Filling up

FPS EXPO 2010 – the event for the oil distribution industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland – closes a success

Despite the dramas taking place in the skies, visitors and exhibitors to FPS EXPO made sure that Volcanic Ash didn’t get in their way and as the doors closed on FPS EXPO 2010 on 22 April organisers The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS), recorded only a slight drop in visitor numbers to the show with one exhibitor making it from as far afield as Greece via Rome and Calais.

New products on display
With tales to tell of their journey by car, boat and taxi to get to the exhibition visitors to FPS EXPO 2010 had a host of new products to review including a new integrated, stand alone eco friendly pumping system – Econoflow from Central Welding. MAN Truck and Bus UK Ltd unveiled their new 26 tonne chassis for the fuel-oil home delivery market – the TGM 26.340 6x2-4 BL on the G MAGYAR SA stand. Bunded storage tank specialist Harlequin launched a host of new products at FPS EXPO 2010 including a new 2,500 litre waste oil tank, and what the company believes is the the UK’s first range of storage tanks that have been purpose designed for the storage of Bioheating Oil.
    
Alpeco Limited had on show for the first time the new iLevel road tanker gauging system. iLevel is a simple to use, cost effective gauging system which allows the operator to view the volume of liquid contained in each road tanker compartment at the touch of a button.
    
Q8Oils was demonstrating its new Q8 OilQube packaging system for the first time at FPS EXPO 2010. The Q8 OilQube, consisting of a water resistant, 98 per cent recyclable cardboard box and an inner plastic bag, which produces 84 per cent less waste compared to a standard plastic container, offers customers an environmentally friendly alternative to more traditional plastic drum packaging.
    
Hytek, was celebrating 25 years in business at FPS EXPO 2010, with the launch of several new products including a new fire valve tester, a stainless steel tank alarm probe and a new range of tank security products.

Positive comments
Exhibitor Prax Petroleum’s Peter Gower commented: “Thursday was manic. We had a continual flow of visitors to the stand and at one point a queue to see us! I’m sure we managed to raise the profile of our company, which was our main objective and we are confident that this will lead to more business in the near term.”
    
Peter Carter from Atkinson Equipment Ltd had an equally busy show. He said: “In times of recession we do well to look to the future rather than the past. With this in mind Atkinson Equipment Ltd was delighted to showcase their new products at the FPS EXPO 2010. Following the Eyjafjallajoekull eruption and flights being grounded there was the fear that visitor numbers would be greatly diminished, if that was the case we did not notice as we had the busiest show in years. All the hard work being made worthwhile as new and old customers received our new oil heating top off take, the Tanktop and our new fuel transfer equipment, the Fuel Box with much enthusiasm. Many thanks go to Vanessa and her team for their excellent work in putting on what is the best industry show of the year, every year.”
    
FPS EXPO is renowned for visitors doing deals at the show and this year was no different for Dean Cattermole who is the Owner of Birmingham Fuel Oils. He commented: “I’ve been a few times. I always come to find out what’s new and available. It’s ideas more than anything and I always do a deal with someone at the show.”
    
Marketing and events manager Vanessa Cook commented: “We are pleased by the fact we only suffered by a slight drop in visitor numbers due the issue with transport. Feedback from visitors and exhibitors has also has been very positive, exhibitors said that deals were done during the two day event and that they were able to meet a high number of senior buyers from key companies who were genuinely interested in their products and services.”
    
Further confirmation of the success of the show resulted in over 56 per cent of stand space being rebooked for the 2011 event, which is due to take place on 13 and 14 April at the Harrogate International Centre.