JANUARY 2012
Harvest Energy gives assurance on maintaining fuel supply
In light of recent media reports which have suggested possible fuel shortages across London and the South East, Harvest Energy is keen to make clear that it anticipates no problems in maintaining fuel supply to its commercial and public sector customers and to the 70 plus Harvest Energy branded forecourts across the UK.
Harvest Energy has an annual storage capacity of over 300 million litres, supplying road fuels from depots across Britain, including storage terminals in Essex, on Teesside and at Grangemouth on the Firth of Forth.
Simon Davis, Head of Sales and Logistics, said "As an independent operator, we constantly review our business and monitor the marketplace so we can adapt quickly to changing circumstances. I should like to assure customers we anticipate no problems in maintaining our supplies, though it is possible that some clients with their own transport who lift fuels from our terminal racks may experience some delays at loading."
DECEMBER 2011
Harvest Energy appoints Gary Conway as Sales Manager
Harvest Energy, Britain's fastest-growing fuel brand, is setting its sights firmly on Scotland and the North East with the recent appointment of Gary Conway as Sales Manager for Independent Fuel Retailers.
The company currently provides road fuels to almost 80 independently owned Harvest Energy branded sites across Britain, including three in Scotland at Gretna, Newton Stewart and Port William.
Gary has joined Harvest Energy from Total where he was Area Manager for the North of England for the past two years, focusing on retail development. Previously he was with Petroplus working in commercial sales and also has past experience in rail freight and shipping sales and logistics.
Gary has been in his new role for a month and speaks enthusiastically about the positive response he has been receiving from the dealers he has met so far. "The attitude towards the Harvest Energy brand is very positive. Everyone I've spoken to speaks about the freshness and dynamism of the distinctive white, blue and green Harvest Energy livery. The sharp, clean image is clearly a hit with owners and their customers alike."
Gary has a particular remit, to continue to build Harvest Energy's footprint in the Scottish retail sector. The company is already a major road fuels supplier to public sector bodies in Scotland, providing more than 40 million litres annually to 19 authorities across the country. It also supplies a wide range of commercial customers including ScotRail and several coach companies.
Simon Davis, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics explains "We now supply over 10% of Britain's road fuels from depots across Britain, including our own storage terminals in Essex, on Teesside and at Grangemouth on the Firth of Forth. Harvest Energy's Grangemouth terminal provides a great base from which we can supply dealers right across Scotland. With Gary now on board, with his considerable background and experience, he's exactly the right person to work with the Scottish independent sector." Independent forecourts supplied by Harvest Energy benefit from a comprehensive support package which includes guaranteed supply, competitive fuel pricing, a credit card scheme, pump maintenance and wet stock control, as well as a comprehensive branding package.
If you are a Scottish or North East of England based forecourt dealer and would like to know more on how Harvest Energy could help you grow your business, call: Gary Conway on 07808 776628 or Email
DECEMBER 2011
Harvest Energy in the South West
Harvest Energy is ramping up its presence in the South West of England, with 11 forecourts either already rebranded or set to display the distinctive white, blue and green Harvest Energy livery in the coming weeks.
The company's focus on the South West and in particular on Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, followed on from ConocoPhillips announcement in June that its Jet transport fuels operation in the region was no longer viable, leaving many dealers in the lurch.
Simon Davis, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, explains, "Over the past 6 years, the whole economics of this industry and its market have changed. With change, come opportunities and we're always looking at areas where there is potential to plug gaps. The situation in the South West provided a great opportunity for us to speak with the independent Jet dealers and explain the mutual benefits of a supply and branding agreement with Harvest Energy."
Cox of Torbay, one of the longest established independent motor retailers in the South West, was quick to sign-up with Harvest Energy after hearing what the company could offer from its Key Accounts Manager Ian Welch. It has three SPAR forecourt operations in Devon - Marldon Service Station and Waterside Garage, both in Paignton and Allervale Garage in Kingskerswell.
Nick Cox, Director of Cox of Torbay Ltd, says "We were one of the first groups in the region to switch to Harvest Energy. The brand has a distinctive identity and we are confident we can maintain a position where we can offer value for money to our customers."
Overall, Harvest Energy has signed-up supply and branding deals with three of the four dealers groups formerly supplied by Jet. In addition to Cox of Torbay, The Cornwall Garage Group and Petrocell forecourts in the South West are now part of the Harvest Energy network.
The Cornwall Group's 16 sites, all now supplied by Harvest Energy, stretch from the West Country into Sussex, London and the Home Counties and into the Midlands. John Murray, the Cornwall Group's owner and Managing Director, says of the relationship with Harvest Energy, "I like their people and I particularly like their enthusiasm. They're going to do well and we'll do well working with them."
Independent forecourts supplied by Harvest Energy benefit from a comprehensive support package which includes guaranteed supply, competitive fuel pricing, a credit card scheme, pump maintenance and wet stock control as well as a comprehensive branding package based around the white, blue and green Harvest Energy butterfly livery.
To discuss how Harvest Energy could help grow your business, call the dealer hotline on 0844 225 3082 or email the Retail Team
OCTOBER 2011
Harvest Energy signs supply agreement with WJ King Garages Ltd
Harvest Energy has secured a five year motor fuel supply and branding agreement with WJ King (Garages) Ltd, which has eight forecourts stretching across South East London and North West Kent.
Each of the sites is being rebranded with Harvest Energy's distinctive white, blue and green livery. The agreement means that Harvest Energy now supplies more than 60 independent forecourts across the length and breadth of Britain.
The WJ King chain started in 1961, when the father of the current owner John King set-up a Vauxhall dealership and forecourt site in Albany Park, near Sidcup in Kent. Today John and his sister Olivia oversee 13 dealerships, 8 of which have forecourts. They still have a Vauxhall franchise and are now also dealers for Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki and SEAT.
John King explains the attraction of tieing-in with Harvest Energy. "We were looking at who to go with for our fuel supply, as in my view the main brands are all so over-valued. Going own brand was an option but then we started talking with the Harvest Energy people. They were innovative, flexible and importantly, they're nice people to deal with. I'm sure it's going to prove a great relationship."
He continued "Fuel sales are a very important part of our overall business not only in overall revenue terms but also as a means of driving footfall into our car showrooms. The clean and bright Harvest Energy branding will help considerably in this respect."
Simon Davis, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, commented "We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with WJ King. It's a long-standing company with a well-respected name across South London and Kent and we are delighted their sites will soon be displaying the Harvest Energy brand."
In all, Harvest Energy now supplies over 10% of Britain's road fuels from depots across the country, including from its own storage terminals at West Thurrock, Seal Sands and Grangemouth.
OCTOBER 2011
A1 Harvest Energy site achieves 80% fuel volume increase since rebranding
Ian and Sue Cruickshank, owners of the recently rebranded Ponton Main Service Station on the A1, Great North Road, at Grantham, have reported an 80 per cent increase in fuel sales since the site received its Harvest Energy livery.
The family-owned business has operated on the site since 1973, the first 25 years as an Esso outlet and then as Texaco for the next 12 years.
Ian and Sue commented "When we knew that our fuel supply contract was coming up for renewal, we looked long and hard at all the options, and spoke at length with five major oil companies. Although Harvest Energy immediately caught our eye, we were somewhat apprehensive about joining an unknown brand.
However upon contacting the Harvest Energy team, we very soon realised that they had a wealth of experience in the oil industry and had something very special to offer. We found them to be both very professional and keen to support the independent retailer."
They continued "Everyone is delighted with the stunning clear image, which is vibrant and refreshing, and is proving extremely popular with our customers. But the most important attraction to Harvest Energy has to be their awareness for the need of a competitive pricing structure and a dealer support package which we have found to be second to none."
SEPTEMBER 2011
Harvest Energy feature in Forecourt Trader
Signings for Harvest Energy are gaining momentum as more dealers - including Top 50 groups - appreciate its merits. The Editor of Forecourt Trader magazine, Merril Boulton, interviews Simon Davis in the September edition.
Click here to read the full report on the Forecourt Trader website
AUGUST 2011
Harvest Energy at the ACS Forecourt Seminar
Harvest Energy attended the ACS Forecourt Seminar run in association with RMI Petrol at Leicester City Football stadium in August.
Click here to read the full report on the Forecourt Trader website
JULY 2011
Harvest Energy signs supply agreement with Cornwall Garage Group
Harvest Energy has announced a five year motor fuel supply and branding agreement with the 16 forecourt Cornwall Garage Group. The Cornwall Group's sites stretch from the West Country into Sussex, London and the Home Counties and into the Midlands.
Each of the sites is being rebranded with Harvest Energy's distinctive white, blue and green livery. The agreement means that Harvest Energy now supplies more than 60 independent forecourts across the length and breadth of Britain.
The Cornwall Garage Group began as one outlet in Hatch End, Middlesex. It was set-up in the early 1960's by John Murray, now in his 80s and still the main owner and MD.
John explains "I was originally a professional ice hockey player for the Wembley Lions. When I retired I looked for a business to get into and bought the garage and forecourt at Hatch End. I never looked back and at one point had 41 outlets before consolidating a few years back."
Describing the agreement with Harvest Energy, John said "I like their people and I particularly like their enthusiasm. They're going to do well and we'll do well working with them."
Simon Davis, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, commented "We are very pleased to have signed this agreement with the Cornwall Garage Group. It's a long-standing company with an excellent reputation and we are delighted their 16 sites will soon be displaying the Harvest Energy brand."
In all, Harvest Energy now supplies over 10% of Britain's road fuels from depots across the country, including from its own storage terminals at West Thurrock, Seal Sands and Grangemouth.
JULY 2011
Harvest Energy site features in Wall's TV ad!
The Harvest Energy site, situated on Cricklewood Broadway in London, owned by the Sectorsure Group, features in the latest Wall's TV advert on ITV.
Wall's are running a series of adverts with Alan the singing dog, and their latest ad shows them purchasing a sausage roll at the site.
JUNE 2011
Harvest Energy supports dealer to win 'Best Community Initiative Award'
Harvest Energy would like to congratulate its independent dealer Sectorsure Ltd for being presented with the Garage Watch 'Best Community Initiative Award' at a prestigious black tie dinner held at ForecourtExpo 2011.
Held at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 9th June, ForecourtExpo 2011 is a brand new UK-based forecourt event, focused on bringing specially invited forecourt retailers together with potential new business partners and solution providers. Sectorsure Ltd Managing Director, Andrew MacDonald, entered the company's flagship site in Rayleigh for the award, which recognises the site that has shown the most innovative approach to assisting their local community.
"We all know the energy that goes into grass roots football every weekend across the country, and Rayleigh is no exception. Most of the parents of the Hullbridge U12 team, me included, fill up at our Harvest Energy station on a regular basis and it seemed a natural fit for us to become team sponsors.
With thanks to Harvest Energy who provided the inspiration (and the money!), the lads now really look the part in their new Harvest Energy branded kit. It certainly raises the profile of the garage throughout the community and is a great example of how an oil company like Harvest Energy can target sponsorship at a local level and make it work," commented Andrew.
Mike Skinner, Retail Sales Manager for Harvest Energy, who also received an award on behalf of the company added, "We are delighted to be able to support our dealers in developing relationships within the community and hope to be there to cheer on the Hullbridge U12 team at a match in the near future!"
As well as a framed certificate, the Sectorsure site at Rayleigh has been awarded £200 worth of stock from award sponsors Bulldog Buzz.
MAY 2011
Harvest Energy - recently signed and branded sites
Harvest Energy is delighted to announce the following recent independent dealer signings:
- J Townsend & Son, Lytham Road, Preston
- Redbank Service Station, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester
- Mauldeth Road Service Station, Mauldeth Road West, Manchester
- Bapchild Service Station, London Road, Sittingbourne
- Backwell Motors, Station Road, Bristol (photos above)
Sites that will complete early June are:
- DC Edginton & Sons Service Station, Warwickshire
- W & M Stevens, Holmer Green, High Wycombe
We're delighted!
Backwell Motors, Bristol is the latest site to join the ever-growing Harvest Energy family of branded forecourts. Harvest Energy's Sales Manager for independent dealers, Debbie Ghigi, shown left, pictured with Charles Atherton proprietor and Vivien Prior of Backwell Motors of Bristol, outside of the recently re branded site.
Charles Atherton, Proprietor of Backwell Motors commencing on the success of the recent re brand said, "we are really pleased with our new image. Our customers have commented how clean and fresh the site looks, and what a huge difference the new image has made."
APRIL 2011
Harvest Energy - Groundbreaking new tanker design
Harvest Energy and GRW have combined forces to design an innovative new tanker. The ground breaking new concept creates a full 44 tonne capacity tanker designed with 7 optimized compartments, combined with the benefits of a significantly shorter vehicle, thus increasing the operational efficiencies of the tanker combined with much improved accessibility.
The tanker has joined the growing fleet of distinctive Harvest Energy tankers, which have doubled in size this year. Harvest Energy work with Suttons to deliver the 800 million litres of fuel per year that the Company blend and supply. The two companies have worked together for over 7 years to provide an excellent delivery service. Commenting on the recent expansion of the fleet, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, Simon Davis said "Suttons continue to represent excellent value for Harvest Energy, and with their safety focus embedded in all aspects of the Supply Chain, Harvest Energy are confident that Suttons will continue to help us provide the industry leading levels of delivery service that our customers have become used to."MARCH 2011
Flying high at IFFE 2011!
See all the photos from IFFE in the slideshow below
Harvest Energy had a hugely successful show at IFFE 2011. The imposing stand was hard to miss this year, located at the show entrance with a fully illuminated giant 'butterfly' logo suspended over the hall floor. The company not only exhibited at the show but also sponsored the show entrance, the very successful Forecourt Trader Top 50 indies dinner and the newly created Indie 5000 dinner.
FEBRUARY 2011
Work progresses on Amsterdam sea terminal
Progress on the new sea terminal 'Hydrocarbon Hotel' in the Port of Amsterdam is going well reports Chris Brookhouse of Blue Ocean Group. "This will be the first Company owned terminal with a sea connection. We are constructing eleven tanks in total, with a capacity of 140,000m3 and three berthing jetties with the ability to take large sea-going tankers. So far progress is good and the terminal is still on schedule for completion for December this year."
The Blue Ocean Group comprises the international cargo trading company Blue Ocean Associates Limited, and London based Harvest Energy Limited. Last year Blue Ocean joined forces with Netherland Company, North Sea Group BV to create the new sea terminal, which will be used for the export and blending of petrol and diesel, as well as petrol components and biofuels. Harvest Energy will also utilise the terminal to support the supply of petrol and diesel to its own expanding independent retail forecourt network in the UK.