Ray Blake, Technical Manager
renewed optimism and strength for the future as 07496 967269 ray.blake@rmif.co.uk Nicholas Brocklehurst, Westbridge Motors
you will see by reading the pages that follow, with Steve Coombe, Membership Manager (Northampton) Ltd
thanks to all the contributors for their extremely 07831 373205 steve.coombe@rmif.co.uk J Brownsey, Fordingbridge Garage
Alexander Russell, Director of Strategy 07881 Rodney Carter, Vapour Control Systems
valuable insights and to all advertisers for
502581 alexanderrussell068@gmail.comπ Michael Garner, The Garner Group
supporting this publication so generously. Gill Howkins, F Howkins and Son
PRA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Graham Lambert, St Michaels Garage Ltd
Brian Madderson, Chairman Andrew Lawrence, Lawrence Garages
Mike Garner, The Garner Group Ben Lawrence, Lawrence Garages
Ashley Kay, The Kay Group Emma McVie, Southern Co-operative
Sue Kembrey, Stanishawe Services Phil Monger, PRA
Graham Lambert, St Michaels Garage Ltd Barry Onions, Petroassist
Andrew Lawrence, Lawrence Garages (London) David Sommers, Hampshire Trading Standards
Cover image: Shutterstock Paul Suchodolski, Rontec
The Retail Motor Industry
Federation (RMI) is a leading
automotive trade body in the
Publisher: Simon Lewis UK, representing franchised car
PRA MARKET REVIEW is published by Editor: Tracy West and commercial vehicle dealers;
Lewis Business Media Ltd, Art Editor: Sarah Crowhurst independent garages; bodyshops; motorcycle dealers; petrol
Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, Sales: Rachel Hallett retailers; auction houses and cherished number plate dealers;
River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL Printed by: Stephens & George Print Group, who provide sales and services to motorists and businesses
Tel: 01825 983105 Goat Mill Road, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD across the UK.
Fax: 01825 983108 ©Lewis Business Media Ltd 2020 201 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5AB
Email: kay@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk All rights reserved. Tel: 020 7307 3598 • Fax: 020 7307 3406 • www.ukpra.co.uk
www.ukpra.co.uk 03
REVIEW OF 2019
Market Review 2020
2019: LULL BEFORE THE after the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’
(ELECTRIC) STORM?
scandal. While there is no imminent UK
ban planned for diesel cars, under the
Government’s 2017 UK Air Quality plan,
PRA and CWA chairman Brian Madderson reviews the key the sale of both new diesel and petrol
cars will be stopped by 2040
developments affecting our industry in 2019 and beyond
Consumers and fleet operators
have been moving quickly to change
T
he result of the General Election businesses, plus investment in exciting from diesel, with new registrations
in December returned Prime new developments. falling by 22% year-on-year, and whilst
Minister Boris Johnson with petrol car sales have increased slightly,
a clear majority for the new-look FUEL alternatively fuelled vehicles had record
Conservatives to deliver Brexit as With so much emphasis by scientists sales in November 2019.
soon as possible. For business and and environmentalists across the The publication of Road to Zero by
the consumer, the prospect of greater globe on the adverse impact of climate the Department for Transport proposes
economic certainty and growth in 2020 change on weather systems producing that by 2040 no internal combustion
is very welcome after three long years exceptional rainfall and floods, heat engines (ICE) will be permitted in
of delay and procrastination – we wish and droughts, ice melt and oceans new cars and there are now pressures
everyone a successful New Year. rising and accusatory fingers pointing to bring this date forward to 2035 or
As we look back on 2019, the at the oil industry, it really does feel like even 2030. Local authorities are being
roadside retailing sector has the lull before the (electric?) storm. Not encouraged to introduce their own
outperformed almost all other retail only that but air quality has become policies and Bristol is set to become
sectors such as high street shops, a major issue at a local level with
hotels, restaurants, care homes
and pubs. Property asset values
lawyers taking governments to task
and winning High Court judgements “Consumers and fleet
have increased, cashflow has been
strong and very steady on the back
that impose timescales and stringent
targets.
operators have been
of improving fuel and shop margins.
Recent meetings with banks have
Diesel cars, especially older ones, are
said to produce more nitrogen oxides
moving quickly to
confirmed their continuing appetite to
lend to our sector, which in turn has
(NOx) than petrol cars. They have
come under scrutiny over concerns
change from diesel”
ensured good demand for existing about their emissions, especially
EG’s Barton the first city in the UK to ban diesel
Upon Humber site vehicles in its city centre. There will also
be a wider Clean Air Zone (CAZ) which
commercial diesel vehicles, such as
buses, vans and lorries, will be charged
to enter, unless they meet emissions
standards. These proposals need
Government approval before coming
into force in 2021
Drivers of more polluting cars
including most diesels, have to pay
a daily fee to drive in central London
under the Ultra Low Emission Zone
(ULEZ), which came into force in April
2019 to help tackle dangerously high
levels of air pollution in the capital. This
was 17 months earlier than originally
proposed. In October 2021, the zone
will be expanded from the North
Circular Road at the top and down to
the South Circular.
Other cities across the UK are also
taking action to improve air quality and
reduce pollution. These include:
Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and
Glasgow: The Scottish Government has
promised low emission zones for each ▹
04 www.ukpra.co.uk
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REVIEW OF 2019
Market Review 2020
and are committed to further rapid
expansion. Not only are the ‘big four’
supermarkets being hit by this external
competition, they are being adversely
affected by cannibalism: losing high
margin main store sales to their
fast-growing own brand convenience
stores: eg. Tesco Express and Metro,
Morrisons Daily and Sainsbury’s
Local and also increasingly to online
shopping where the eye-watering
labour costs of picking, packing and
delivery virtually eliminate previous
margin levels. This has forced the ‘big
four’ to take more margin from fuel so
closing the price gap on other players
▹ of these cities between 2018 and 2020.
Bath: the city is proposing to “It’s a sign of confidence in the retail fuel market to the latter’s
advantage.
charge higher emission vehicles to
drive in the city centre by the end of
that dealers are eager to After the lull in net closures in 2018,
in 2019 there was another lull as site
2020, at a cost of £9 per day.
Birmingham: One of five cities
invest in NTI sites” numbers continued to remain stable
with only nine net losses to date: 63
required by the government to closures, generally smaller dealer sites,
introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020, it offset by 35 new-to-industry (NTI) and
has already outlined plans for cars and 19 return-to-industry (RTI).
taxis to pay £8 per day. It is a sign of market confidence
Derby: Has been told to set up that dealers and others are eager
a Clean Air Zone, but it has not yet to invest £2m-£5m (non-motorway
provided detailed plans. service areas) in NTI sites with good
Leeds: A Clean Air Zone covering convenience shop brands and food-
more than half of the city will be to-go as demonstrated by openings
introduced from January 6, 2020. from Euro Garages. And the family
Charges will only apply for the worst owned Kay Group. As well as many
polluting HGVs, buses, coaches, taxis Knock Downs and Re-Builds (KDRB)
and private hire vehicles. undertaken.
Nottingham: Has reportedly Over and above the standard petrol/
ditched plans to introduce a Clean Air mileage from light and heavy goods Top: EG Burnley diesel/auto lpg forecourts, there are
Barracks Services
Zone after modelling showed it could vehicles, indicating a dip in economic Above: The Kay
also ‘Non-Retail’ sites – sites which
reduce air pollution to below the legal activity. Group’s Ruabon site offer fuelling but do not usually retail
limit within two years. to the general public. This ‘Non-
Oxford: Is proposing to introduce FORECOURTS Retail’ category is primarily Truck Stop
the world’s first Zero Emission Zone. The trend decline in forecourt numbers locations (like the ones Certas has been
Both diesel and petrol vehicles would was around 300 to 400 each year opening around the UK) but it also ▹
be banned from the city centre in through the 1980s and 1990s as the big
A lull in closures = a net loss of 9 sites
phases, starting in 2020. four supermarkets vied with each other
New-to-industry sites: +34
Sheffield: Has proposed charges for new out-of-town store openings.
for the most polluting vehicles using These would have a filling station on Company: +4 (BP 1; Texaco 1; 2 Gulf Automat 2)
the inner ring road. Buses, coaches and the periphery and with average volumes Hypermarket: +10 (Automats 8; Asda 2; Costco 3; Tesco
HGVs would pay £50 a day, taxis and soon reaching 10ml/y any small dealer 3; Morrisons 1 relocated; Sainsbury’s 1)
minicabs £12.50, and vans and LGVs pumping less than 2ml/y within a few Dealer: +20 (EG 7; Kay 2; MFG 3; NI 4)
£10. miles was priced out of the market. Return-to-industry sites: +20
Southampton: Set to submit Hence numbers plummeted from
Company: +8 (Gulf Automat 3; BP 1; Harvest 1;
plans to the Government at the end of 14,000 in 1990 to the present 8,385 Applegreen 1)
January. The emergence of German discount
Hypermarket: +1 (Co-op 1)
Unsurprisingly, demand for road chains, Aldi and Lidl, abruptly stopped
fuels, excluding biofuels, fell by (3%) the UK multi-nationals’ space race Dealer: +11 (EG 1;Falcon 1; James Hall 1)
in Q2/19 which was the largest overall as they began to lose both volume Closures: +63
reduction since Q1/13. Diesel dropped and margin to the newcomers. These
Dealer: 63
by 4%, a reduction not seen since 2009 super-efficient and competitive
Source: Experian Catalist
and was partly caused by the lower discounters now have over 1,400 stores
www.ukpra.co.uk 07
REVIEW OF 2019
Market Review 2020
▹ covers hydrogen and CNG/LNG. So for acquiring sites. and now has 37 sites
the ‘alternative fuels’ locations we have The loss of these sites was offset MPK Garages has been boosted
some noted on standard retail sites by purchases of high quality dealer by acquisition from Australian private
– like hydrogen at M25 Shell Cobham groups: Simon Smith and Symonds equity fund Stratford Capital, with
Services but others on Non-Retail Forecourts plus some NTI openings to Nerissa Haskic supporting long-term
locations like CNG/LNG at M6 Poplar keep numbers above 900. CEO Paul Kershaw. Already over 30
2000. Early last year, Sainsbury’s was sites with many moving to Morrisons
advised by its legal team that a bid Daily-branded convenience stores.
(merger) with isolated Asda – Walmart Platinum Retail, led by the
UK V3 2019 All UK Retail Non- apparently keen to exit Europe – would indefatigable Sej Sejpal, continues to
Sites Retail
be approved by the CMA Clearly, expertly pick up singletons and small
Petrol/Diesel 8,568 8,385 183 they had not reckoned with new and groups with over 32 sites now in his
ambitious chairman, ex-MP Andrew portfolio.
Hydrogen 18 3 15 Tyrie. Harvest Energy has recently acquired
CNG/LNG 24 7 17 After expenditure of millions of by licence the TOTAL brand for the
pounds on advice from City lawyers UK market with the first site launched
Auto LPG 786 781 5 and bankers, Sainsbury’s bid was in Thirsk. A recent poll by Forecourt
comprehensively rejected. Thus, Trader magazine confirmed that 67% of
Red Diesel 496 478 18
the spectre of not one but two readers were pleased to see the return
Source: Experian Catalist supermarkets pricing fuel at or below of this once important retail brand for
cost did not materialise. the UK market. How many sites will
OWNERSHIP Other dealer groups to forge ahead convert and over what timespan?
The market anticipated that MRH in 2019 included:
Retail, the largest dealer group at the Harvest Energy (retail trading arm LOYALTY SCHEMES
end of 2018, would complete an IPO of Prax Petroleum) acquired 63-site There was certainly no lull in this
on the London stock exchange during HKS, which, together with existing keenly fought customer incentive. BP’s
Q1. US private equity fund, Lone Star, operations including branded fuel long-term arrangement with Nectar
tested prospects and presumably was supply, gave them over 160 sites was discontinued and the company
not encouraged – look how Aston Applegreen continues to expand introduced its own loyalty scheme,
Martin had a stellar launch only for the in Northern Ireland and mainland UK BPme.
shares to “bomb” through the year. with over 130 sites and unexpectedly Nectar signed up with Esso and
Instead MRH was sold to rival dealer acquired Welcome Break with 38 dealers were relieved that costs were
group, MFG, owned by another US forecourt/shopping MSA complexes charged on issuance not on fuel
private equity fund, Clayton Dubillier Penny Petroleum led by colourful deliveries. To date, issuance rates and
Rice. This made the latter a tour de ex-BP Retail expert Dave Penny, with acceptability have been good.
force in the market, leading to an close to 60 sites Meantime, Shell completely
Inquiry by the Competition & Markets Ascona led by industry veteran, overhauled its internal scheme and
Authority (CMA). Darren Briggs, completed the purchase relaunched as Shell Go+ with easy-
The acquisition was approved of the 17-site Cornwall Garage group to-use-and-redeem features which
subject to MFG disposing of some Below: Welcome appears welcomed by both retailers and
38 sites where competition might be Break Hopwood motorists alike.
Park, on the
reduced. M42, now part of
Most of these sites were sold to an Applegreen after last THE FUTURE
year’s unexpected
emergent Graham Peacock (ex-MRH acquisition My view is that government and
shareholder and CEO) through trading industry need to provide much greater
operation SGN, which was already financial and operational leadership
if clean air and climate change
improvements are to meet their
ambitious time horizons – not least by
being TECHNOLOGY NEUTRAL. So
less one-eyed focus on “electricifation”
and more two-eyed on all other fuel
developments including GtL, CNG,
LNG, hydrogen and even synthetic
fuels.
Being a pragmatist, I can see fossil
fuel-powered vehicles on our roads for
many years to come, which is why the
conventional forecourt is not a 21st
century dinosaur!!
08 www.ukpra.co.uk
POLITICAL
Market Review 2020
WORKING
FOR YOU
PRA has established strong working relationships in
Parliament and across Government to make sure that its
members’ interests are represented when policy is made
B
REXIT such as security of supply, contingency diesel vehicles from the roads by 2040.
2020 promises to be the year of planning and immigration. The PRA has The PRA has begun talks with officials
Brexit with a deal. We support periodically published updates on Brexit in the Treasury as to how they might
the transitional arrangements which in Petrol Heads-Up. replace the £28 billion that is currently
have been made so that our members raised in fuel duty, plus the £7bn in VAT
can continue to import fuel and food REDUCING FUEL DUTY RELIANCE that would be lost in the changeover to
supplies from the EU without border For the past nine years, fuel duty has electric vehicles. We have warned the
checks. Longer term, we look forward been frozen at 57.95p per litre for both Treasury that if they were to attempt to
to the UK striking free trade deals with petrol and diesel. Keeping it frozen increase the tax take from fuel duty in
the EU and third countries, which could at this level should help maintain the the coming decade, it would become all
apply from 2021. stability of the UK economy at a time of the harder to replace the lost revenue in
The PRA is participating in the Oil political change. We will be urging the the decade when alternative fuel vehicles
and Gas EU Exit Sector panel. This Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure (AFV) displace petrol and diesel.
is facilitated by BEIS (Department that UK duties and pump prices are
for Business, Energy and Industrial competitive with those of EU countries. ROAD PRICING
Strategy) and offers an opportunity to The UK Government has set itself Following representations from the PRA,
voice members’ concerns about issues on a path to removing all petrol and the Department for Transport (DfT) ▹
10 www.ukpra.co.ukJoin the UK’s largest fuel network. Becoming a BP Dealer means you’re not only joining the UK’s largest network of fuel retailers, you’re entering a collaborative partnership that works alongside your business needs. Joining a major oil company that invests in innovation, we can help future-proof your site and offer flexibility to suit your needs. Becoming a partner to our extended global network, BP are able to offer you the best in industry forecourt signage and option to sell the leading Ultimate premium fuel. Talk to our dedicated team today to find out how we can help your fuel retail business. Fuelling Growth. Powering Business. Contact us at PartnerWithBP@bp.com to take your first steps to become a BP Dealer.
POLITICAL
Market Review 2020
Oil Industries Forum (DOIF) and among will be issued early in 2020. Following
other subjects discussed has been the receipt of replies to the document, we
issue of IMO 2020. IMO 2020 is the understand that E10 will be introduced
International Maritime Organization’s some time in 2021 and the PRA’s stance
directive to world shipping operators remains that the introduction needs
to run their ships on low sulphur fuel to be “mandated” by Government
oil. Currently ships run on 3.5% heavy as opposed to a commercially led
fuel oil and from January 1, 2020 ships introduction. Mandating not only
have been required to install scrubbing ensures there is universal and
systems into their exhaust systems simultaneous adoption but also means
or run on 0.5% sulphur fuel oil. This that filling stations can use the same
change will add to the cost of shipping. infrastructure that is currently being
However, it may also impact the cost of used for premium grade E5 petrol.
petrol and diesel. During the last year we
have kept members informed as to how BUSINESS RATES/ATMS
this is developing. Watch out for further In February 2019, the PRA submitted
Above: PRA is
▹ has indicated that it will be launching a working alongside updates in Petrol Heads-Up. We have evidence to the Treasury Select
consultation on road pricing in 2020. the ATM International published documents on this in the Committee on the impact of business
Association to lobby
We will be examining the issues carefully on ATM business Members’ Section of the website. rates on the independent forecourt
and consulting members on their views. rates We have also been engaging with the sector. In the March 2019 Budget, the
The attraction of road pricing from the Below: PRA has DfT on the introduction of E10 petrol. Government announced a retail relief
Treasury’s point of view is that it would called for the During the year our technical director, scheme on business rates for 2019/20
introduction of E10
enable government revenues from the to be mandated by Phil Monger, led a party of members and 2020/21 in England and Wales. PRA
road transport sector to be maintained. government who visited the DfT to discuss this was quick to obtain clarification from
Fuel duties paid at the pump could be issue. We now expect that a consultation Treasury officials that the scheme would
replaced with revenue from use of the document on the introduction of E10 apply to PFS with a rateable value of
roads. less than £50k. These would be eligible
Government bodies oversee a
range of different incentive schemes “Mandating E10 means for a one-third discount against actual
payments (subject to EU de minimis
in place for alternative fuels. PRA
will be encouraging the Government
means that filling rules).
Following further lobbying by PRA,
to recognise the willingness of the
operators of existing station (PFS)
stations can use the the Government has recently announced
that the retail relief scheme for 2020/21
premises and infrastructure to embrace
alternative fuels, and to ensure
same infrastructure” would have an increased RV threshold
of £51K and an increased discount of
appropriate incentives are put in place 50%. This will bring additional financial
to adapt them for the vehicle fleets of benefit to many of our members.
the future. The 2021 Revaluation will continue to
be based on market rental values at April
FUEL DEVELOPMENTS 1, 2019. All but the largest new shop
The Renewable Transport Fuel developments will see a small increase
Obligation (RTFO) is the Government’s in rates, following a formula now agreed
flagship policy to reduce greenhouse with the VOA.
gas emissions. This is facilitated by the PRA is also working with the ATM
blending of biofuels into petrol and International Association (ATMIA)
diesel to reduce harmful emissions. Fuel to make appropriate representations
suppliers who qualify to join the scheme following the loss of a court case by
receive tickets to enable them to comply the VOA, which was attempting to
with the RTFO. levy separate business rates on third
During 2019, the PRA has engaged party through-the-wall cash machines
with the Low Carbon Fuels Regulation (TTWATM) and standalone booths
department within the DfT. The aim of installed at PFS.
these meetings was to seek clarification The case is due to be heard by the
around the scheme, its success and Supreme Court in March 2020 with
future developments. Full details of the a judgement in the summer. Should
scheme are contained in the Members’ the VOA lose again, there will be rates
Section of the PRA’s website under refunds backdated to April 2010 for
“Representing your interests: Fuels some filling station owners, depending
policy”. on the agreement they have in place with
The PRA also sits on the Downstream ATM suppliers. ▹
12 www.ukpra.co.ukSaving you money & time
on your energy supplies...
PRA UTILITIES WILL:
DON’T JUST TAK
Save you time and money by researching the E OUR WORD FO
R IT...
entire electricity and gas markets on your behalf Applegreen pl
c / Petrogas Gro
We began workin up UK Ltd
Avoid you getting caught on expensive out of g with PRA Utilitie
have called on th s in 2010, and
eir services regu
contract rates arrange new ener larly since then to
gy deals for our
business.
Ensure you are not ‘locked in’ to long term high During the time
we have worked
progressively ac together, we have
price contracts quired many ne
w sites, and the
team at PRA Utili
ties has been ex
us in arranging ne tre mely helpful to
Align multiple supplies to one renewal date to w energy deals
for the sites
ease your future administration as we took them
over.
They offer a full
Advise on Change of Tenancy, new meter all round service
contracts throug that manages
h to implementa
installations, and supplier objections and new supplie tio n with existing
rs. We would be
recommend thei happy to
Provide access to energy efficiency products r service to othe
r firms.
and services Peter O’Conno
r @ Petrogas
If you would like to discuss your own energy
situation with PRA Utilities then please contact us on:
prautilities@spiral-group.co.ukPOLITICAL
Market Review 2020
▹ FORECOURT CRIME the future, and the PRA will be tracking
PRA representatives have met in recent
months with two Home Office ministers
“PRA will be talking to its take-up in other EU countries such
as Germany, as well as voicing the retail
to discuss the weak response of some the Government about fuel industry’s willingness to embrace
police forces in England and Wales to this technology in the UK.
no-means-of-payment fuel losses as how to incentivise and Looking ahead, the Government
well as criminal drive-offs. They have is going to come under increasing
put their weight behind PRA’s call for reward PFS which pressure to take a more neutral stance
all crimes to be properly investigated,
and a new Crime Strategy Unit has been
provide alternative fuel between zero carbon technologies.
Its heavy-handed discouragement of
formed in the Home Office to tackle the
issue.
infrastructure” modern diesel cars – despite their
reduced carbon emissions compared to
A meeting between Brian Madderson unleaded – has been environmentally
and the national police lead for retail Pictured above: While We will also be raising the safety damaging.
crime, chief constable Simon Cole, PHEV and BEV cars concerns that come into play with the The Government has neither the
make up 5% of the
resulted in the acknowledgement that UK car parc, some installation of electric charging capacity technical expertise nor the market
the solution to fuel theft does not lie 1.8 million internal of 50kws and above. knowledge to sit in judgement, and it is
combustion engine
with pre-pay but with prosecuting cars were sold in The PRA has been critical of the not best placed to pick winners in the
thieves to deter others. PRA is also 2019 Government’s stance in the Road to race to provide zero carbon methods of
working more closely with the National Zero document, in so much that there road transport. PRA opposes knee-jerk
Business Crime Centre and the DVLA to should be an agnostic approach to responses such as the outright banning
tackle this issue. alternative fuels. However, there appears of clean diesel vehicles in Bristol city
to be an over-reliance on electric vehicles centre.
ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES to meet emissions targets. This has all the hallmarks of
Plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and battery-only Unlike electric vehicle charging, political posturing, while making little
vehicles (BEV) now make up 5% of the hydrogen-powered drivers can refuel environmental sense and undermining
UK car parc. However, there were 1.8m their vehicles in three to five minutes; the central Bristol business of several of
more new internal combustion engine and the technology can be swapped into our members.
(ICE) vehicles and less than 0.2m existing PFS more easily than electric
alternative fuel cars sold in 2019. Siting charging infrastructure. Germany ENERGY RESILIENCE
charging points is going to be a huge already has 76 public hydrogen stations, The PRA sits on the Downstream
challenge for PFS, and the PRA will be which are usually integrated into existing Oil Industries Forum where we have
talking to the Government about how service stations, and the UK is falling discussed the National Emergency Plan
to incentivise and reward PFS which behind. Hydrogen may ultimately prove for Fuel.
provide alternative fuel infrastructure. to be a more reliable zero carbon fuel of This plan would be enacted by the ▹
14 www.ukpra.co.ukJoin Londis today
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Call us on 0808 178 8644
or visit joinlondis.co.uk
* Terms and Conditions apply.POLITICAL
Market Review 2020
▹ Government during a time of national members if their sites are designated Designated sites should receive an
emergency. sites which will need to be kept wet if the annual visit by their Local Resilience
The PRA has advised on the plan is enacted. The PRA also has input Forum (LFR), which is responsible
Designated Filling Station (DFS) into the process on who is able to access for informing site managers of their
network and communicated to fuel and how the fuel will be dispensed. obligations as DFS.
CAR WASH ASSOCIATION
The days of
confirmation that these letters have
the rogue hand been sent.
car wash are
numbered
We continue to engage with both
national and local offices as we feel
that more proactive enforcement
of existing permit requirements for
disposal of trade (toxic) effluent will
help close down the worst offending
HCWs.
HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS
INVESTIGATIONS
Over the past two years CWA has
been in frequent meetings and
correspondence with officials
in HMRC – both in London and
regional offices – to try to persuade
them to take on the gangmasters
who are running rogue hand car
wash operations across the country.
A
fter an 18-month hiatus, David Metcalf, director of labour Despite the activities described in
Dame Sara Thornton DBE, market enforcement (OLME) in three Sections 7 & 8 of the EAC Report, the
former National Police Midlands postcodes have now been number or modus operandi of the
Chief Council’s lead, has been undertaken. gangmaster-style HCW operations
appointed Independent Anti-Slavery has yet to see substantive reduction.
Commissioner (IASC). The Car ENVIRONMENT AUDIT However, under pressure to
Wash Association, a wholly owned COMMITTEE (EAC) conduct more investigations,
subsidiary of the PRA, has been After a formal Inquiry initiated by HMRC has started to direct more
working with the IASC on their Mary Creagh MP, which involved investigations towards established
Strategy Plan 2019/20 and with other public hearings in June 2018 at which (Registered company) automated
stakeholders and organisations PRA provided expert testimony, car washes which should be fully
combating modern slavery, including the findings were published in compliant and far fewer towards
the Police Crime Prevention Initiative November 2018 as Hand Car the gangmaster HCWs which often
(PCPI) and The Clewer Initiative. Washes: Tenth Report of Sessions harbour criminal activities.
The PRA has brought together 2017-19. The report was rightly critical This results from officials being
Accenture with The Clewer Initiative of many Government agencies unable to engage with criminal
to undertake a major relaunch of and departments listing a series of elements because they do not have
the Safe Car Wash App in 2020. constructive recommendations. sufficient police back-up for their
One of the objectives is to provide The formal Government investigations and operations.
the app user with details of nearby response was issued in February We are continuing to engage with
Responsible Car Wash Scheme 2019 and virtually ignored all HMRC officials and we are confident
(RCWS)-compliant car washes so recommendations with the exception that more illicit operations will be
giving an alternative to the rogue of updating the Pollution Prevention targeted and caught in the year
hand car wash (HCW). Guidance but without the level of ahead.
detail provided in GPP13: Vehicle
THE RESPONSIBLE CAR WASH washing & cleaning, which is used in
SCHEME (RCWS) Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The Responsible Car Wash Scheme The response also agreed to write
was jointly launched by Downstream to supermarkets reminding them
Fuel Association (DFA) and CWA of their environmental and other
in 2018. Trials recommended by Sir responsibilities. PRA is pressing for
16 www.ukpra.co.ukEVENTS
Market Review 2020
Brian
Madderson
speaking at The To help you run your business better
Forecourt Show
we also select companies to come and
present at our gatherings. Many of
these presenters do offer something
new in terms of new technology and
as the events also involve free coffee
and a buffet lunch there is also an
opportunity to chat to the presenters.
This year we are very grateful to
the following organisations that have
presented:
Allego
CBE
Certas Energy
Christie and Co
EdgePetrol
GripHero
Henderson Technology
Jackaman Insurance Services
LCM
Petroassist UK
Suresite Group
THE PRA ON THE
Winckworth Sherwood LLP
The meetings also provide a good
opportunity for you to query any
ROAD AGAIN
“technical” issues that you may have,
as we always have either Ray Blake or
Phil Monger from our technical team
on hand for you to chat to.
The PRA team travels you managed to attend one of these We were also present at the NEC
across the UK to events. We have enjoyed hosting in 2019 at the Forecourt Show and
these events at hotels, arenas, sports National Convenience Show. This
engage with its stadiums, conference centres and was a well-attended event in terms
members racecourses. of exhibitors including many of the
Members who attended the major oil companies and visitors. At
O
nce again, in 2019, the PRA meetings have said that they are the shows, visitors had the opportunity
used planes, trains and glad they attended and that they to meet us on our stand or listen to
automobiles to travel all learnt something. We always try to Brian as he presented on the panel
over the UK to meet with members offer new presenters from external
at its popular Business Breakouts companies and, as highlighted in Brian
and Roadshows, in partnership with Madderson’s Review of the Year (pages “The meetings also
Thames Communications.
Our travels took us to Exeter
4-8), there is certainly a lot going on for
us to update you on. The meetings also provide an opportunity
(twice), Chatham, Knutsford, Belfast,
Birmingham, Larkhall, Durham,
offer an opportunity to learn about and
question industry issues and to raise
for you to query any
Newmarket, Shrewsbury, Inverness,
Swansea and Wakefield. We hope that
any important matters you would like
assistance with.
“technical” issues”
Delegates at one discussing the future of mobility.
of our Business In 2020 we will be putting on a
Breakouts
similar number of events right across
the UK. Our spring programme is
confirmed with events booked at
Exeter, Brands Hatch, Knutsford,
Belfast, Nottingham and Larkhall. The
autumn programme will be confirmed
shortly with the details posted on our
website www.ukpra.co.uk/en/events or
watch out for your personal invitation
in your inbox.
18 www.ukpra.co.ukASSOCIATE
MEMBERS
It’s vital that PRA members are provided with the best products and
services to help them run their businesses as efficiently as possible. ASSOCIATE
The PRA has strong links with the following Associate Members MEMBERS
who provide excellent products and services to our industry:
ACCENTURE FORECOURT EYE
Accenture is a leading professional services company Forecourt Eye has developed a viable and proven
with capabilities in strategy, consulting, digital, solution that delivers high ‘loss recovery’ results
technology and operations. Leveraging its deep and bottom line savings to forecourt operators. In
expertise across industries and business functions, it addition, it helps with crime reduction making sites
helps organisations shape their vision for the future. safer for both employees and customers.
ALLEGO FRANCHISEE FIRST
Allego is one of the leading providers of charging Franchisee First is an innovative provider of fuel
solutions and EV cloud services in Europe. Its bonds, as a simple, cost-effective means of meeting a
pan-European network of almost 10,000 charge dealer’s financial security obligation to their wet stock
points offers a seamless network across Europe. It suppliers. Fuel bonds are provided on an unsecured
is experienced in the forecourt industry, supporting basis by Hiscox and, as such, dealers are free to
clients such as Shell and TOTAL to achieve their EV utilise their freed-up cash as they see fit.
ambitions.
GRIPHERO
APG CASH DRAWER GripHero is coming to revolutionise forecourt hand
APG Cash Drawer is a global manufacturer of cash protection with the most effortless, easy-to-use and
management solutions, serving a variety of customers convenient way possible for keeping hands clean at
and industries. APG has built a reputation as the the pumps – dispensing recyclable hand-protection
supplier of choice for cash management solutions directly from the nozzle.
in retail, grocery, convenience, hospitality and quick
serve around the world. HENDERSON TECHNOLOGY
Developed for the convenience and fuel forecourt
CBE market by Henderson Technology, EDGEPoS is one
CBE is recognised as one of the leading innovators of the only worldwide epos systems that has been
within the UK epos market. For more than three designed by retailers, for retailers. It offers a fully
decades, it has been providing innovative software scalable, real-time solution supporting businesses
solutions to a wide range of retailers throughout the from one to 100 lanes.
country. A key factor in its success is its focus on the
technological development of epos software. It has a JACKAMAN INSURANCE SERVICES
dedicated research and development centre, staffed Jackaman Insurance Services provides insurance
by expert engineers, and is proud to spearhead new solutions for an entire spectrum of commercial
technological developments which go on to become clients. The company has expertise in dealing with the
the industry standard. petrol retail industry and has bespoke contracts which
have been developed for PRA members.
CHRISTIE & CO
Christie & Co is the leading specialist advisor for THE EV NETWORK
buying and selling businesses in convenience Founded in 2017, The EV Network was formed as a
retail and petrol filling stations. It is at the forefront dedicated EV charging infrastructure development
of the sector, with years of experience identifying company to address the challenges faced by both
and managing local, and often special, purchases in site hosts and chargepoint operators in rolling out
granular detail. It has the largest team of specialist a network of EV charging infrastructure across the
retail agents dedicated to the sector, with retail UK. The EV Network is able to provide its partners
expertise available in each and every one of the with fully funded bespoke technology and service
company’s 15 UK offices. solutions.
EDGEPETROL WINCKWORTH SHERWOOD
EdgePetrol is helping retailers throughout the UK A full-service law firm with a diverse client base,
and Europe transform how they run their businesses. Winckworth Sherwood prides itself on providing
EdgePetrol gives dealers real-time access to their key market-leading advice across a broad range of sectors
metrics all in one place, allowing them to make informed and markets. Clients include national supermarkets
decisions around volumes, margins, pricing and and convenience store operators, oil companies and
procurement to enhance the profitability of their business. several of Forecourt Trader’s Top 50 Independent
forecourt retailers.
20 www.ukpra.co.ukTake
control
back.
Tired of tying up your hard earned
capital to secure a bank guarantee?
Franchisee first fuel bonds are the
smart, collateral free, alternative
to secure your relationship with
your wet stock supplier. It’s online,
quick and easy to apply and there’s
no collateral requirement.
Find out how you can take
control back of your capital today
at www.franchiseefirst.co.uk
in partnership withFuelling your business
Contact Harvest Energy today to become part of our
expanding and exclusive partnership with Total.
Becoming a Total dealership allows you to be part of one of the world’s
largest oil brands. More than a brand, Total is a reference and a guarantee
of quality and safety. By joining us, you will benefit from the strength of the
brand, access to Total’s premium fuels, security of supply from a leading
fuel distributor and expert advice from our dedicated UK team.
To find out how we can fuel your
business contact us today.
+44 (0) 1932 843 354
harvestenergy.comTECHNICAL
Market Review 2020
TO EV OR NOT whether or not to embrace electric
vehicle (EV) charging. When that will
TO EV?
be is dependent upon a vast range of
factors. Some forecourt operators are
being proactive and either already have
EV charging or are planning to have
it installed in the near future. Others
are happy with their current business
The PRA’s technical manager Ray Blake model and are waiting to react when
the time is right.
contemplates the adoption of electric vehicles
THE FUTURE OF HYDROCARBONS
I
t is the question that spends a great My intention is to wait for at least Whenever I am in the company of
deal of time bouncing around in another year and then most likely anyone linked to the petrol forecourt
my head. My personal perspective invest in a hybrid car. Fortunately, we industry, the future of forecourts
is that, along with the hundreds of have off-street parking and can easily supplying hydrocarbon fuels soon
thousands of people that aren’t buying have an electric vehicle charging point becomes the topic of conversation.
or leasing a new car, that would have installed which, with the right hybrid
done had the decision not become
complicated by the transition to low or
car, should give me somewhere around
60 miles on the batteries before the
“My intention is to wait
zero emission vehicles, I am waiting
to see which propulsion system will
internal combustion engine is needed.
Plus, for at least a few years, it will be
for at least another year
best suit my needs and be the most
economic over the next few years.
ULEZ charge exempt.
This question will be asked millions
and then most likely
I live within the suburbs of London, of times in households across the UK. invest in a hybrid car”
my wife and I have diesel cars. I drive The outcome of these decisions will
around 12,000 miles per year, of which impact on the sales of hydrocarbon Although my expertise is centred on
75% is on long journeys around the vehicle fuels and hence the business the safe operation of petrol forecourts
UK. However, we both use our cars to models of petrol forecourt operators. and not their financial viability, I will
visit our daughter who lives less than The Government is pushing its pass on the predictions and plans for
15 miles away within the Ultra-Low policies and ambitions for low and the future of a range of different types
Emission Zone (ULEZ) that is being zero emission vehicles, and the car of petrol forecourt from conversations
introduced from October 2021. From manufacturers are scaling down the I have had, and that I believe to be
then on, to visit her using either of our production of internal combustion rational and realistic. They are all
cars, or to go anywhere else within the engine vehicles and ramping up the dependent upon the location of the
south or north circular roads will cost production of hybrid and battery site and the demographic of their
us – at the current rate – £12.50 each electric vehicles. At some point, petrol customers.
time. forecourt operators will have to decide Firstly, I know that there are already
plans for some city centre petrol
filling stations to have their liquid
fuel infrastructure replaced with EV
charging points. Eventually, only zero
emission vehicles will be permitted in
city centres and as there are very few
homes in cities that can accommodate
off-street charging, the demand will be
for EV charging.
Secondly, it is predicted that sites
located in suburbs where local policies
such as low emission zones impact on
people driving into cities, and where
most people will be able to charge
their cars on their own property
or at their place of work, will
see a rise in the numbers of
hybrid and battery electric
vehicles and consequently
a reduction in the sale
of liquid fuel. It has
been identified that this
category of site tends to be ▹
24 www.ukpra.co.ukNow
nationwide
MORE PROFIT WITH
”
New ranges and strong
promotions have helped drive
sales in our Budgens stores. On
the back of this success we are
continuing to invest and build
our business. ”
Jonathan Fraser,
Fraser’s Budgens
Joi n u s n ow!
call 0808 178 8644 WINNER
2019
or visit joinbudgens.co.uk The Shoppers’
Favourite Forecourt
Retailer 2019TECHNICAL
Market Review 2020
located where a flammable atmosphere of Petroleum and Explosives
is or may be present is certified to a Administration (APEA) and the
standard appropriate for the situation. Energy Institute (EI) – advises that
I doubt that this it is viable for all elements of EV charging should
EV equipment to be manufactured be outside of hazard areas and that it
to a standard that would enable is not acceptable for an EV charging
it to be certified for use alongside system to be connected to an earthing
petrol dispensing. A consultant who system separate from that of the filling
specialises in the electrical safety of station. Plus, it advises that the EV
petrol forecourts has been quoted charger supply must be controlled by
as stating ‘the last place you should the forecourt emergency switching
▹ in fairly affluent areas and typically Pictured, above: consider installing EV charging is on system. This would apply to both low
includes convenience shopping. So, as Filling stations a petrol forecourt’. However, there is and high voltage EV systems.
need to consider
the need for fuel dispensing positions their customer guidance on how EV charging may be The Institution of Engineering and
decreases, the sites can benefit from demographic and installed on petrol filling stations. Technology (IET), Code of Practice for
location when
being able to accommodate more deciding whather to When it comes to the power ranges Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
short-term customer parking. replace liquid fuel of EV charging, we need to differentiate provides guidance on how EV charging
infrastructure with EV
Another category is motorway charging stations between two levels of charging. Firstly, may be installed in compliance with
services and sites located on major there is low voltage which will provide the Electricity at Work Regulations
roads. This is where it is most likely up to around 150kw. Above that is 1989. A new version is currently
to be necessary to combine liquid high voltage up to 350kw. High voltage in draft to cover high voltage EV
fuel sales alongside EV charging requires the supply to come from installations. To facilitate high voltage
and possibly other zero emission an immediately adjacent electrical charging requires the installation of an
fuels such as hydrogen. These are substation. electrical substation but the earthing
the locations where customers are As I write, the published guidance arrangements for electrical substations
likely to be either those that regularly doesn’t cover the installation of high are complicated and onerous. The
travel long distances or those where voltage charging on petrol forecourts, advice from the PRA is that should you
their typical daily journeys are short, but advice is being drafted and due for be considering an installation of this
but they occasionally use their car to release within the next few months. nature, a specialist consultant should
travel further and where range requires The Blue Book – to give it its be employed.
refuelling or recharging en route. full title: Design, construction, The Petroleum Enforcement Liaison
The final category of petrol filling modification, maintenance and Group has issued guidance (PELG –
station is those that are in areas where decommissioning of filling stations, PETEL 20) available from the Energy
there are no policies in place that will published jointly by the Association Institute website. This covers the legal
force drivers into low or zero emission responsibilities of petrol forecourt
vehicles and where typically their
customers own older vehicles. These “There is no doubt that operators regarding EV charging.
There is no doubt that for many
sites will be the last to have to consider
installing EV charging.
the transition to low or forecourt operators the transition
to low or zero emission vehicles
I should also mention that there
are already plans for new large EV
zero emission vehicles will bring challenges. But during the
four decades in which I have been
charging-only sites to be located
adjacent to major routes to cater for
will bring challenges” associated with petrol forecourts, I
cannot remember a time that wasn’t
the predicted shortfall of EV charging challenging for some reason.
points. The business case for these
sites is comparable with many petrol
filling stations in that their profitability
depends on the provision of services
other than vehicle fuelling such as
coffee, food to go, etc. Some proposals
include meeting rooms, temporary
office facilities and restaurants so that
vehicles can be filled with electrons
while their occupants are elsewhere
on site.
SAFE OPERATION
One major aspect of safeguarding
against the flammable vapour being Some forecourt owners have been
proactive and have already installed EV
ignited on a petrol forecourt is to
charging facilities
ensure that electrical equipment
26 www.ukpra.co.ukBeat the
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by being
the best
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sales@fma-systems.com | 37B, Monument Business Park, Chalgrove, Oxfordshire, OX44 7RW
Telephone +44 (0) 1865 891 682CAR WASH
Market Review 2020
T
he Car Wash Association (CWA) International Anti-Slavery Commission Prevention Mobilisation Hub could be
is fighting hard to encourage and the Clewer Initiative) and Accenture, extended to non-compliant HCW.
more strenuous enforcement the multi-national professional services A good working relationship has
of existing regulations relating to company. The group is currently been established with the Office for
car washing. Disappointingly, and exploring ways to improve the Safe Car Labour Market Enforcement (OLME)
as has been well documented, the Wash app, originally developed by The whose Strategy Report 2018-19 covered
Government’s focus has hitherto been Clewer Initiative, for a major update in the serious issue of non-compliant and
on other matters and we are constantly 2020. As part of its pro bono Tech4Good criminal HCW. We now look forward to
reminding them of the urgent need to programme, Accenture will support meeting Matthew Taylor, the OLME’s
address the issues highlighted in the the redesign of the app. Ultimately, it new director, with a view to collaborating
Parliamentary Environmental Audit is intended that the app user will be with his recently announced roundtable
Committee’s (EAC) 2018 report. provided with details of nearby car discussion schemes.
This resumé summarises the level washes that comply with the Responsible We have continued to engage with
of the CWA’s commitment to more Car Wash Scheme (RCWS) that is also
effectively and quickly deal with the actively supported by the Gangmasters
serious criminal issues arising from the & Labour Abuse Association (GLAA), so “We are constantly
uncontrolled spread of hand car washes
(HCW) across the UK over the last 15
informing customers about alternatives
to rogue HCWs.
reminding of the need
years. Disappointingly, it does appear
that many Government departments and
The newly appointed independent
anti-slavery commissioner, Dame
to address these issues”
agencies still fail to understand that their Sara Thornton, with whom we had an
lack of enforcement is a prime reason for extremely constructive meeting last HM Revenue & Customs both in London
this phenomenon. summer, introduced the CWA to the and regional offices during 2018-19.
With this in mind, the CWA has Police Crime Prevention Initiative (PCPI) Despite HMRC’s activities described
formed a working group between The and the British Parking Association, in Sections 7 & 8 of the EAC Report,
Clewer Initiative’s The Rt Reverend which runs the PCPI’s crime reducing the number or modus operandi of
Dr Alastair Redfern (chair of both the Park Mark scheme. This is growing and gangmaster-style HCW operations has
currently covers over 5,000 private and yet to see substantive reduction.
The Car Wash public car parks across the UK where Notwithstanding an apparent
Association’s Alexander non-compliant HCW could presently be lack of urgency in responding to the
operating. The BPA is now considering recommendations concerning them in
Russell outlines the adding the RCWS to its well-established the EAC Report, we continue to engage
group’s latest work to auditing scheme. We also plan to meet with both national and local offices
clean up the industry the Metropolitan Police Service with of the Environment & Rural Affairs/
PCPI to determine whether its new Environment Agency. We feel that more
pro-active prevention and control of the
A CLEAN FIGHT illegal disposal of toxic trade effluent into
storm water drains will help close down
the worst offending HCWs.
We have met recently with the Local
Government Association and we are
undertaking specific local projects (e.g.
in York and Harpenden) to highlight
planning anomalies with HCW.
This has proved to be an unusually
challenging year or so with no less than
34 ministerial changes since Theresa
May became Prime Minister. With the
General Election now out of the way,
we hope that business uncertainty will
be reduced by getting Brexit done, and
the Government will become more
focused on domestic matters. This
will bring about investment in services
which will mean increased budgets for
regulatory authorities allowing better
enforcement to take place which might,
in turn, affect the number of HCWs. The
CWA remains committed and confident
that the number of rogue HCWs will be
significantly reduced.
28 www.ukpra.co.ukYou can also read
