In Conversation
WP Group’s growing team is committed to fuelling change with tailored
initiatives designed to help customers achieve their business goals
WP Group – fuelling
change to stay ahead
With a focus on fuelling change amidst the
energy transition, WP Group has proven time
and again that it is ahead of the curve. To see
how this ethos has developed over time, we
first take a look back with David Fairchild.
Some 10 years ago, David Fairchild, then
managing director of the WP Group, declared;
“the time is right to deliver more than just
fuel.”
Speaking to Fuel Oil News for an article
published in the March 2011 issue, David said;
“The WP Group has evolved from its regional
roots to an independent group looking to the
future with a more defined offering and even
stronger customer focus. I believe this stance
in the market will command respect.”
Respect for David is something which
Darren Borras, now Moove Fuels – business
unit director (WP Group and Airport Energy),
was keen to share with Jane Raphael, former
editor of Fuel Oil News, and content editor,
14 Fuel Oil News | May 2020
Stephanie Samuel, on a visit to WP Group’s
new premises in Southampton earlier this year.
“Time has proved that David’s decision
was visionary,” explained Darren who praised
the former MD, for not only focusing on
the future, but also for his excellent skills in
networking with the industry and customers
alike which has served the business well.
“Only very occasionally do you meet a
real kindred spirit. In David I found someone
who was open to new ideas and willing to
back me to take the business forward. I can
genuinely say that meeting David was the
best moment in my career. For example, when
I first suggested a name change, rebranding
and new proposition for the business, David’s
response was; ‘Brilliant, let’s do it!” Naturally
entrepreneurial and enthusiastic, David is a
true leader who richly deserves his success and
reputation,” added Darren.
Flashes of brilliance
“Over the years the fuel industry has
sometimes been viewed as being rather
static and reluctant to change,” added
Jane Raphael who enjoyed 21 years of
interesting and informative conversations
with David.
“I would also like to say thanks to David
and others who have helped spearhead
the industry’s evolution into the highly
professional and forward-looking industry
that we have today.”