and Ann attend regional meetings and have enjoyed networking on
recent visits to FPS EXPO in Liverpool.
“It may have taken us awhile to get to where we are now, but recent
developments have made a huge difference to our operation,” said Ann.
In good shape
Starting to take a better shape three years ago when planning
permission was granted, it took nearly 18 months to complete the depot
build; K9 Fuels now operates from a purpose-built wet depot and a well-
equipped office.
The new depot features an IFC Inflow skid with tanks from local
company, Neil Vessey (Storage Tanks). Good security was high on the
agenda with the depot equipped with interceptors, lights, cameras,
electrification and alarms to current regulations, plus the depot’s
Fuelsoft system has been upgraded to the latest version for ease of use
and additional capabilities.
Now settled in one of the newest depots in fuel distribution, the
company operates four rigid tankers, with a fifth due, and has four
regular drivers, all trained to access refineries. The company’s first brand
new Magyar-built tanker, supplied by Matthew Gilmore of Maine Group/
Just Tankers is driven by the longest serving driver, whilst depot manager,
Craig Belshaw, who started out as a driver three years ago, is an ex-police
officer adept at handling tricky customers. Also assisting with general
administration is Ken’s niece Anika Shingdia.
“We now have huge flexibility and do as much marketing as
possible, advertising where ever appropriate and taking part in local
sponsorship,” said Ann.
“With service being a high priority in this highly competitive, cost
conscious industry, we have to be good at what we do.”
Working in an excellent arable growing area, whilst Ken may have
found some farmers rather ‘set in their ways’, he does feel that K9 Fuels
has benefitted from being a reliable smaller player; the company also
supplies to an agricultural buying group.
Kerosene customers, who have the option of a top-up service, are
offered a Cleanburn additive with many seeing improvements; to date
only a handful of customers have so far switched to renewable heating
technologies.
Having previously run a B2B manufacturing business, running a
trading business and selling largely to the public was initially ‘a big
shock’ to Ken.
“I now find talking to customers really enjoyable – some are in a
hurry, some want a good deal, and some may give you grief, but there’s
K9 Fuels now operates from a well-equipped office and a purpose-built wet depot
one thing for certain, there’s never a dull moment! Each day is different
in the fuel business – it’s very hands on and there’s always something to
get your teeth into.”
K9 Fuels, which presently buys on the spot market, has experienced
those not so good times when the oil price impacts on cash flow, supply
can be erratic and online selling takes a chunk.
Enjoying the challenge
“We took on a challenge – and said ok let’s get on with it! It was tough
for the first year or so when we didn’t have the background knowledge,
but we’ve enjoyed growing slowly and have relished our growth
challenges,” said Ann.
“Looking back on our achievements – we’ve established ourselves
in the market, made plans and grown the business. We take pride in
offering a reliable and dedicated service to all those customers who have
now come on board.”
Asked what particular attributes are needed as a fuel distributor,
Ken put ‘flexibility’ and ‘open mindedness’ at the top of the list.
“We must be quick to respond to customers’ needs, keep up to
date with changes in the market, ensure vehicles are kept in excellent
condition and as winter approaches, our focus is on being as shipshape
as possible.” Both Ken and Craig are on standby as back-up drivers.
“With the push for alternative fuels, there may be uncertain times
ahead but in what timescale? As the country faces a major transition,
the long-term future may look unsettled; in the meantime, we must
continue to do the best we can and to look after our customers who trust
us to do the right thing for them.”
Armed with a new depot, new tanker and new software – the
dynamics at K9 Fuels have come a long way since 2009. In the week Fuel
Oil News visited, depot manager Craig was even lined up to talk about
the Cold Weather Priority initiative on local radio.
Fuel Oil News | January 2019 13