Key industry issues discussed

FPS EXPO 2009 saw over 1,900 professionals come together from the UK, Republic of Ireland, Europe and the rest of the world for the UK’s largest oil distribution industry event

Every year the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) plays host to the biggest event in the UK & Republic of Ireland oil distribution industry’s calendar and year on year the exhibition has grown in both exhibitor numbers and visitors. 1 April saw the start of the 29th FPS EXPO at Harrogate International Centre, an event which yet again broke both visitor and exhibitor records.

Driver CPC
FPS EXPO 2009 saw the launch of the new FPS Driver CPC Training. The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence is required for all lorry drivers from 10 September 2009. From that date, just holding a vocational driving licence will not be sufficient for someone who wishes to drive such vehicles for a living. The Driving Standards Agency is taking the lead in implementing EU Directive 2003/59, which requires all professional lorry drivers to hold a CPC in addition to their vocational driving licence. It comes into force across all European Union member states on 10 September 2009 for lorry drivers.    The main benefit is road safety and better qualified drivers to help reduce road casualties. Driver CPC should also bring an improved professional and positive image to the profession, attracting more people to drive buses, coaches and lorries for a living. It is aimed not only at improving the knowledge and skills of LGV and PCV drivers when they start work, but also at ensuring these skills are maintained and developed throughout their working life.

Product launches
Many of the exhibitors also had new product launches to tempt visitors to the show, including Petroman Environmental Services launching the Pure-Flow system for fuel treatment and decontamination and a tank sampling, cleaning and ethanol preparation system. Contrec Europe Ltd introduced new software for terminal automation on stand C36.
    
Hytec GB Ltd launched two versions of its economy tank alarm – one for plastics and one for steel storage tanks. They are a compact design for use in confined spaces and have a high power alarm sounder at 97db @ 1m.
    
Sentinel Fuel Products launched Oil Guard, which provides complete protection and management of fuel through a state of the art anti theft alarm and gauging system.
    
Atkinson Equipment Ltd launched The Atkinson Tanktop. This is a product that has been in development for a couple of years and field tested and refined in conjunction with oil tank manufacturers including Clarehill Plastics Harlequin Oil tanks, burner manufacturers and heating engineers. The resulting product has been designed to furnish all the requirements of oil heating top outlet tanks.
    
Nutzfahrzeuge ROHR Gmbh showcased for the first time an innovative cylindrical, elliptical aluminum tank shape offering an expanded capacity whilst at the same time reducing the length and weight of the tank.
    
New to the show were LAS Europe and Navman Wireless exhibiting alongside FPS EXPO regulars Alfons Haar, BP, Central Welding, The Environment Agency, OAMPS UK Ltd and William Tanker Services.
    
Vanessa Cook, FPS marketing and events manager commented: “The FPS commitment to continually improve the services it provides was reflected in the growth of the show and the large amount of business conducted in the exhibition halls. The FPS prides itself on providing value-for-money and the optimum business environment for exhibiting companies. A factor that is even more important in these difficult economic times.”