APEA Live 2024 Review Magazine by apeauk

APEA Live 2024

AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

APEA (The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration)

APEA Live - 14th November 2024

By Jamie Thompson, APEA Technical Chairman

Milton Keynes Stadium was once again the venue for what proved to be a very busy and productive APEA Live Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner. This year the Exhibition and Conference was sponsored by Elaflex and the Awards Dinner by Crown Oil Environmental Ltd. Thank you to all the sponsors and 1600 delegates attending making this such a very successful event, now considered the top UK event for this industry.

The Conference host was Nikki Dean, Broadcaster and Presenter. The morning session was well attended with 90 people listening to Forecourt Compliance 2024 to ensure Regulatory alignment and operational excellence.

Jamie Walker from the Energy Institute who chaired the various groups dealing with the re-write of the new 5th edition of the Blue Book explained the procedures for the revision and that the 5th edition guidance is being launched today as he waived a copy of the new Guidance at the audience. He also commented that the APEA/EI Guidance on Hydrogen collocated at petrol stations has also been updated.

Jamie Thompson explained the history of the Blue Book and the changes made over the 25 years since the HSE approached the APEA to write the first industry Guidance and how successful it had been, not only in the UK but being adopted in many countries around the world.

The challenges associated with the installation of Electric Chargers on smaller filling stations was raised and examples of poor installations in hazardous areas shown, and that such installations should ideally be notified to the Petroleum Enforcing Authority. The subject of maintenance of leak detection systems was also brought to the attention of regulators and operators. He encouraged all of industry, both regulators and operators, to read the Red Guide which provides important advice on operations and maintenance of stations.

Gareth Bourhill introduced the changes for the electrical section and the EV charging issues with emphasis on keeping chargers, the vehicle being charged and associated wiring outside hazardous areas.

Model electrical certificates were mentioned and the new forms are all available in the new edition. The Code of Practice for EV Charging at Filling Stations has also been updated and will be available to members before the end of the year.

Clare Scawthorn from the Petrol Retailers Association introduced the new updated Red Guide which has been produced by PELG and which now covers unmanned sites, training requirements for forecourt staff and also mentioned the Olive/APEA on-line training course. She explained that there is a working group looking at an inspection regime and her industry update covered the problems the industry was facing such as, amongst other things, crime, National Insurance increases and minimum wage.

The first afternoon panel session was chaired by Nikki Dean including Wayne Harrand, MPK Garages, John Garnett, VARS Technology and Art van Rooijen, Big Brother. Combatting Forecourt Crime: strategies and solutions for a safer future.

All panel members agreed there is a real problem with crime –both theft from the shop and from the forecourt. There was a discussion and interaction from the audience over the forecourt theft. There seems to be organised gangs working areas of the country stealing fuel from all the PFS’ in an area. On understanding the system and using the PFS as a “payday loan”, the criminals know it takes a minimum of 7 days for the civil action to be brought. Criminals fill up and know that they have at least 7 days before they are chased or if they bother at all.

There was a discussion about staff training and how to spot such incidents. Wayne Harrand replied “we know what a normal car fill looks like in volume or sales quantity, so if the customer is going beyond this level, they fill alternative containers in the back of the vehicle.” Also, if someone is looking suspicious, trying to avoid the CCTV on site, parking with the vehicle between them and the PFS staff etc.

There was then a discussion about the size of the problem. Nikki asked about VARS Technology and Big Brother; both company’s representatives assured the audience their technology was accurate and they are confident in its capabilities.

The second afternoon panel session was again chaired by Nikki Dean and included Wayne Harrand, MPK Garages, Steve Rodell, Christie and Co and Chris Noice, Association of Convenience Stores. Future Proofing Your Forecourt Trends Innovations, and Growth Strategies.

An interesting panel discussion, Wayne Harrand had useful ideas on how to make your destination the best, understanding customers’ needs and their role within the local community the

best pies or sandwiches in the area from a local supplier as an example, working with a local butcher and stocking BBQ packs in the summer.

Steve Rodell from Christie and Co explained the value and sell business and the basics are key – ‘the kerb appeal’: what does the PFS, or business, look like from the outside, what makes you want to stop, first impressions.

Chris Noice of the Association of Convenience Stores did talk about the state of the industry at the present time and the problems that we are all aware of for employers - national insurance, minimum wage and the price of fuel.

The Fuel for Thought Theatre

A series of technical presentations were made at this theatre for delegates to listen to:

• Energy Saving technologies for the retail sector - Paul Jordon of The Jordan Group

• Chubb Fire and Security - Overcoming your unique profit protection and fire safety challenges with a forecourt environment

Andrew Collinson Chubb Fire and Security

• Are interceptors getting the detailed inspections they require?

Sorcha Hudson Environmental Consultant Green Spark

• Quantifying the profitability of EV-charging at your Petrol Station

Philip Reese Director Evenlode Roadside

• Advanced Leak Detection solutions for pressurised fuel installations with submersible pumps

Alex Boudry PFS Fueltec

• Reducing Forecourt Crime

John Garrett of VARS Technology

It is hoped that these presentations will be published in The Bulletin in due course for those who missed them.

Pre-Dinner Drinks

The pre-dinner drinks were sponsored by Green Chem Solutions and enjoyed in the exhibition area where the guests mingled with exhibitors.

The awards dinner, sponsored by Crown Oil Environmental, who were thanked by the APEA Chairman Michael O’Connell who introduced Willen Hospice as the charity for the night, is pleased to report that £3100.00 was raised, so thanks to all our guests.

Awards Dinner

The awards dinner was soon underway with a record attendance of 680 people. The host for the evening was comedian, Dara Ó Briain, who kept us all entertained.

The Lifetime Achievement award went to Brian Humm who I remember starting work as a young trainee petroleum inspector in London many years ago – congratulations Brian!

A wonderful evening and another demonstration of how this industry is progressing and rising to the environmental and safety challenges affecting us all.

Health and Safety Excellence Award

Winner - VARS Technology Forecourt Protection powered by VARS AI

Rising levels of fuel and retail thefts on forecourts across the UK presents a substantially increased safety risk to both staff and customers. VARS Technology plays a vital role for forecourt operators by providing them with advanced warning when vehicles previously reported for criminal activity enter their site. While the majority of the approximately 72,000 vehicles included on the VARS national blacklist are for Drive-Offs, the list also includes those linked to incidents of fly-tipping, retail theft, and aggressive or threatening behaviour.

Alongside the ANPR system, VARS now also offers cutting-edge facial recognition for in-store, providing warnings to staff when individuals linked to shoplifting or aggressive behaviour enter the premises. Automatic audio warnings also give the option to let offenders know they have been identified automatically, reducing the requirement for staff to actively confront shoplifters and other problem individuals.

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Paul Fuller, John McVan, John Garnett, Laurie Taylor, Andrew Dodds, Vars Technology, Nick Horne, Suresite Group, Christian Turnbull, Vars Technology and APEA Chairman, Michael O’Connel

Incident reports and evidence are manually reviewed to ensure accuracy, which includes a scoring system to assess the severity of a particular incident. This score is then used to determine the geographical range over which an alert will be shared to other sites using the VARS Face system to make them aware of potential threats.

Sites currently using the system report a substantial reduction in incidents of both theft and aggressive interactions between individuals and staff. One site recorded a specific problem individual more than 40 times in the first

month the system was installed, which had more than halved the following month. The individual stopped visiting entirely within three months, knowing they would be detected as soon as they set foot on the premises, preventing the frequent hostile interactions with staff that had previously taken place.

All VARS software is designed and built in-house, with a development director and four full-time developers writing every line of code. New features, including those requested by customers, are typically implemented within two weeks. After a first trial site in February 2024, the VARS Face system is now a commercially available product with a substantial number of additional sites in the pipeline. With each new site the system is installed on, VARS Face can provide an overall stronger degree of protection for all customers as problem individuals are more readily identified and alerts can be shared to provide warning to other users of the system.

Health and Safety Excellence Award

Runners

up

Gilbarco Veeder-Root - Gilbarco Veeder-Root Installation Team

In 1898, in the small Westphalian town of Salzkotten, chemist Ferdinand Henze patented an explosion-proof can, igniting the beginning of Gilbarco Veeder-Root's European journey. Our factory on Ferdinand-Henze-Straße has since been a cradle of innovation for European energy retail — crafting the first multi-product fuel dispenser for Aral AG in 1928, and advancing to fit outdoor payment terminals on ANGI hydrogen dispensers and Konect EV chargers in 2024. Grounded in a dedication to safety and quality engineering, the GVR story is intertwined with Salzkotten's spirit. As we celebrate 125 years, we thank our partners whose trust has fuelled this remarkable achievement.

Certas Energy - The Hollies, The Stop The Hollies, The Stop, continues to prioritise health and safety since winning the APEA Health and Safety Performance Award 2023. Following a critical medical incident, the team’s swift actions ensured a positive outcome for a team member, putting training into action. Key improvements include the installation of a defibrillator, upgrading the forecourt surface with the match funding Government grant, and implementing advanced monitoring systems like Poseidon for remote engineering and fuel management. The site received multiple accolades in the last 12 months recognising its focus on Health and Safety. The Hollies is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all on-site.

Milestone Award

Winner - Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Gilbarco Veeder-Root celebrates 125 Years of Safety, Reliability & Quality in Europe

During the year 1865 in Western Massachusetts, Charles Gilbert and John Barker partnered to create the "Springfield Gas Machine", allowing buildings far away from a city’s gas mains to be safely lit with gas lamps. Several years before, Barker had been seriously injured in an explosion at an armoury, apparently caused by a defective gas machine. As a result, the company we now know as Gilbarco Veeder-Root began insisting on safety as a priority — a concern we have carried with us all these years, forming the bedrock of our company values.

Thousands of miles away in Salzkotten, Germany, another story of innovation was soon to unfold. Historically dominated by traditional salt production, the influx of cheaper rock salt in the late 19th century saw many of the town’s saltworks begin to close down. In 1898, a chemist by the name of Ferdinand Henze recognised this, and together with his business partner Jacob Cohn, pivoted

Arthur Plumpton, Unicode Systems Andrew Olive, Hytek announcing the Milestone award winner, Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Nick Horne, Suresite Group announcing the Health & Safety Excellence award winner, VARS Technology

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Nicola Kidd from Gilbarco Veeder-Root, Andrew Olive, Hytek, Arthur Plumpton, Unicode Systems, and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

his pharmaceutical and chemistry skills towards gas technologies to register a patent for a safer, “explosion-proof” can. In 1899, the Factory for Explosion-Proof Containers, or “FEG”, was born.

125 years later, this moment can be recognised as the beginning of the story of Gilbarco Veeder-Root in Europe — with almost too many innovations to count along the way.

From the first multi-product fuel dispenser in 1928 for Aral AG, to the fitting of advanced outdoor payment terminals on ANGI hydrogen dispensers and Konect electric vehicle chargers in 2024, the Salzkotten factory and offices have remained on FerdinandHenze-Straße since that fateful day in 1899.

"The DNA of Salzkotten runs through every product we deliver globally," says Dietmar Kreth, Managing Director of Gilbarco GmbH. "From humble beginnings to a world-class production hub exporting to over 100 countries, our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation remains steadfast."

Salzkotten’s impact is monumental, not only for its technical advancements but also for its people. The facility employs over 400 dedicated individuals whose expertise fuels our global operations, and whose tenure goes back decades, often multigenerationally — a testament to the people that define GVR.

As we look to the future, this milestone reaffirms our dedication to the partners and customers that have joined us on this journey. We are immensely proud to have this chapter of the GVR story recognised by the APEA Milestone Award and look forward to the next century of shaping the future of energy and mobility.

Milestone Award Runners up

C+A Design Ltd - 15 years of C+A Design Ltd

Celebrating 15 years of architectural innovation, C + A Design has evolved from a two-person startup to a leader in forecourt and commercial design, serving clients like Asda, Costco, Shell, and Ascona. Our expertise spans automated forecourts, LNG transitions, and EV charging infrastructure, delivering projects that meet rigorous regulatory standards while promoting sustainability. From awardwinning forecourts to environmentally sensitive sites, our designs support evolving energy needs and sustainable practices. This milestone highlights our commitment to resilient, forward-thinking solutions that shape the future of the fuel and energy retail industry.

Certas Energy - HVO on the Road

Certas Energy has made significant strides in carbon reduction by pioneering the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). As the first to introduce HVO at an HGV refuelling site, they have expanded to twelve additional sites across the UK. In addition, Certas Energy has created an “HVO on the Road Hub” on their website, which includes information on the fuel alongside the industry's first ‘Fleet Balancing Calculator’ and a ‘Carbon Savings Calculator’ to empower businesses to transition to renewable fuels. Certas Energy’s commitment to innovation and investment in infrastructure sets a new benchmark for sustainability in the energy sector.

AIR-serv - Celebrating 40 years of AIR-serv

In 2024, AIR-serv proudly celebrates 40 years of excellence in the forecourt industry. As the leading provider of forecourt pay air (tyre inflation), vacuum and jet wash machines, AIR-serv supports the forecourt industry in the UK and seven other European countries. Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives us to continuously enhance our services, ensuring reliable and efficient vending machines. AIR-serv has built a reputation for quality and trust, making us the preferred choice for petrol station operators. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we look forward to many more years of success.

Murco & Motor Fuel Group - Murco Connect - adding value to the Independent Dealer Network Murco Connect, introduced in July 2023, delivers comprehensive support to Murco’s dealer network. Designed as a ‘cost-free’ dealersupplier bridge, Murco Connect passes all rebates and incentives directly to dealers. The program includes strategic partnerships with over 40 leading convenience and forecourt service providers, offering expert support across non-fuel revenue areas like shop management, valeting, and food services.

As part of the Motor Fuel Group, Murco Connect leverages extensive resources to create a unique, value-added package tailored to each dealer. Murco Connect is receiving positive feedback from dealers with operational improvements, and stronger support across convenience store and forecourt operations.

Nupi Industrie Italiane S.p.A. - Nupi: Achieving a major milestone and leadership in sustainability in the Plastic Piping Industry

Nupi Industrie Italiane S.p.A., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced piping solutions in infrastructure and forecourt industries, has reached a major milestone by achieving the SynESGy B-level certification for ESG excellence, highlighting its leadership in sustainable practices within the plastic piping industry. This award entry details Nupi’s journey in implementing energy-efficient technologies like trigeneration plants and joining recycling consortia for polyethylene and polypropylene. Through these initiatives, Nupi promotes circular economy practices, reduces its carbon footprint, and enhances supply chain sustainability, setting new standards in environmental responsibility. This achievement, during a year of heightened regulatory focus, further solidifies Nupi’s reputation as a proactive leader in sustainable development.

Vectec Ltd - 30 years serving the commercial refuelling industry

After 10 years working in the commercial fuel industry with his father Bernard, Simon Fowler established Vectec Limited in 1994. The business began trading out of Simon's home office, eventually outgrowing this and taking on the office in Wendover that it still operates from today. The business now serves over 1,000 client sites across the UK mainland from Cornwall to the Highlands. Simon retired from Vectec at end of November 2023 with the business now being managed by Bert Fowler, who reaches his own personal milestone of 10 years in the refuelling industry in January 2025.

Environmental Protection and Sustainability Award

Sponsored by Titan Cloud

Winner - GW Environmental Consulting Ltd Bioremedial Solutions for a Safer Cleaner Industry

The treatment of fuel spills and hydrocarbon contaminated waste water has traditionally involved environmentally unfriendly and carbon intensive processes, often simply moving waste from A to B for further treatment.

The use of harsh chemical cleaners on forecourts and refuelling equipment often degrades surfaces, exposes staff to harmful substances and creates additional chemically toxic waste.

Almost all of the UK waterways have failed chemical water quality tests as we seem to forget that nearly

everything that goes into a drain then goes into the environment and eventually our drinking water.

As part of a spill management response that has not changed in over 125 years sand or absorbent grit is frequently added to spills to create a secondary waste stream that needs to be managed.

Even where hydrocarbons are trapped in fuel separators they are then often removed by road tankers for waste processing elsewhere creating a large carbon footprint associated with the waste management stream.

GW Environmental Consulting Ltd have demonstrated that through the use

of naturally occurring bacteria and natural surfactants hydrocarbon waste can be treated and effectively reduced in situ.

Unlike many imported products our bioremedial solutions contain bacteria that are indigenous to the UK. The bacteria are kept in suspension in our concentrated solutions and become active when diluted with water. Once awake they ingest hydrocarbons reducing them to water and naturally occurring C02.

Throughout COVID 19 we saw a degradation in naturally occurring bacteria required for the natural breakdown of waste due to the increased use of anti-bacterial products. Our bioremedial solutions help to put harmless yet essential bacteria back into the environment.

Our multi-purpose products can be used for spill management, routine cleaning and dosing have been proven to reduce risk, costs and environmental impact across forecourts, fleet depots and railway engineering facilities.

Where there is hydrocarbon contamination in the ground soil injection of our products can remediate hydrocarbon contamination without the need for expensive and carbon intensive digging and dumping activities. Our soil remediation products are especially beneficial where contamination sits under existing structures that may prevent physical excavation.

Our chemical free cleaning and dosing products create a safer workplace for employees, reduce the chemical waste footprint of facilities, protect forecourt equipment, and most importantly protect the environment.

For more information on our bioremedial solutions range please email us at info@gwenvironmentalconsulting.com or visit our website at www.gwenvironmentalconsulting.com

Environmental Protection and Sustainablility Award Runners up

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) - Vapour Recovery System

The Vapour Recovery System (VRS) is crucial for the forecourt industry, significantly reducing VOC’s emissions by capturing and converting fuel vapours into usable fuel. This technology enhances operational efficiency, improves air quality, and aligns with global sustainability regulations. ENOC Retail's VRS has recovered 2.9 million litres of fuel, cutting CO2 emissions by 6,679 metric tons and generating savings of approximately 8.77 million AED. The last 12 months leading to November 2024 are vital for assessing the system's impact, showcasing ENOC's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in fuel retail.

Markey Building Services - Markey Building Services & Sustainability

With over 15 years of experience in petrol forecourt development, including everything from knockdown rebuilds to EV charging hubs, for Markey Building Services, sustainability in the petrol forecourt industry is vital to meet evolving environmental standards and customer demand. As petrol stations transition to include EV chargepoints, adopting eco-friendly practices reduces carbon footprints, improves operational efficiency, and enhances the company’s reputation. Sustainable construction methods, waste reduction, and energy-efficient installations ensure long-term success and market competitiveness in a rapidly changing industry. The majority of the company’s energy needs are met through self-generated power from renewable sources like biomass, solar, or through imports from 100% renewable energy generators.

Nupi Industrie Italiane S.p.A. - Nupi -

Pioneering sustainable innovation with ESG Excellence and SynESGy Certification

Nupi Industrie Italiane S.p.A., a leader in advanced piping systems, emphasising innovation, quality, and sustainability in infrastructure and forecourt sectors. The company’s commitment to ESG practices earned it the SynESGy B-level certification, underscoring its dedication to circular economy principles, energy-efficient production, and long-lasting products. Nupi’s efforts include trigeneration plants for energy, partnerships in plastic recovery consortia in Europe and a focus on reducing its carbon footprint. This award entry highlights Nupi’s proactive role in setting industry standards for sustainability, enhancing its market reputation, and addressing environmental challenges with measurable positive impacts.

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Graeme Warnell from GW Environmental Consulting Ltd, Trevor Long, Titan Cloud and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

Swan Civil Engineering - Total Protect

Total protect is a multifaceted system designed to safeguard fuel storage facilities. The system works by integrating various sensors and safeguarding systems on site to a control system. The system is able to monitor boreholes for contamination, drainage for escape of oils/pollutants and tank sumps for presence of explosive gases. Automated drainage valves are also integrated to the system so immediate action can be taken in the event of a loss of containment.

The system is able to monitor these areas in real-time ensuring pollution events are halted or reported immediately.

Trevor Long, Titan Cloud announcing the Environmental Protection and Sustainability award winner, GW Environmental Consulting Ltd

Best New Retail Forecourt Award

Winner - The Jordon Group and McFadden Building & Civil Engineering Ltd Exelby Services A19 Southbound

The Jordon Group and McFadden Building & Civil are thrilled to announce that Exelby Services Southbound has won the “Best New Forecourt in the Past 12 Months” at the prestigious APEA Awards 2024.

Exelby Services, a trunk road service area, features a Shell PFS with HGV bunkering forecourt, a retail shop, and a truck park. The site underwent significant redevelopment in late 2023, which included expanding the shop, truck park, and car parking facilities.

The Jordon Group had the privilege of executing the complete fit-out works, from floor to ceiling, in the retail store. The shop extension boasts a flat roof that accommodated a 60kW solar PV system, reducing electricity costs and substantially lowering the site's operational carbon footprint.

The new truck park was constructed with HRA tarmac to withstand the high usage and heavy wear and tear from the over 40 HGV

John Garnett of VARS Technology Ltd announcing the Best New Retail Forecourt award winner, The Jordon Group and McFadden Building & Civil Engineering Ltd

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Paul Jordon, Fraser McFadden, Chris Durr, Paul McFadden, Gareth Miller from The Jordon Group and McFadden Building & Civil Engineering Ltd, John Garnett Vars Technology and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

trucks that use the facility each night. The truck park is one of the region's highest-security parking facilities, featuring a hightech CCTV and ANPR gated access system with full perimeter lighting, despite not being manned.

The shop extension also allowed for the installation of a kitchen prep area and hot food-to-go section, as well as an eat-in option under the Stone Willy’s Kitchen brand. This exclusive brand and extensive menu cater to every client demographic, offering healthy grab-and-go meals and a relaxed seating area for those with extra time to enjoy a meal and Costa Coffee.

Managing Director, Rob Exelby, commented: “2024 has seen customer numbers soar and revenue exceed our targets, which is fantastic to see alongside the additional benefits of the development.”

We extend our gratitude to Rob and the entire team at Exelby Services for choosing The Jordon Group as their fit-out specialists. Long may the customer numbers rise and the revenue soar!

Best New Retail Forecourt Award Runners up

ATF Fuels - ATF St Helier - 24/7

ATF carried out a refurbishment of an existing Forecourt.

For the canopy installation, we saw an opportunity to do something different and install the 1st canopy of its nature in the UK Conscious we are all living in a time where we need to be ever more conscious about our impact on the environment, we placed sustainability high on our design agenda.

It was also important to provide a design that assimilated into the green backdrop of the site. The new ATF Canopy is an example of how we can lead the industry in a sustainably positive direction.

Tesco Property Services (Engineering) - Tesco Worcester PFS

Tesco Property Services (Engineering) ensures the Tesco PFS estate is built and maintained to the latest internal and industry standards, from development to operational use.

Our engineering team collaborated closely with our principal contractor and valued suppliers on the Worcester PFS project, to capture all relevant milestones, including regulatory compliance, health and safety responsibilities captured within the APEA/EI ‘Blue Book’ and Tesco Design Standard and Principles documentation.

This approach guarantees project completion is aligned with Tesco’s core purpose to serve our customers, communities, and the planet a little better every day by providing a trusted, value for money PFS offer.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by Steve Williams Construction West Midlands Ltd

Winner - Risbridger Ltd

The Risbridger DEAD-STOP Overfill Prevention Device

The Risbridger Team are extremely proud and thankful to have won the 2024 APEA Innovation Award in our 102nd year in business!

The DEAD-STOP 2” overfill prevention valve is easily installed, maintained, with a ZERO leak rate, is suitable for commercial above ground diesel storage installations, generator belly tanks and pressure deliveries. With a flow rate of 10 – 500 l/min and a maximum operating pressure of 10 bar (145 psi) the DEAD-STOP is suitable for a range of applications, protecting against the risk of an overfill should other methods fail.

The DEAD-STOP came from a requirement for ZERO Leak-rate Overfill valves. Following discussions with industry pre-Covid, Risbridger completed the first design of the DEAD-STOP. Based on the wellestablished RIS-STOP Overfill Prevention valves, the innovations included reversing the operational direction of the valve. This means that the valve is operated against the flow of incoming fluid.

The DEAD-STOP concept underwent continuous design improvements with several customers, some of whom service vital and sensitive installations. Close consultation with our customers led us through three major iterations of the design, followed by detailed and thorough additional testing.

Five beta versions were installed on generator tanks powering the Fosse flood defence system in York. The project was completed, and the valves continue to work there successfully. In conjunction with results from this project the DEAD-STOP valve was redesigned to reflect more exacting requirements established during the installation and validation process. The new version improved the operation and flow rates of the DEAD-STOP, but the external pipework proved costly to produce and was awkward to assemble. The final design modifications included the internal bypass path we see in the final design.

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Annie Risbridger Hind, Ben Hall and Chris Godfrey from Risbridger Ltd, Karl Orton, Steve Williams Construction West Midlands Ltd and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

Since launch of the DEAD-STOP in 2023, the valve is now established in the market. Sales are increasing and include 60 sold so far to an Australian MOD project, to be implemented in 2025.

Several tank manufacturers have completed their own in-situ testing of our DEAD-STOP and are confident in its operation and particularly appreciate the ease of installation. They will now specify DEAD-STOP in the place of rival products, which have in the past caused overfills.

Over our long history Risbridger has always striven to provide quality engineering solutions to industry needs, and we are committed to continuing in this mission. Many thanks to the APEA for providing the Awards Categories where we have showcased our company and products.

UK Patent No: GB2582354

Dover Fueling Solutions - RDM by DFS

Innovation Award Runners up

RDM by DFS works seamlessly with the Wayne® portfolio (Wayne Helix® 6000-II dispenser, which is available for a broad range of fuels, the Wayne Helix® 4000-II and Wayne Helix® 5000-II dispenser, both of which are highly configurable H-frame models, and Wayne Century™ 3 dispenser, which is a powerful and flexible pump suitable for a broad range of applications and flow rates). Available in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, RDM by DFS puts retailers in full control of their forecourt equipment and allows them to provide an optimal customer experience through our pioneering remote monitoring and management technology.

Dover Fueling Solutions and FLYX Cloud - DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX

Food and beverages have become a significant source of revenue for petrol stations, leading many establishments to expand their offerings to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As a result, Dover Fueling Solutions® (DFS) brings to the market the DFS Order Kiosk™ powered by FLYX. The DFS Order Kiosk™ is an advanced c-store ordering solution that can add real value to a fuel retail business and help differentiate their station from the competition. The easy-to-use food ordering process will reduce queues, and the various media options, which have shown to increase the average basket size, will help grow c-store revenue.

Dover Fueling Solutions - ProGauge MagLink LX Ultimate console

Established in 1993, ProGauge (formerly Start Italiana) has evolved into a leading brand for ATG solutions, globally. To continue its legacy and delivering equipment that the fuel retail industry can highly take advantage of, adding the MagLink LX Ultimate console to the already well-established MagLink LX family, alongside the MagLink LX Plus and MagLink LX 4 models, in August 2024 has marked another great achievement for the ProGauge brand. The MagLink LX Ultimate console has more computing power, a large responsive touchscreen, and increased connectivity to probes and sensors.

Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) - Compact Fuel Filling Station

ENOC's Compact fuel stations are essential to the forecourt industry, addressing urban space constraints with innovative design and advanced technologies. These stations improve access to fuelling services while incorporating Vapour Recovery Systems and solar PV panels to reduce environmental impact. Serving over 1,200 vehicles daily, they prioritise safety and operational efficiency. ENOC enhances customer experience through smart payment options and loyalty rewards. By promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, these stations establish a new standard for urban fuelling infrastructure, aligning with UAE’s clean energy goals and advancing the future of the forecourt industry.

Henderson Technology - Henderson Technology

Henderson Technology's EDGEPoS system, Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs), and self-checkout (SCO) tills provide an integrated solution tailored for the forecourt industry. These innovations enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and improve customer satisfaction.

Our technology addresses the growing demand for digital, contactless solutions while ensuring accuracy in pricing and promotions. By reducing manual tasks and providing real-time analytics, we empower forecourt retailers to respond swiftly to market trends, optimise their offerings, and deliver a seamless shopping experience. This integrated approach modernises forecourt retail, making it more efficient, engaging, and adaptable to evolving customer needs.

RE24

Limited - RE24 Insights and Marketplace

VARS

Technology Face Rec powered by VARS AI

Cutting edge facial recognition software powered by VARS AI that can identify known offenders in real-time, providing forecourt staff with the ability to prevent shoplifting before it occurs. Known offenders are added to a national watchlist, ensuring that all VARS customers benefit from shared protection from theft and anti-social behaviour.

Designed with data privacy at the core of the project, incidents are carefully reviewed by the VARS team to ensure the correct outcome every time. VARS AI delivers a solution that safeguards profits and reduces losses, while also creating a safer environment for both staff and customers.

Rick Tilney, Ancorra Environmental Services Ltd announcing the Rising Star award winner, Sumendra Sakya, Artelia

Anton Martiniussen, ELAFLEX announcing the winner of the Lifetime Achievement award winner, Brian Humm

Neil James Cameron, Industrial Services Ltd announcing the Best New Fuel Installation Non - Retail award winner, The Triscan Group

Karl Orton, Steve Williams Construction West Midlands Ltd announcing the Innovation award winner, Risbridger Ltd

Best New Fuel Installation Non-Retail Award

Winner - The Triscan Group Metroline Brentford Bus Garage

The Triscan Group are delighted to announce Metroline Brentford Bus Garage was named ‘Best New Non-Retail Fuel Installation’ at this year’s APEA Live 2024.

In prestigious company an award sponsored by Industrial Services Ltd in recognition of Design Excellence, Innovation, Environmental Safety and Quality Installation work winning this award once again demonstrates Triscan team’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service.

Triscan was contracted to update Metroline Brentford bus garage, a project 10 years in the making. Since 2004 Brentford Bus Garage has been a key part of Metroline, being the launchpad for buses serving Central London via Hammersmith as well as Heathrow and Hounslow. The ageing site dating back to the 1960s has long been in need of modernisation to meet the demands of London’s modern bus network.

Having moved operations to a temporary site work started in 2023 on a complete installation to include all necessary above ground bunded tanks, Diesel and AdBlue pumps and associated above ground delivery pipework for a two-lane refuelling facility.

With the significant addition of the garage installation of all necessary tanks, pumps and associated delivery pipework with delivery stations located for each of the 5 bus maintenance bays for all lubricating oils, coolant along with two waste oil transfer stations.

We would like to thank the whole team at Triscan that make these turnkey projects run and deliver for customers along side our extensive day to day activities across customer sites the length and breadth of the UK installing, servicing and maintaining fuel island controllers, pumps, tanks and contents gauges along with our suite of software products allowing you to account for every drop of fuel from source to exhaust. We continue to develop both hardware and

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Mark Whittaker, Andrea Whittaker, Adam Maddocks, Ricky DeVilliers from The Triscan Group, Neil James Cameron, Industrial Services Ltd and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

software solutions inhouse allowing us to tailor solutions to meet all customer needs.

Andrea Whittaker, Group Managing Director at The Triscan Group, said: “It’s fantastic that the Metroline Bus Garage Brentford has brought home the award for Best New Non-Retail Fuel Installation. This install showcases our team’s ability to provide a ‘one-stop’ solution and value for money offerings that not only have a tangible return on investment but build on long term relationships with customers and end users to manage fuel spend both in the short and long term.”

Best New Fuel Installation Non-Retail Award

Runners up

C+A Design Ltd - ASDA Didcot Ambient Distribution Centre

C + A Design played a pivotal role in the redevelopment of ASDA's Didcot Ambient Distribution Centre, introducing a dedicated LNG refuelling facility. This new installation includes an 80,000-litre storage tank, advanced safety systems, and an efficient layout integrated into the existing infrastructure, supporting ASDA’s transition from diesel to cleaner fuels. Completed in early 2024, the facility enables ASDA’s fleet to reduce CO₂ emissions significantly, aligning with their sustainability goals. Our comprehensive design, construction oversight, and regulatory expertise ensured a seamless, safe, and future-ready solution for ASDA’s logistics network.

Fuel Storage Systems Ltd - Sparkes Marina - Marine Fuel System Installation

Our installation at MDL Sparks Marina consisted of twin and mono C-Series fuel dispensers, de-baffling and single skin re-lining of a below ground fuel storage tank, and installation of a new above ground tank complete with OLE tank gauges.

This was an upgrade to an existing system to deliver better compliance including upgrades to a Stage 1B vapour recovery system and further reliability to the site's re-fuelling facility.

LCM Environmental Services Ltd - MTFI Transformation on an MOD base

This was an upgrade to an existing system to deliver better compliance including upgrades to a Stage 1B vapour recovery system and further reliability to the site's re-fuelling facility.

Premier Energy Storage Ltd - BCN 01 Datacenter - Critical data Back Up System

The installation at BCN01 in Spain is composed of 8-no 30,000 Litre Double Skin Tanks to EN12285-1

Each of the bulk tanks is connected to 1-no 1.25MW HVO Generator.

The tank is then installed and connected to the generator via secure, Pipe in Pipe Fuel Lines with Integral Leak Detection. Sensors and control systems are integrated to monitor fuel levels and ensure automatic refuelling when necessary.

The entire system is tested for safety and efficiency before being buried and the ground made good. This setup ensures a reliable and continuous fuel supply, crucial for maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

Proper installation and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and safety.

Rising Star Award

Sponsored by Ancorra Environmental Services Ltd

Winner - Sumendra Sakya from Artelia

At Artelia, excellence is a core value and something we look for in individuals when recruiting for Shell programme management roles. When Sumendra came for interview in 2022 he impressed Artelia’s Shell delivery team from the outset with his keenness to take on a coordinating role in a demanding project environment, even without prior experience in construction.

Over the course of the next two years, Sum showcased his self-motivation and commitment to excellence, thriving on the challenge of coordinating and tracking multiple projects for the Destination Recharge team.

In his Project Coordinator role, Sum was quick to spot the opportunities for digital transformation of processes and reports he was involved in. Without prompting, he began teaching himself skills in Power BI, Microsoft Project, SharePoint Lists, Power Apps and Power Automate, using these tools to automate workflow processes and integrate data. By creating interactive, real-time dashboards for our

Destination Recharge team he ensured that all team members were working with the same information and improved coordination across sites.

Impressed with the automation and informative reports being produced, Sum was invited to join colleagues in creating a new digital Programme Management Office, christened Artelia Keystone. As well as further developing his skills in Project for the Web (Microsoft) tools he has liaised closely with Artelia’s digital team in Paris to manage the interface with Artelia’s Project Management tool, WizArt. The outcome is an easy to use, one login - client portal providing rigorous project controls, oversight of programme delivery, capital expenditure, health & safety, with the ability to drill down into individual project progress, costs and quality.

With development now complete, Sum is rolling out training on Microsoft Project and PowerApps to both team and client stakeholders - empowering everyone to use the tools and creating a seamless integration of processes between Artelia and Shell.

Sum's success is reflected in the close rapport and respect he has from colleagues, who unanimously acknowledge the significant impact he has made to improving efficiency and automating tasks.

Shell client, Venkatesh Shreedharan, Head of Mobility Engineering, Shell UK: “I'm thrilled to commend Sumendra for his outstanding contributions to Artelia's digital platform. As a young, curious, and enthusiastic professional, he has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and drive progress. His passion for technology and keen interest in continuous learning have been instrumental in enhancing our program management, making it smarter and better.”

L to R: Dara Ó Briain, Sumendra Sakya, Artelia, Rick Tilney from Ancorra Environmental Services Ltd and Michael O’Connell, APEA Chairman

Ben Ewbank, LIS Group

Rising Star Runners up

Ben Ewbank is a hardworking and meticulous Engineer who has thrived with every second he has been in our challenging fuel industry. He has demonstrated on numerous occasions how his work ethic and natural ability on fuelling systems is second to none. He is continuously looking at self-improvement by means of knowledge and skillset. We at LIS are so proud of Ben and his achievements, we all look forward to seeing what his next step will be in the upcoming years with us. We are sure Ben will have an undoubtedly huge career ahead of him.

Laurie Taylor, VARS Technology

Joining VARS initially as a claims administrator in April 2021, Laurie has gone on to oversee the entire claims team of 15 staff, comprising new claims, appeals and parking. Laurie has taken a personal role in defining many of the individual roles within that team, as well as taking responsibility for training and developing each member of her team. She has also worked alongside our in-house development team to create our internal claims system, with VARS the most efficient and most successful claims team in our industry.

Millie Jones, Certas Energy

Millie Jones, Marketing Manager at Certas Energy for only one year, has quickly established herself as a rising star in the fuel industry. She has spearheaded innovative projects like the HVO on the Road Hub and developed tools including the UK’s first Fleet Balancing Calculator while hosting and co-producing an HVO-dedicated podcast. Millie’s strategic marketing initiatives have significantly boosted brand awareness and supported industry education. With her leadership and dedication, she has also provided valuable training to the team, showcasing her commitment to both personal growth and the advancement of her colleagues.

Sorcha Hudson, Green Spark Environmental Limited