IN CONVERSATION
Do you offer any carbon offsetting schemes or plan to get involved with any ? As a UKIFDA member we fully support the organisation ’ s carbon compensation scheme . The trade association has been taking part in the TIST ( The International Small Group and Tree Planting ) program in Kenya since 1st March 2020 to compensate for the carbon emissions associated with its operation .
UKIFDA has partnered with a member ( Portland Fuel ) to introduce a scheme whereby Voluntary Carbon Units ( VCUs ) are purchased to neutralise the cardon footprint of the industry .
Over the next five years , what do you see as the major challenges to the industry and what are the positives ? There are multiple challenges we ’ re going to be facing over the next five years , not least the impact of the recent coronavirus pandemic . Another hot potato is Brexit , which is continuing to deliver uncertainty for our industry .
These factors , coupled with the decarbonisation targets set out by government as I mentioned earlier , will most certainly keep the sector on its toes . As an independent we ’ ll be looking to maintain an agile approach , which will be centred on our customers ’ evolving requirements .
16 Fuel Oil News | December 2020
What would you say has been the key to your success ? The longevity of our amazing team is something we are very proud of . Many have been with the company for over 15 years with the longest serving 20 years ! Trevor and I enjoy working with them and they are great ambassadors for our business .
We are both very involved with the day-to-day activities . It is all part of being a family-owned business and taking a true team approach . As I often say , it ’ s the ‘ Kettlewell cuddle ’ attitude that makes a difference when it comes to looking after our team and our customers .
Learning from the experts has also been key to our success . It ’ s a very knowledgeable sector and I ’ ve been an active member of UKIFDA in various voluntary positions . I ’ ve also been involved with other industry organisations and groups where people are happy to advise and share their expertise . It ’ s a great industry to be a part of .
Janet , please can you tell us more about your new Presidency at UKIFDA , and what this means to you ? UKIFDA provides a great platform that allows our industry to blossom , companies to grow and individuals to find answers to their questions . Importantly , it influences the actions , policies or decisions of officials within the industry and provides representation at government level .
This is a sector full of incredibly hardworking and professional people who , over the years , have supported both me , and Kettlewell Fuels as a business .
Having been a part of the UKIFDA Management Committee for five years and regional representative for Yorkshire and the North East of England , it has been great to see the organisation ’ s transformation into a modern , forward thinking organisation . I am pleased to be a part of its next stage of development .
What are you most looking forward to doing , changing and influencing as President ? First and foremost , I will be working hard to raise awareness of UKIFDA and its benefits to ensure liquid fuel users make UKIFDA members their first-choice provider .
I recognise the importance of decarbonisation and will be working alongside my UKIFDA colleagues to ensure we find the best solutions .
Helping consumers understand the decarbonisation message will be a major focus but I want to ensure that we don ’ t alienate and leave behind those who are vulnerable