was
studying
the
recently
published edition of the Retail
suppose
I
am
biased
as
a
contributor.
Marketing Survey, the March 2010
We seem to creeping nearer to
issue, and found myself thinking that
the pinnacle of our year as APEA
from 1967 until 31st December 2009,
2010 is well and truly on the horizon.
over 30,000, yes, 30,000 retail petrol
We have been trying to put the
stations have closed in 42 years – a
conference together and hope it
phenomenal
yet
draws a good attendance and
retail
keeps pace with innovation and
customer
amount
demands
and for
shopping and goods other than fuel
changes within our market.
have risen dramatically thereby
There seems to be a lot of interest
showing that as a nation, our habits
from members in Ireland at present
have
which from Council’s point of view, is
changed
out
of
all
recognition.
fantastic as we are receiving new
If we had said to a local dealer 40
applications regularly. I have some
years ago that he would have his
trips to Ireland on APEA business
shop open all night and throughout
both north and south of the border
the weekend, that customers would
coming up and love the place. Well
come to his site and get cash out of
done you guys!
discussion and an explanation on what is commented upon and how, as petroleum inspectors, we link into the planning process. I am looking forward to this as the fundamental aspect of the workshop is delegate participation, so more on that perhaps in the next issue. You will see a short news article
a machine, that they could select
On top of that we have some
reporting on the outcome of a legal
and purchase fresh salad food, and
excellent news in that the Yorkshire
case where two women lost their
in reward for all this, give them a
and Humberside branch are re-
lives following an explosion in a taxi
discount if they show a loyalty card,
forming after being dormant for
office in Immingham. It is always sad
the same dealer would think us all
some
all
to report the loss of any life but the
mad and completely stupid – I
encouragement to see branches
lessons that are being learned has
mean who would want to get fuel at
becoming active, like Ireland has in
caused a re-write of the guidance
2 o’clock in the morning?
recent years, and look forward to
on Portable Petrol Containers for
The history series continues and to
seeing regular branch reports from
which a second draft has been
be honest I have taken a back seat
this revitalised Branch in the coming
circulated
for a little while as the task falls to a
months.
Licensing Authorities through the
years.
It
gives
us
among
Petroleum
very able Jamie Thompson who on
On the training front, we have
national Petroleum Enforcement
this occasion is covering the short
completely overhauled our one day
Liaison Group (PELG). The final draft
modern
course on DSEAR, we are
in the
is expected in the summer and with
Pumps. I must admit when he told
process of launching a new one day
permission we hope to re-produce
me I wondered just how much can
course on Vapour Recovery and as
the PETEL Circular when it is ready.
be written on the subject – how
a trial I am running a one day
We continue to serve, we hope, as
wrong can I be?
workshop in Belfast in May purely on
conduit for all in the industry.
history
of
Submersible
You will see that the Ask the
dealing with plans, submissions and
It is time for me to stop writing
Experts section has continued and
the application of the national
before it becomes a “blog” as they
we would like some feedback on
guidance,
say nowadays. Hope you enjoy the
this – a phone call, e-mail or a note
Depending on how this goes it is
to Jane – as I am trying to gauge
possible we may be offering this at
interest and whether the members
strategic locations later in the year.
feel it is a worthwhile regular topic.
In the case of Belfast, delegates are
Personally, I think it is but then I
bringing in actual submissions for
the
Blue
Book.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
read and until next time…
Best Wishes
Brian 7
EDITOR’S REPORT
I
