DECEMBER 2010
Ten year deal to remain on Teesside
Harvest Energy who took over the former Biofuels Corporation plant at Seal Sands earlier this year, have announced a ten-year deal to remain on Teesside, and in addition sixteen of the former Biofuels Corporation staff have also been reinstated at the plant by the company.
Chris Brookhouse, Development Director of Harvest Energy said on the deal, "We decided to make a long-term commitment to Teesside. This is a world-class plant with a sizeable 250,000 tonne capacity; it's very efficient and Teesside's sound petrochemical background also appealed. It made a lot of sense and the timing was fortuitous for us. Whatever the world throws at you, if your plant has parameters like this one, then you've a good chance of surviving".
In three years, he said, "Harvest Energy has moved 'upstream' from a buyer to a manufacturer of biodiesel".
The company will make and sell Biodiesel from the Seal Sands plant and also supply its own operation at Grangemouth.
NOVEMBER 2010
Trebled the number of independent forecourts
Harvest Energy have more than trebled the number of independent forecourts who have converted to the Harvest Energy brand within the last year. Two of the most recent conversions completed in the last week, are at Holloway Head in Birmingham, and Hoath Lane, Wigmore in Kent.
Malcolm Jones of the Holloway Head site in Birmingham, commenting on their rebrand said "My wife Heather and I are overwhelmed with how our site has been transformed, and already in the first week of trading as Harvest Energy, we are seeing a marked increase in fuel sales, which we are putting down to our newly competitive fuel prices, and the clean, bright and fresh forecourt".
OCTOBER 2010
Hydrocarbon Hotel sea terminal on schedule
Harvest Energy's parent company, UK based Blue Ocean Associates Ltd, and Netherland Company, North Sea Group BV who joined forces earlier this year to create "Hydrocarbon Hotel" gave the official go ahead last month for the construction of the new sea terminal in the Port of Amsterdam to commence.
The Hydrocarbon Hotel sea terminal will be used for the export and blending of petrol and diesel, as well as petrol components and biofuels.
So far the foundations of the first three tanks have been laid, allowing the tank builders to now commence work. Eleven tanks will eventually be created with a capacity of 140,000m3, three berthing jetties will also be constructed with the ability to take large sea-going tankers, and the entire terminal is on schedule for completion by December 2011.
OCTOBER 2010
9 sites in 4 weeks!
A busy program of 9 Service Station conversions across the North East of England has begun for Harvest Energy, the UK's fastest growing forecourt brand. Bishop Retail owns all nine sites, some of which have been with the BP brand for over 20 years! This will bring the total of forecourt dealers who have converted to Harvest Energy up to 23, with another five confirmed sites to come across before the end of the year.
Harvest Energy has worked closely with their manufacturing and branding design specialists to create a carefully planned and detailed rolling program of works in order to achieve the handover as swiftly and effectively as possible.
The service stations, most of which are situated in County Durham, span from Monkwearmouth in Sunderland, south to Carmel Filling Station site in Darlington, and also feature the group's flagship site at Bradbury just off Junction 60 of the A1(M). All nine sites are scheduled for completion by the end of September.
Simon Davis, Head of Sales and Logistics for Harvest Energy, commenting on this latest group deal said, "We are really delighted that the Bishop Group has chosen Harvest Energy as their preferred brand and fuel supplier. This is the largest group conversion for us since we have been actively growing our forecourt offer, and the newly branded sites are already making an impact in the North East.
As a independent fuels supplier without the baggage of a major oil company, we are able to provide a personal, tailored package to really support the dealer's business, including competitive, reliable and flexible fuel supply, credit card support and pump maintenance, together with the distinctive Harvest Energy brand. Feedback is that customers prefer our professional, yet friendly approach to business and really appreciate the fact that they can get ready access to senior decision makers and get things done quickly".
Over the last few months the Bishop Retail Group have also carried out extensive refurbishments to the convenience shops at all 9 sites, enlarging their shop offer into adjacent car showrooms in some instances. Darren MacDonald, Group Operations Director for the Bishop Group, said, "we are confident that the change to Harvest Energy will allow us to offer great value, great service and quality foods combined with competitively priced fuel, and a new bright and fresh image. Looking at the reaction we have had from staff and customers so far, we certainly made the right decision!"
AUGUST 2010
What a Pearl!
The latest successfully re branded Harvest Energy site completed last week in Sheffield. Pearl Motors Ltd, situated on East Bank Road is the 7th converted site for the Company so far this year, and kick starts a busy program of conversions in the North of England.
As a family run business, now in its fourth generation, both the staff and Directors are very excited about their new look service station and are confident that the move to Harvest Energy will allow them to continue to maintain both competitive prices and provide an excellent level of local friendly service.
Harvest Energy's new Sales Manager, Debbie Ghigi, commenting on her first conversion, said; "We are very excited about having Pearl Motors as our first Harvest Energy site in Sheffield, and also my first site in only 6 weeks of joining the Company, which proves what a great brand Harvest Energy is for the independent dealer. Pearl Motors now looks clean and fresh, and customers have already commented on the new look, and improved prices! I am delighted that Andrew, Steve and family are now part of the Harvest Energy growth and we all look forward to a long and successful partnership".
In the last few years Harvest Energy has focused their attention on expanding their retail forecourt business, and are pleased that the Pearl Motors site will be the first of many in the North to turn to the Harvest Energy brand. Nine further sites in the North East are set for completion by the end of September, and Harvest Energy are confident that many more will follow.
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.
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.