UKIFDA is the trade association for the liquid fuels distribution industry and gives members a collective national voice to help optimise business efficiencies and promote best practice in the industry.
Phil, who was born in Newcastle and now lives in County Durham, said: "I am honoured to take on the role of president of UKIFDA and committed to advancing the association's mission of promoting renewable fuel solutions and driving positive change within the fuel distribution industry.”
The appointment will help support UKIFDA’s Future Ready Fuel campaign to promote new fuel solutions in the UK and Ireland. Earlier this year, WCF joined UKIFDA in calling for the Government to slash the tax on renewable liquid heating fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). HVO offers an accessible and affordable alternative for around four million people in 1.7 million households across the UK who rely on off-grid heating but is currently taxed at a higher rate than fossil fuels such as kerosene heating oil, creating a financial barrier for householders looking to switch to greener alternatives.
Phil said: “The primary purpose of UKIFDA is to support our members to run their businesses safely, sustainably, and successfully. We act as the voice for our industry at the highest level, helping the Government better understand the important role our members play in supporting local communities and businesses.
“Currently we are promoting the adoption of renewable liquid fuels as a way of decarbonising our economy whilst minimising the disruption to existing users of liquid fossil fuels. In recent years we have successfully demonstrated that HVO is a viable alternative for many customers, however the price of HVO is currently prohibitive when compared with the cost of fossil fuels due to the disparity on duty between renewable liquid fuels and fossil fuels when used for home heating. UKIFDA is prioritising sensible, fact-based discussions with oil suppliers, distributors, civil servants and OFTEC to agree a workable roadmap towards a greener future for our industry.”
Phil joined WCF in 2018 following a career as a chartered accountant, working with businesses to achieve growth in the manufacturing and housing sectors. Over the last six years, he has worked on a diverse range of campaigns and projects with businesses across the WCF family, leading on fuel distribution.
Phil added: “Over recent years we have invested heavily in our depots, tankers, and people to build resilience and provide our customers with a trusted, reliable service. I’m fortunate to be able to travel between our sites as business needs dictate which has allowed me to build strong relationships with my teams but also better understand how they each operate and the customer base they serve.”
Ken Cronin, UKIFDA chief
executive said: "Phil Murray's appointment as the new president of UKIFDA
is a positive development for the association and the fuel distribution
industry as a whole. In addition to
supporting the association's ongoing initiatives, Phil’s expertise will help
ensure the effectiveness of the Future Ready Fuel campaign in promoting new
fuel solutions in the UK and Ireland.”
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