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Gordon has extensive experience in the fuel industry having worked for BP for 30 years. During this time he worked in Commercial fuel sales, International project management, UK Fuel Card Manager and UK Country Manager in European Fleet Services.

Away from work he enjoys keeping fit, cycling, watching sport and gardening.

Email: gordon.balmer@rmif.co.uk

The Car Wash Association is delighted to welcome Alexander Russell as part of our team helping to improve the car wash industry. Alexander has a wealth of experience in this sector, having spent 38 years in the car wash industry as a Director of IMO Car Wash Group Ltd. Alexander is also the non-exec Director of the RMIF.

Alexander is also a Consultant for Sotheby’s Europe and speaks seven languages. Away from work Alexander enjoys photography, politics, skiing, walking, cycling, tennis, travel, literature, history and family life.

Email: alexander@batcombehouse.co.uk

Managing Director of George Hammond PLC for 20 years which included responsibility for their Petrol Retailing and Car Wash Division with both rollover and self-serve jet wash installations.

On retirement in November 2019, joined the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) as Chair of the Petrol Retailers Association. As the political and business climate turned against the myriad of mainly non-compliant Hand Car Washes established across the UK since 2005, re-formed the Car Wash Association which became a legal entity operating under the RMIF banner in late 2017.

Email: Brian.Madderson@rmif.co.uk

Steve has been involved in the petrol retailing sector for 23 years. He began as Forecourts Operations Manager for Greens Motors Ltd, a family run motor & fuel business in West Wales responsible for day to day operation of three sites (1 licensed & 2 dealer). 

During this time he was Chairman of the South Wales BP Forum as well as being Chairman for the PRA South Wales Committee. Steve then joined Big Oil.net and was part of the launch of the unique web portal at its Milford Haven office in January 2004. He was responsible for the sales of the product to petrol stations, commercial distributors & commercial end users. 

In November 2007 the Big Oil Website was purchased by the PRA and Steve duly went with it as the main facilitator. Steve has been part of the membership recruitment within the RMI since 2009 but has mainly concentrated on PRA since January 2011. 

His current role has enabled him to promote the membership benefits of the PRA through the Regional Forums which he organises and he has also had a key role in facilitating the venture with Big Oil & Vianet launch this year.

Email: steve.coombe@rmif.co.uk

Phil's engineering background started in the motor industry where he completed his apprenticeship and qualified as a motor vehicle technician. During his time with Hadleys of Basingstoke, he was given the opportunity to develop the forecourt side of the business and developed a range of sites across Hampshire and Berkshire. He was actively involved as a member of the original Petroleum Retailers Association back in the seventies. 

In 1989, he joined the Petrol Retailers Association as a technical advisor to members and in 1997 was appointed as Technical Director, where he continues to serve today. He is a valued member of several technical committees at the Energy Institute, works closely with various Government Departments and represents the industry to several Government Agencies, such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency and the National Measurement Office. At a local level, Phil liaises with the Petroleum Licensing Authorities.

Email: phil.psac@gmail.com

Clare’s career in the petrol industry began in 2010 at London Fire Brigade, where she grew through the ranks, until she headed up the team between 2017 to 2021. During this time Clare led the Primary Authority partnerships in place, working with major operators, giving her first-hand experience of dealing directly with high level policy makers within the downstream fuel industry. 

Prior to this Clare completed a law degree at Keele University, which greatly assisted her understanding of the legal frameworks in place and how to apply regulations appropriately.

Clare has also been involved in a number of national forums attended by representatives from both enforcement and industry. For example, she has been chair of the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group, is a Council Member for the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (APEA) and chair of the Eastern Branch of the APEA. As such, she has been at the forefront for gaining the knowledge and expertise that will be required for the transition from fossil fuels to green alternatives and has been involved in drafting guidance documents for alternative fuels being integrated into petrol filling station infrastructure.

Email: clare.scawthorn@rmif.co.uk

William recently joined the PRA team in 2021 after graduating with a Mphys in Astrophysics. He facilitates the day-to-day management of information, event scheduling, the members customer management system, and maintenance of the PRA and CWA websites. This has also included writing reports such as the CWA’s Industry Market Report 2021 and assisting on the latest fuel crisis in October 2021.

Outside of work, William enjoys watching documentaries, doing Krav Maga and keeping up to date with the latest space news.

Email: william.balmer@rmif.co.uk

Louise has worked for the Retail Motor Industry Federation for over 31 years in various roles, starting as a secretary to the member’s helpline team and field staff.  She worked as PA to the Director of the Petrol Retailers Association back in 1993 and then moved to become PA to the Director of the National Franchised Dealers Association in 1998 and was also responsible for organising their events and National and Regional Committees, as well as being responsible for their bi-annual Dealer Attitude Survey.  Now back at the Petrol Retailers Association, Louise administers and maintains the membership database.
 
Away from work, Louise enjoys arts and crafts, walking and is a super keen Formula One fan.

Email: Lou.Woods@rmif.co.uk