JULY 2010

Britain's fastest growing fuel brand!

Harvest Energy, the UK's largest independent blender & supplier of road fuels, is delighted to announce the branding completion of four new independent forecourts in July, bringing the total Harvest Energy branded sites to 12, and with a further 13 recently signed sites due for branding over the course of the summer, the company is the fastest growing fuel brand in Britain.

The newly branded sites are; Birmingham Road Service Station, Kidderminster near Birmingham, Crossways Garage, Gretna, Scotland, Allison's Service Station, Bladnoch also in Scotland and a second Allison's site nearby in Wigtown.

Janet Ashdown, CEO for Harvest Energy commenting on the recently branded sites says, "The growth that we are currently experiencing in today's competitive market, is testament to the enthusiasm and experience of the Harvest Energy sales team. We are receiving such positive feedback from the independent dealers and we recognise that service is now more than ever an increasingly important benefit to offer to the independent sector, the Harvest Energy brand is so fresh and clean that it has enlivened these latest sites."

"Since exhibiting at IFFE earlier this year, we have experienced a marked upturn in quality enquiries, adds Simon Davis head of Sales and Logistics for Harvest Energy. "Independent fuel retailers are now in a better position to judge how successful the Harvest Energy brand has been over the past years, and with our continued steady growth we are proving to be market leader in the branding of independent fuel retailers. Furthermore I am delighted that the branding of these latest sites, has been completed both quickly and smoothly, this helps to reinforce our track record and demonstrates our commitment to our dealers and our service."

JULY 2010

Dutch and UK Company combine forces in the field of export and blending

Netherlands based North Sea Group BV and UK Company, Blue Ocean Associates Ltd have joined forces to create 'Hydrocarbon Hotel' which will build a sea terminal currently under construction in the port of Amsterdam.

The terminal expected to be fully operational by the end of 2011, will be primarily focused on the blending of gasoline, and will also be utilised for both importing and exporting the finished product, as well as additionally having the capability to import biofuels and distillates.

For the North Sea Group, which was formed by the merger of Van der Sluijs Groep and FNR+ Holding (Frisol, North Sea Petroleum and Reinplus Vanwoerden), this is its first company terminal with sea connection. Commenting on this latest development, Peter Nohlmans, CEO of North Sea Group said, "With this terminal in the Amerikahaven harbour basin, the company is able to expand its trading activities and to start up a new petrol blending activity. North Sea Group will use the terminal to distribute the petrol within its own network and for exports to the United States".

The Blue Ocean Group, comprises the international cargo trading company Blue Ocean Associates Ltd, and London based Harvest Energy. Commenting on this latest development, Janet Ashdown, CEO for the Blue Ocean Group & Harvest Energy said, "This is the first terminal asset the Group has built, owned and operated, and this latest joint venture will provide a significant supply base to our activities in the ARA region with onward sale to all markets".

JUNE 2010

Press Release - June 2010

Already the UK's largest independent blender and supplier of road fuels, Harvest Energy has now focussed their attention on actively increasing their UK presence in the forecourt branding of independent retailers, and are delighted to announce the further strengthening of their Retail Sales team, with the appointments of Ian Welch in the role of Manager, Key Accounts - Independent Fuel Retailers and Debbie Ghigi, as Sales Manager - Independent Fuel Retailers.

Ian has a wealth of experience in the UK downstream fuels industry having 13 years experience with Texaco, followed by senior roles at ReD Fuelcards and Premier Pump and Tank, and will be responsible for developing the Harvest Energy brand into the major dealer groups in the UK.

Commenting on his new position Ian said; "I am delighted to be returning to the retail fuel supply business at this exciting time for Harvest Energy and the opportunities being presented in the changing marketplace. This role allows me to play an even bigger part in the success of customers, some of whom I have known for nearly 15 years. I look forward to being part of the strong team, and to witness and be part of the continued growth of Harvest Energy in the forecourt sector."

Previously Debbie held position as Head of Sales, for the engineering and manufacturing division for one of India's leading outsourcing Companies and comes with over 20 years experience in sales.

Commenting on her new position Debbie said; "I am very excited about working for Harvest Energy. It's a well respected business providing a leading edge brand to the Independent retail sector, we have lots to offer the customer, and I am looking forward to working with the team to help continue to grow the Harvest Energy name."

JUNE 2010

Work has started on the FIRST of 3 Harvest Energy Forecourts in Scotland

Harvest Energy are thrilled that work has started on their first Scottish forecourt, at Crossways Garage, Glasgow Road, Gretna.

The site, formerly Texaco branded, is the first of three sites in Scotland, to be receiving the Harvest Energy branding over the next two months. Branding at Crossways is due for completion end of June, followed by the remaining two sites completing in July.

Meanwhile 2 further sites in the UK are also due for completion end of July.

APRIL 2010

Press Release - 20th April 2010

Janet Ashdown, former head of BP's UK Fuels business, has been appointed Chief Executive of Harvest Energy and Blue Ocean Trading. Janet retired from her BP role in September last year.

London-based Harvest Energy is the UK's largest independent blender and supplier of road fuels and now aspires to be a market leader in the forecourt branding of independent retailers. Janet took up her new role this month.

Janet joined BP after leaving Swansea University in 1980 with a degree in Energy Engineering. She held a variety of roles within the company across the Refining, Supply Chain, Trading and Marketing businesses.

Commenting on her new role Janet said "This is an exciting time in my career. Having worked for many years for a large international oil company I am looking forward to the challenge of working for an independent fuels business. Harvest Energy has an exciting new Retail Brand with 15 years experience in the distribution sector and the changing nature of the UK market will create great growth prospects for independents like ourselves."

MARCH 2010

Hard to Miss - IFFE 2010

The Harvest Energy stand at IFFE 2010 was hard to miss! The imposing forecourt inspired stand was situated at the show entrance, and as sponsors of the show the IFFE staff were decked out in Harvest Energy branded uniforms issuing branded lanyards, name badges, show bags and leaflets.

"The concept for this year's stand was to showcase the forecourt branding that Harvest Energy provides to independent fuel retailers; to demonstrate the quality of the actual equipment in a virtually live environment created within the stand" says Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, Simon Davis. "All of the equipment we used on the exhibition is actual forecourt equipment and will be installed within the next few weeks on our latest site, in the Midlands."

"This year's stand has been a real show stopper for us", continues Mike Skinner, Sales Manager for Harvest Energy, "We were inundated with positive enquiries from independents looking to change to the Harvest brand, and congratulating us on the impact of our stand. Its also testament to our quality of service that we had existing dealers at the show, available to talk to visitors and give a truly transparent insight into the Harvest Energy brand and people. The quantity and quality of visitors is improving year on year, which is encouraging to see, and we have already booked for next year. We hope that 2011 will be even better!"

Harvest Energy will be exhibiting at FPS Expo in Harrogate 21st - 22nd April 2010.

FEBRUARY 2010

Harvest Energy has the highest greenhouse gas emission savings of any oil company in the UK!

Every year nearly 50 billion litres of road fuel are consumed in the UK. The resulting carbon emissions account for around one fifth of the UK's total annual emissions.

In response to the significant threat posed by climate change, the UK has national and international commitments to substantially reduce its carbon emissions and to increase the use of renewable energy, including in transport.

The Renewable Fuels Agency's report includes verified data comparing the carbon and sustainability performance of individual fuel suppliers. This is the first time that data of this sort has been published anywhere in the world.

Harvest Energy had the highest verified green house gas (GHG) emission savings of any oil company in the UK, and are actively avoiding certain Biofuels with poor GHG performance under the RTFO guidelines. In addition, only 2% of Harvest Energy's bio fuels derived from palm oil, the lowest of all of the oil companies in the UK.

For the future, Harvest Energy is working with their supply streams to demonstrate agricultural and processing practices that improve their GHG performance.

Information taken from: Renewable Fuels Agency 2008/09 Annual Report to Parliament on the Renewable Transport fuel Obligation. Crown Copyright.

DECEMBER 2009

Harvest Energy complete their latest site

Harvest Energy, is delighted to announce the launch of a fifth site with independent dealer group Sectorsure.

The new site is situated on the Seven Sisters Road, in London, opposite Finsbury Park, and has been fully branded to Harvest Energy in time for Christmas.

This is the fourth site in the London area within a 10 mile radius of three other Harvest Energy sites, situated at: Neasden lane, Cricklewood Broadway and Goldhawk Road, and will bring the total of Harvest Energy branded sites up to 9, with sites already signed up for 2010.

Mike Skinner, Retail Sales Manager for Harvest Energy says, "We are all really pleased that Sectorsure have chosen Harvest Energy again for this newly acquired site, it shows that they are clearly happy with the relationship and are committed to extending this further. The Finsbury Park site is a large site in a great location, which has excellent potential for growth."

"It's been an exciting year and the last few weeks have seen a marked upturn in enquiries". Continues Skinner, "Coupled with this latest signing and our current recruitment for Retail Sales Managers, I am extremely confident that our organic growth within the forecourt sector will continue apace during 2010."

Andrew MacDonald, Managing Director of the Sectorsure Group says "We were in a better position to judge how successful the Harvest Energy brand has been over the past year on our four existing Harvest Energy sites, we had absolutely no hesitation in applying the same principals to Park Service Station. If dealers want a committed approach from a dedicated team of professionals, if they want a brand that the public love and if they want the potential to earn more from their sites, this really is a straight forward choice"

Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics, Simon Davis adds: "I am delighted that the Sectorsure Group have decided to sign another site with us; this helps to reinforce our track record, demonstrates our commitment to our dealers, and will be a great start to 2010."

SEPTEMBER 2009

Forecourt Trader Awards 2009

Congratulations to Harvest Energy dealer Andrew MacDonald, Managing Director of Sectorsure Ltd as their recently rebranded Broken Spur site in Surrey was Short-Listed for the Main Road category award at the 2009 Forecourt Trader of the Year ceremony held at The Hilton in Park Lane.

"I am very pleased that the industry has recognised the strength of the Harvest Energy brand," commented Andrew "Our Harvest Energy sites are benefiting from the visual aspect and our company is enjoying the relationship between two like minded partners."

JUNE 2009

New Life... Breathed into Neasden Lane

Following on from the successful re-brand and subsequent launch of Sherlodge Garage, Chatham, in May, Harvest Energy has breathed new life into Neasden Lane Service Station, London NW10.

The site, previously branded Texaco, has been completely transformed with the successful switch to the clean, bright and refreshing Harvest Energy brand.

Mike Skinner, Sales Manager for Independent Fuel Retailers at Harvest Energy says, "We are delighted with this recent signing! This proves that Harvest Energy ticks all the right boxes for the Independent Retailer and this can only lead to further sustained growth for us in this market sector."

The management of Neasden Lane are completely overwhelmed with the impact that the distinctive Harvest Energy brand has made to their service station, which has released new energy and life into the site, spurring them on to plan for further improvements later this year.

MAY 2009

The Driving Force Behind Another Successful Rebrand

Harvest Energy is delighted to announce, the successful re-launch of Sherlodge Garage, Lordswood, Kent, the first of many new sites planned for re branding in 2009. The stunning transformation was complete in April, and the management of Sherlodge Garage and Harvest Energy are all very happy with the smooth transition from the sites former brand of Pace, to Harvest Energy.

Mike Skinner, Sales Manager for Independent Fuel Retailers at Harvest Energy says, "We are extremely pleased to have been able to secure and renew old acquaintances with owners Mr & Mrs Clarke and son Michael who manages the site. We all believe the bespoke service package will make a significant contribution to the sites operation and look forward to the future of what will be a long and successful partnership."

The official site launch is due to take place on May 27th which will be covered by both local and industry media in the run up to the event.

APRIL 2009

Success at FPS Expo 2009

FPS EXPO 2009, held this year at the Harrogate Conference Centre, is the event for the oil distribution industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland to see first hand the latest products and innovations in the industry.

Harvest Energy caught the interest of visitors, suppliers and clients old and new, at this year's event with an eye catching stand showcasing the distinctive Harvest Energy branding.

Harvest Energy were kept very busy, over the two day event, meeting existing and new contacts within the industry, and a wealth of very promising leads were generated for 2009.

MARCH 2009

Success at IFFE 2009

The International Forecourt & Fuel Equipment show is the event to find out what's new within the industry, and keep abreast of future changes. It's also an opportunity to meet new and existing forecourt owners, operators and suppliers.

Harvest Energy created a real buzz at this year's event, held at the Birmingham NEC, with an eye catching stand showcasing the unique Harvest Energy forecourt branding, complete with the blue LED lighting that is utilised around the forecourt canopy, to really bring the stand to life and add an impactful injection of colour.

The stand really caught the interest of visitors and other exhibitors alike, and over the three day event Harvest Energy were kept very busy, meeting existing and new contacts within the industry, and a wealth of very promising leads were generated for 2009.

If you managed to miss the Harvest Energy team, and you're an independent forecourt owner ready to make a change for the better, please contact: Mike Skinner or Simon Davis

In support of our involvement at IFFE 2009 and reinforcing our commitment to the independent fuel retailer, Harvest Energy will also be exhibiting this year at the following events, so why not come along and talk to us at:

The Forecourt Roadshow
22nd April Scotland - The Inchyra Grange Hotel, Falkirk, Stirling
11th June South East - Royal Windsor Racecourse, Windsor, Berkshire
8th October North - Leeds United Football Club, Leeds West Yorkshire

NOVEMBER 2008

Experience Harvest Energy

"A new image and a fresh outlook" is how Sectorsure Ltd Managing Director Andrew MacDonald described the rebrand of four of the groups five sites. "We were looking for a brand that would take us forward, and having been with Conoco for 17 years and BP and Total at different times we were well placed to appreciate what the Harvest Energy brand and offer would entail".

Grange Filling Station in Rayleigh, Essex, is the Sectorsure flagship site, with a volume in excess of 6 million litres per annum. During the launch of the newly branded store and image, Simon Davis, Head of Sales and Logistics at Harvest Energy, commented, "the day has been a great success, and we are delighted with all four of the completed sites. Clearly the customers have enjoyed the day".

NOVEMBER 2008

Latest Tankers Arrive

The Harvest Energy fleet increased this month, with the addition of several new cabs and tankers, carrying the unique Harvest Energy livery.

The tankers are designed to Harvest Energy's specifications, and combined with the latest in vehicle wrapping technology, are utilised to make dedicated deliveries across the UK.

OCTOBER 2008

A fourth site for Harvest Energy

With three newly branded sites up and running, a great dealer package combined with Harvest Energy's competitive stance, is it any surprise that they have signed their fourth site with the Sectorsure Group!

Andrew MacDonald, Managing Director of the Sectorsure Group says, "we took the decision to go with Harvest Energy partly due to the impressive image, which we were sure the public would like. We have not been disappointed, with sales higher, year on year, on all three rebranded sites! This has influenced our decision to go with Harvest Energy on a fourth site, and we are actively looking for additional opportunities to take forward this partnership".

JULY 2008

Three NEW Harvest Energy forecourts

Fuel supplier Harvest Energy, are pleased to announce the signing of three forecourts owned by Sectorsure Limited. All three sites are located in the South East and each site will receive full Harvest Energy branding, combined with co-ordinated pre launch advertising, offers and full launch packages.

Simon Davis, Harvest Energy's Head of Sales and Logistics said "Harvest Energy are actively looking for independent retailers and are targeting sites selling 2 million litres a year plus. Key to the success of our conversions is the refreshing brand image and the support package that we have in place for the dealer, which includes competitive and flexible deals, credit card support, pump maintenance and a reliable and customer focussed supply and delivery capability using our own uniquely branded fuel tankers".

JUNE 2008

Harvest Energy "The UK's best kept fuel secret"

Harvest Energy "The UK's best kept fuel secret" is the headline in the June issue of The Retail Motor Industry Federation's magazine 'Forecourt'. Based on an interview with Simon Davis, Head of Sales and Logistics at Harvest Energy, the feature article focuses on their latest coup which is to sign three sites in the South East of England that were previously branded Jet and which will emerge fully branded as Harvest Energy in July and August.

The article goes on to state that Harvest Energy are actively looking for independent retailers and dealers and are looking to sign up new customers, currently targeting sites selling more than 2million litres per year.

JANUARY 2008

Press Release - 10th January 2008

Blue Ocean Associates Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Group by Ion Equity.

Blue Ocean is one of the largest independent fuel businesses in the UK market, and a significant blender and supplier of fuel products internationally. The company supplies approximately 5% of all road fuels used in the UK as well as approximately 1 billion litres of blended fuel products sold internationally. Not including duty, turnover is approximately one billion.

The transaction includes the businesses of Harvest Energy in the UK and Blue Ocean Associates in Amsterdam. Harvest Energy blends and supplies fuel to a range of large customers in the UK including major supermarket chains and transport operators. Blue Ocean associates (an Amsterdam based trading business), blends gasoline for sale to markets internationally. The Company has access to considerable storage capacity and enjoys product exchange agreements with some of the major oil companies in the UK.

The principal vendor, Rick Grimm, and other senior management have reinvested a proportion of the proceeds of the sale back into the business. Colin Bannerman a former Senior Executive with Chevron and Texaco has been appointed as Chief Executive of the business and is also an investor in the business. He will augment the already strong management team which will be remaining in place.

Speaking today, Neil O'Leary, Chief Executive of Ion Equity, said that the company had been exploring acquisition opportunities in the UK fuels market for some time: "we believe that there are significant investment opportunities in the fuels business internationally. Many of the major international fuel companies are refocusing their efforts on upstream opportunities (exploration and production) and emerging markets. This opens the possibility of acquiring good fuel and infrastructure assets in leading economies."

"Blue Ocean Associates has a proven business model and has been at the forefront of the developing bio-fuels market in the UK. Together with its strong management team and valued client base, this positions the company strongly for future growth."

O'Leary said that the company was an ideal platform from which to build a major UK and international fuels business: "We're very ambitious for this business. We've already committed to plans to expand operations and we're exploring the possibility of some interesting bolt-on acquisitions that can help us to drive this business forward. We'll look at opportunities in Ireland, in the UK or in Europe if we believe they will add value."

Colin Bannerman, incoming CEO, said that the new company would be a major force for competition in the UK fuels market: "the ability to supply competitively produced fuel into the UK market has been a key factor in the success of Blue Ocean to date and that will continue to be the cornerstone of our strategy. Furthermore the new ownership structure will place the business in a stronger position to serve its customers in today's volatile oil and financial markets."

Rick Grimm, principal vendor, said that he was delighted that the company was now positioned to grow strongly based on further investment: "Ion Equity knows the fuel business and has the capability of bringing substantial investment to support the further growth of this business. This is a very exciting time for Blue Ocean and everybody involved with it."

Ion Equity is an Irish headquartered private equity firm with offices in Dublin and London. Key investments by the company in recent years include the establishment of Topaz Energy Ltd, which owns and operates the former retail and fuels distribution businesses of both Shell and Statoil in Ireland and the acquisition of SWS Group - a leading alternative energy supplier and business process outsourcer in Ireland.

JUNE 2007

Go GREEN without Compromise

Harvest Energy are delighted to confirm the official launch of Harvest BioDiesel B30. Harvest BioDiesel B30 has been blended using specially selected Diesel and BioDiesel grades (which themselves conform to EN 590 and EN 14214 respectively), yet have been blended together to create the UKs only high percentage BioDiesel blend that meets the EN 590 technical specification in full (with the exception of the FAME content). Harvest BioDiesel B30 therefore allows the user to reduce their CO2 footprint by as much as 18%*, reduce Sulphur emissions by as much as 90%* and yet in the majority of applications requires no engine modifications**.

Harvest BioDiesel B30 is available NOW, for either collection or delivery from our storage terminal in Dagenham, Essex. For further details on how your company can Go Green Without Compromise, or for a copy of our full specification of Harvest B30, please contact me on 020 7291 8694 or 07720 805233 or at simon@harvestenergy.co.uk where I will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have.

* and ** refer to specifications in our B30 specification guide.

NOVEMBER 2006

This week on Fifth Gear

Tiff Needell goes all green in his search for Harvest BioEthanol E85. Test driving the Lotus Exige 265E, Tiff struggles in his quest to refuel with Harvest BioEthanol E85, until he arrives at a Morrison's petrol forecourt, and refuels with Harvest BioEthanol E85.

There are currently 13 sites in the UK where Harvest Energy supply Morrison's with Harvest BioEthanol E85: In East Anglia, at Diss, Norwich, Lowestoft, Ipswich and East Dereham. In the South West: at Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Weston Supermare, and Clevedon. In Cardiff, Wales, and in Derbyshire at Swadlincote, and lastly at Wellingborough near Northampton.

OCTOBER 2006

Green Fleet Award

Morrisons Supermarket wins a GreenFleet award for selling Harvest BioEthanol in their forecourts. 'Alternative Fuel supplier of the Year' - 2006 winner, was appointed to Morrisons for opening the UK's first BioEthanol E85 pump on the forecourt of its Albion Way, Norwich site. E85 is supplied by Harvest Energy, and to date there are now a total of 13 sites across the UK where Harvest E85 can be purchased.

The fuel is produced from a wide variety of agricultural produce, making it a renewable and sustainable fuel source. When mixed in high volumes with low volumes of petrol, a potent yet environmentally friendly fuel, known as BioEthanol E85, is created.

SEPTEMBER 2006

Harvest Energy article in Forecourt Trader

Launching into the independent sector is the basis of the latest trade report on Harvest Energy, in this months Forecourt Trader.

Simon Davis, leading the launch into this sector gives a detailed history of the brand change from Futura Petroleum to Harvest Energy, and outlines Harvests long term plans to be a 10% marketer in the UK - through supply, not retail.

JULY 2006

First Harvest Energy forecourt

Harvest Energy have been working closely with UK design company Studio One to deliver its first branded Petrol forecourt. The site in Swindon, launched on 26th July is one format of three that Harvest Energy are looking to roll out across the UK.

This will mark a first for Harvest Energy and offers the independent trader a unique opportunity to purchase competitive fuels direct from a manufacture and sell under the Harvest Energy brand.

MARCH 2006

New Product - BioEthanol E85

Harvest Energy launches their latest ground breaking product, Harvest BioEthanol. BioEthanol is a liquid fuel made from plant material and recycled elements of the food chain. This is produced from crops such as cereals, oilseeds, sugar beet and fodder beet. Biofuels are safely and easily biodegradable and so are particularly well suited to environmentally sensitive areas like waterways.

The launch which was held in conjunction with Wm Morrison's Supermarkets PLC and Saab held at Morrison's Norwich store, was a great success, and marked the beginning of a further ten stores that Morrison's are planning to roll out across their Estate. At the moment, BioEthanol can only be used in flex-fuel vehicles including the Saab 9-5 BioPower and the Ford Focus FFV.