The theme of the past two FRA conferences, post pandemic, focused on the changing landscape that had become the norm for businesses as they struggled to pull themselves out from the abyss to recover and recalibrate. The fuel sector, in particular, has had more challenges to tackle than most retail businesses – what with reduced volumes, compromised margins, rising fuel prices and ongoing cash flow pressures.

Since our conference in 2023 even more challenges have come to the fore – both for our country as a whole and our sector in particular. From de-regulation and licensing issues to the exit/shake-up of fuel brands which remain a concern for fuel retail franchisees.