The Fuel Store has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of Gareth Perks as Sales and Marketing Director, and Rachael Cordell as Senior Sales Manager. 

Based in Birmingham, The Fuel Store started life in 2016 as a fuel card retailer. Over the last eight years, the business has grown to offer unrivalled forecourt coverage and fleet management tools, including telematics solutions and AI-inspired tools that transform fleet data into actionable insights. Despite a sharp growth trajectory, The Fuel Store has stayed true to its core values as a family business that prides itself on excellent customer service. 

The two new appointments are key to delivering the next stage of The Fuel Store’s growth strategy, with a focus on expanding its fleet management product portfolio and improving market share through ongoing service excellence. 

Gareth Perks, Sales and Marketing Director 

As Sales and Marketing Director, Gareth is a strategic addition to The Fuel Store’s Senior Management team. An experienced sales and marketing leader, Gareth has a passion for transforming businesses through innovative customer experiences, multichannel marketing and establishing strong customer and partner relationships. In his new role, Gareth will be focused on driving the marketing and sales teams to deliver against The Fuel Store’s promise of Better Service, Better Pricing, Better Products. 

Speaking about his appointment, Gareth commented. “I’m very excited to join The Fuel Store and look forward to evolving the digital experience, improving customer journeys and growing our market share. I am committed to delivering a brand, product range and user experience that resonates with customers – objectives that align closely with The Fuel Store’s future growth plans.”

Rachael Cordell, Senior Sales Manager

With over 20 years of sales experience, Rachael has held senior business development and product innovation roles at downstream and fuel card businesses. Her extensive knowledge of the fuel and fleet industry and passion for customer service will be invaluable in her new role, which is focused on key account management, customer experience and sales leadership. 

Rachel added, “Having worked in the industry for many years, I’m excited to be part of an innovative and passionate team striving to deliver real differentiation in terms of product and service.”

Jamie Bridgen, Founder of The Fuel Store, commented: “I’m delighted to have appointed Rachael and Gareth to the team. They both have a wealth of leadership experience across industry, and a track record of driving growth in their previous roles. They will play a critical role in delivering against our mission to grow, innovate and provide excellent customer experience.”

If you’re familiar with The Fuel Store, then you’ll know that one of the things that we are proud of is the fact that our fuel cards can help make VAT claims simple – thanks to our HMRC-compliant invoices. Here, we explore what that means in practice, the basics of VAT when it comes to fuel, and how Fuel Store customers stand to benefit. 

Reclaiming VAT on fuel – the basics 

To reclaim VAT on business expenses, including fuel, you need to be a VAT-registered business. If your annual taxable turnover exceeds £85,000, VAT registration is mandatory. If it is below that figure, however, you can opt to register for VAT and claim VAT back on expenses. 

There are specific conditions and requirements for businesses to claim VAT on fuel bills. First and foremost, the fuel must be used for business purposes. In addition, businesses must keep detailed records of mileage, including dates, distances, and purposes of journeys, as well as VAT receipts for fuel purchases.

Simplifying HMRC compliance for fuel spend 

When managing a fleet, processing mileage claims and keeping track of VAT receipts can be an administrative headache. 

One of the simplest ways to minimise this admin is by supplying your drivers with a fuel card (more in our What is a Fuel Card blog). Every fuel card comes with free access to our online portal. As well as providing a breakdown of fuel spend – including which card was used, where, and when – the portal gives users access to HMRC-compliant fuel invoices.

Having access to HMRC-compliant invoices can take the pain out of VAT claims. No more keeping receipts. No more searching for lost ones. No more scanning and processing individual, screwed-up bits of paper. Not only that, but they are available for download from the portal, making it easier to comply with HMRC’s requirements when it comes to keeping receipts (as a rough guide, that’s five years for sole traders and six years for limited companies). 

As well as eliminating unnecessary admin, using the invoices associated with your business fuel cards can also help you save money by claiming back all of the VAT against your fuel costs. 

I’m a sole trader; can I reclaim fuel costs? 

Sole traders can claim fuel costs as part of their business expenses. Current mileage allowances are 45 pence per mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25 pence per mile thereafter. To process a mileage claim, sole traders also need to provide receipts. 

Having a fuel card comes in handy here too; all invoices are stored in the portal, making it simple to access the paperwork to process your claim. In addition, there is no chance you can lose any receipts for fuel, which means you’ll always be able to reclaim any fuel VAT that’s owed to you.

What about personal mileage? 

You can make a claim for only the fuel you use for company purposes. For vehicles such as pool cars, commercial vehicles, or plant machinery, keeping an accurate mileage record is simple; all fuel will have been used for business purposes.

However, if a vehicle is used for both business and personal use, keeping accurate records becomes even more important. In this instance: 

• The company can reimburse the employee at the advisory rate for business mileage and reclaim VAT on the payment. 
• The company can cover the fuel cost, then charge the employee for private mileage, reclaiming VAT on the fuel cost minus the employee’s contribution.  
• Any company paid fuel (which is not recharged) will be treated as a benefit in kind and, as such, must be reported on an employee’s P11D. 

However you approach personal mileage, having accurate records and access to HMRC compliant invoices helps to simplify the process. 

Find out more about our range of fuel cards here. 

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST) have released a white paper revealing that operators can save approximately £1,500 per year for each light commercial vehicle (LCV) transitioned to electric, and around £3,500 per year for each HGV. 

These cost reductions are grounded in research showing that electric vehicles only require 25-30% of the energy needed by their diesel counterparts to achieve comparable performance. The Energy Saving Trust highlighted that these projected savings make the economic case for switching to electric vehicles even stronger, demonstrating both financial and efficiency advantages.

The REA and EST report provides a comprehensive guide to fleet electrification, offering step-by-step advice, showcasing cost-effectiveness and efficiency savings, and addressing current adoption barriers.

Speaking about the report, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood was quoted as saying,“ Our roads are undergoing a technological revolution, and fleets will play a big part. A cleaner greener transport network is a key priority for this government, which is why we have plug-in grants available for vans and trucks and programmes aimed at scaling up zero-emission HGVs, to decarbonise road freight.”

The benefits of switching to an EV fleet include reduced costs, corporate responsibility, regulatory compliance (including meeting Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions), and staying ahead of government targets such as the UK Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. 

However, the cost of adoption remains a huge barrier.

Support and grants for EV adoption 

The plug-in van grant 

The plug-in van grant (PIVG) was launched in 2012 to help bridge the price gap between the cost of ultra-low emission vans and diesel vans. It was extended to trucks, also referred to as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in 2016. Only vehicles that have been approved by the government are eligible, and the level of discount depends on the type of vehicle. 

Small Van Plug in Grant: Small vans are eligible for up to £2,500 discount. These vans must be under 2,500kg, produce less than 50 g/km of CO2 and be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions from the tailpipe.

Large Van Plug in Grant: Large vans are eligible for a discount of up to £5,000. These vans must be between 2,500kg and 4,250kg in gross vehicle weight; produce less than 50 g/km of CO2 and be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions from the tailpipe.

Small Truck Plug in Grant (N2 Vehicles): Small trucks are eligible for a discount of up to £16,000. These trucks must be between 4,251kg and 12,000kg; have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity, and be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions from the tailpipe.

Large Truck Plug in Grant (N3 Vehicles): Large trucks are eligible for a discount of up to £25,000. These trucks must be heavier than 12,000kg in gross vehicle weight; have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity, and be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions from the tailpipe.

More information and lists of eligible vehicles can be found here. 

Electric vehicle infrastructure grant for staff and fleets

The grant provides small and medium-sized businesses money off the cost of installing electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints and supporting infrastructure for their staff and fleet vehicles. The grant covers 75% of the cost of the work, up to a maximum of £15,000. Businesses can apply for up to £350 per chargepoint socket installed, and up to £500 per parking space enabled with supporting infrastructure. You can receive up to 5 grants across 5 different sites.

More information can be found here. 

Considering the transition to an EV fleet? 

If you’re considering the transition to an electric fleet, this blog covers key considerations for fleet managers, from lower maintenance costs, VED, and congestion charges, to tax considerations. 

With EV infrastructure still relatively new, many fleet managers are also concerned about charger availability. The reality is, investment in infrastructure and battery technology has made range-anxiety a thing of the past. At The Fuel Store, we have teamed up with Paua, the UK’s #1 Electric Vehicle Fuel Card, to offer access to 50,000+ charge points in the UK – making charging simple, fast, and convenient. As well as an easy one-tap charging process, users of the Paua card can access an interactive charge point locator and map, allowing them to easily find the nearest EV charging stations for efficient recharging. Find out more about the Paua EV charge card. 

Want to learn more about our fleet management tools for EVs and mixed fleets? Speak to our team.

Fuel prices have hit the news again this week, with both The AA and RAC Fuelwatch reporting that forecourt prices have risen sharply. We explore the reasons behind the hike, the impact on business fleets that rely on fuel to operate, and our tips for reducing overall fuel spend. 

Why have fuel prices risen? 

The answer is not a simple one. And we should stress that we are not market analysts. However, there are lots of factors at play here – most of which are down to geopolitical uncertainty around the world. Here’s our top-level insight into what’s going on: 

At the crux of the recent price rise lies the high cost of brent crude oil, which has a direct impact on pump prices. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 sent commodity markets soaring, pushing up the wholesale prices of oil and gas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in sanctions and damage to Russia’s oil infrastructure, temporarily reducing Russia’s ability to produce (and export) products like diesel and gasoline. Analysts are also keeping an eye on the impact of conflicts in the Middle East. 

In March, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which includes the world’s biggest oil-producing countries, announced that cuts in the production of oil would continue into Q2 of 2024. Since 2022, OPEC has made cuts in the production of crude oil of 5.86 million barrels a day. This volatility and uncertainty of supply has impacted crude oil markets and continues to push prices higher.

As we head towards the summer season, trends show an annual increase in demand as people travel more. That, combined with the weakening of the pound versus the US dollar has contributed to rising fuel prices in recent weeks.

Rising fuel costs and the effect on small businesses  

Business vehicles, and the cost of fuel, are already a major expense for many UK businesses. Against a backdrop of tight economic conditions, businesses face additional pressure due to the rising price of fuel.  

• As fuel prices go up, the cost of doing business also increases. For businesses that heavily rely on transportation, such as delivery companies, manufacturers, and those who import and export goods, there’s a tough decision about whether to either absorb the cost or pass it on to customers. 
• The cost of fuel also impacts consumer purchasing power. This can lead to a decrease in consumer demand, which can negatively impact the economy as a whole.
• As well as the direct impact of rising transportation and lower consumer spending, rising fuel costs can impact the supply chain, with costs passed on to small businesses. 
• Fuel costs can fluctuate daily, making it tough to forecast costs and manage cash flow. For small businesses, the ability to accurately forecast costs can make a huge difference when it comes to profitability in the longer term. 

How can businesses reduce the impact of rising fuel costs? 

Consider switching to a fuel card. 

One of the best ways to save money off forecourt fuel prices is to sign up for a company fuel card. The process is simple. Find the right provider. Sign up. Pay for fuel using your shiny new card, and reap the benefits of lower fuel costs and HMRC/VAT-compliant monthly invoicing.

Fuel savings

Most fuel cards will offer you savings vs forecourt prices. In 2023, customers of The Fuel Store saved an average of 12.5 pence per litre off the pump price – which can add up to a substantial saving for a small business or a large fleet. 

Improved cash flow

Perhaps not a direct reduction in the cost of fuel, but fuel cards can help improve your business cash flow. Monthly invoicing for fuel allows fleet managers to keep tabs on fuel spending, and budget for fuel costs, helping to manage cash flow more effectively.

Improved productivity

Again, a softer benefit, but they say time is money! Using a fuel card means less employee time is spent on processing expenses or recording fuel spend. With less time needed for admin, employees can spend their time on activities that add to the bottom line! 

Use telematics to reduce fuel costs 

When it comes to return on investment, the cost of implementing a telematics system covers itself quickly. 

Telematics systems can be used to gather and analyse data about driver locations, fuel consumption, RPM and braking habits. By understanding the data, fleet managers can build a picture of driver behaviours, identify areas for improvement, and significantly reduce fuel costs. 

By combining GPS tracking with live traffic data, drivers and fleet managers can optimise route planning. Accessing this data allows companies to schedule and reroute drivers more effectively, reducing idle time and fuel consumption. 

Switch your fleet to Electric Vehicles 

Ok, this isn’t a quick win like the other two, but it still deserves a mention. Making the switch to an all-electric (or mixed) fleet is a surefire way to avoid rising fuel costs. The initial outlay to switch to an electric fleet is undoubtedly a big one, but there are plenty of grants available which can reduce the costs significantly. The cost of powering the vehicles, as well as ongoing maintenance charges, is lower than your average diesel or petrol vehicle, too. 

Ready to save on fuel, and increase driver productivity? Speak to our team for help finding the right fleet management tools for your business. 

If you’re a business owner looking to become more environmentally responsible in your practices, April is the perfect time to bite the bullet. #EarthDay was first started in 1970 after a huge oil spill caused environmental havoc in California. It has grown to become a global movement that spans the whole month of April (#EarthMonth). It’s a chance to raise awareness of our impact on the planet and is a good opportunity for businesses to review and reduce their carbon footprints. 

Carbon Emissions Reporting for UK Businesses 

As well as being the environmentally responsible thing to do, becoming more sustainable can save businesses money and attract new customers. Research shows that 73% of businesses that employ sustainable practices  experience sales and marketing benefits, while 43% see growth in production, sales or revenue.  With the Government focused on Net Zero, it looks likely that more and more businesses will become subject to legislative pressure to reduce emissions. 

In April 2022, the Companies Act 2006 was amended to make it a legal requirement for large companies to report on energy usage and carbon emissions. To ensure accountability and compliance, companies that cannot provide the required information must explicitly state the reasons for not doing so. The rules apply to companies with 500 or more employees and £500m in turnover – equating to around 1300 companies across the UK. 

While SMEs make up more than 99% of the UK economy (and generate 44% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions), they are not legally required to report their carbon emissions. However, rumour has it that the government plans to extend mandatory emissions reporting to the wider UK economy, by 2025. 

With that in mind, how can UK SMEs reduce their carbon footprint? 

Simple ways to reduce carbon emissions

Calculate your environmental impact 

Changes to any business process should always start with data. After all, you can’t manage what you can’t measure! 

The Carbon Trust has a carbon calculator specifically for SMEs, which can help companies understand their emissions in line with GHG Protocol Guidance – a comprehensive global framework for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from private and public sector operations and value chains. The calculator covers direct emissions from fuel and production processes, and emissions from purchased electricity for the assets they operate. Having a good understanding of your current position is a great way to identify incremental changes. 

When calculating the environmental impact of your business, it helps to understand the difference between different types of emissions. The National Grid website provides a simple explanation, based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. 

• Scope 1 covers emissions from sources owned or controlled by the business – for example from fuel in a fleet of vehicles.
• Scope 2 covers emissions that a company causes indirectly. For example, the emissions caused by generating the electricity that is used in buildings.
• Scope 3 covers emissions that are produced by activities up and down its value chain (i.e. not directly owned or controlled by them). Scope 3 emissions include all sources not within the scope 1 and 2.

Reduce emissions from company vehicles 

Reducing Scope 1 impacts requires businesses to change internal processes away from polluting activities, or to reduce the emissions associated with these activities. One of the most obvious ways to do this is to look at company-owned vehicles. 

Wherever possible, opt for company vehicles that produce lower emissions – this article from Which is a good guide for companies with car fleets. If changing your vehicles is not an option, use fleet management software or telematics that can track driver behaviours, and use the data provided to educate your fleet drivers on how driving habits can impact fuel consumption. Combine this data with route tracking software, and fuel station finders, to help optimise routes and reduce unnecessary mileage. 

Consider switching to an electric fleet 

One of the primary drivers behind the transition to EVs is the reduction of carbon emissions. Traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels contribute significantly to air pollution and climate change. By opting for EVs, businesses can significantly lower their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener future. 

Read our blog to find out more about transitioning your fleet to electric vehicles. Or, if you already have an EV fleet, consider using our EV charge card, which gives you access to a huge network of EV charge points, using electricity from 100% renewable energy sources.

Review energy usage 

Reducing energy use is one of the most common steps being taken by SMEs to reduce their operational costs, while also becoming more sustainable, according to a report from Sage, Oxford Economics and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). 

There’s lots of advice available for small businesses looking to reduce energy consumption – from buying more energy-efficient machinery and appliances to changing office layouts, using thermostats to manage heating, and opting for more energy-efficient lighting solutions. The SME Guide to Energy Efficiency, published by the governmental Department of Energy and Climate Change, has some useful tips, which are simple to implement and can help to reduce scope 2 emissions. 

Switch to a clean electricity provider 

Consider switching your energy supplier. Using information about your current rates and usage, as well as in-depth knowledge of the latest trends and pricing structures, our energy team can negotiate favourable rates with energy suppliers and guide you towards renewable energy options. As well as helping to reduce your carbon footprint, the team can save a whopping 75% off your current bills. 

Carbon offsetting for businesses

Carbon offsetting allows businesses to purchase emissions credits that are used to fund green projects such as reforestation, renewable energy, and carbon capture. While carbon offsetting does not actively reduce emissions, the idea is that businesses compensate for their emissions by reducing carbon elsewhere. 

Carbon offsetting has come under some criticism when companies simply buy credits and take no further action to employ sustainable practices – so it is important that companies select a reputable and verified partner and are proactive in finding other ways to reduce their impact. At The Fuel Store, we work with Forest Carbon to offset our carbon footprint and have set up a Clean Air Partnership, which helps our customers to offset their emissions in a verified and responsible way.

Review your supply chain 

As well as looking at Scope 1 and 2 emissions, SMEs can influence and reduce Scope 3 impacts by reviewing the emissions generated in their supply chains. This might be reducing procurement of new equipment, conducting preventative maintenance to increase the service life of existing equipment, switching to recycled packaging of goods, or using downstream suppliers that employ sustainable practices. 

The other thing to be aware of is that larger companies will also review their supply chain and Scope 3 emissions. If you supply goods and services to other businesses, there may be pressure on you to reduce your emissions upstream, as well as downstream. 

Want to find out more about how to reduce energy bills via green suppliers, improve fuel efficiency, or offset your carbon? Speak to our team today.