THE GARAGE WATCH CAMPAIGN JOINS FPS
20 September 2006

The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) is delighted to announce that the Garage Watch Campaign has joined the FPS. This exciting change will enable the Campaign to take advantage of the FPS’s resources to provide the membership with better and extended benefits and services.

Mark Bradshaw, who has been so effective in raising the profile of independent filling stations with Government, will continue to head the Campaign, which aims to promote and support the independent forecourt industry.

Mark said, “We are also delighted with this development as we feel it will boost the resources we can offer to our membership whilst strengthening our lobbying voice. The FPS were very instrumental in the early days of the Campaign so it makes perfect sense now for us to join them in this way. It is true to say that without their help in the beginning, the Garage Watch Campaign could not have happened. Since then, we have regularly worked together to highlight issues to Government with noted results. We are excited at the opportunities joining the FPS brings and look forward to a robust, active and effective future.”

The FPS is the trade association for the oil distribution industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and many of its members have direct or indirect interests in forecourts, so that the synergy from amalgamating the two bodies in one organisation is substantial.

Susan Hancock, Chief Executive of the FPS, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Mark in supporting the independent forecourt industry. The FPS has much to offer the Garage Watch Campaign and its members, who will benefit from the increased resources now available to them. Many of the issues on which we lobby Government affect the retail market in the same way, so our combined resources should provide a more effective voice for the oil supply industry.”


NOTES

Note 1
The Garage Watch Campaign was started by Mark Bradshaw in 2000, in response to the pressures of ‘two-tier’ pricing that happened in the wake of the fuel blockades.

What began as a protest group developed into an effective trade body representing the independent garage in negotiations with both Government departments and other trade bodies. Recently described by the DTI in a press release as the “voice of the independent”, Garage Watch strives to highlight the difficulties faced by independent petrol retailers. Through regular communication with its members, it aims to inform them of current legislation and offer straight forward practical advice, as well as information on business opportunities to help them not only remain open but on a profitable basis.

Media enquiries to:

Federation of Petroleum Suppliers Ltd
Tel: 01565 631313
Email office@fpsonline.co.uk





Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS)

Established in 1979, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers Limited is the trade association for oil distributors and ancillary interests in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

It provides members with a collective voice for the industry at national levels, services to assist members in optimising their business efficiencies and promotes best practice in the industry.

Membership is organised on a geographical basis with regional activities, and the Federation also holds an Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Governance is through Council, to which each region nominates a representative.

For more information about the Federation, please contact the office at the address given below, or visit its website www.fpsonline.co.uk

Federation of Petroleum Suppliers Ltd
3 Slaters Court, Princess St, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6BW,UK
Tel: 01565-631313 Fax: 01565-631314
Email office@fpsonline.co.uk
Website: www.fpsonline.co.uk