From left to right: FPs Technical Manager Tony Brown, Marketing & Events Manager, Dawn Shakesphere & Chief Executive Mark Askew
The trade association for the oil distribution industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland, FPS (Federation of Petroleum Suppliers) is experiencing a surge in enquiries for new membership in the first month of 2017.
FPS is known for providing its members with up-to-date industry knowledge, training, technical support and Government lobbying and these have been the reasons for new members joining the FPS but, the association is keen to highlight many less well-known benefits.
The FPS has more than 135 distributor members, including over 30 members from the Republic of Ireland, plus 50 associate members and 2 affiliate members. Promoting best practice within the oil distribution sector, the association works hard to enable members to optimise their business through organised meetings, seminars, and events that support the formation of new relationships and create opportunities.
“We represent all our members at select committees, all party parliamentary groups, government departments, and in the media,” says Mark Askew, Chief Executive of FPS.
“Being a member means more than simply getting your voice heard, it means having a say on each and every matter that affects the industry.
“By joining us, members not only benefit from being able to access key industry information 24-7 and to contact us for business support whenever it’s needed, they can enjoy big savings on services including price monitoring, industry advertising and exhibition stands at the sector’s key annual event FPS EXPO organised by the FPS every year,” adds Mark
The trade association offers different membership levels, designed to suit different companies in the heating oil distribution industry.
Mark Askew comments: “Full membership is open to those who distribute fuels to end users, be that in the commercial or residential market, whereas our associate and affiliate membership options are for companies that provide goods and services to the oil distribution sector.
The FPS is always reviewing and developing the benefits and services which it offers to all its members to ensure we provide what our members want and need to operate in an increasing demanding market place and in the last 12 months we have also made available the services of The Retail Ombudsmen scheme to our members and their customers to comply with new Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Members can access BUPA Health Care Schemes as well as full-time business support on every aspect of running a business in this industry, from legal and health and safety issues through to HR and tax matters.
We offer exclusive rates for credit checking services and the Rate Information Service which monitors prices daily, as well as a free Admail service that lets you find or provide goods and send instant alerts in the event of fraud or theft, and entry onto the online service Find My Fuel Supplier which can be found on the Oilsave website www.oilsave.org.uk. This handy tool is directed at heating oil consumers looking to purchase fuel.
Technical advice from our highly qualified technical manager, Tony Brown, is also available for free, together with our free advice line for any sector-relevant queries members may have. Tony also plays a key role in representing members and any issues they may have with regulatory bodies such as HMRC.
There are lots of networking opportunities and ideal occasions for raising concerns, with meetings, seminars and events throughout the year.
We even offer a discount to members for exhibiting at FPS EXPO as well as free attendance, and a discount on advertising in our industry magazine Downstream.”
The trade association runs numerous training schemes to help companies follow best practice at all times, and provides important schemes such as its Fuel Certification Scheme for maintenance. Technical Manager Tony Brown undertakes Depot Mini Audits, DGSA Audit Reports & Compliance Checks, O Licence Compliance Checks, Workshop Audits, Vehicle Compliance Audits and Health & Safety Audits for members. In 2016 the FPS also introduced access to online Training Modules.
“Over the years, we’ve grown not just our membership but our knowledge and experience of the fuel distribution industry. This is why we are in such a strong position to support, protect and benefit our members to such a great extent.”
For more information on becoming a member of the FPS, including the different membership levels, visit www.fpsonline.co.uk or telephone Dawn Shakespeare on 0121 767 1320 or email [email protected]
