A West Yorkshire entrepreneur has created a business that could make fuel deliveries more efficient by utilising the power of the Internet of Things (IoT).
Supply Fuel Solutions offers sensors that remotely monitor fluid levels in tanks. The monitors work in tanks containing a variety of liquids including fuel oil, diesel, chemicals, lubricant oils and water.
Dalbinder Ram, who runs the business from his home in Bingley, has already signed contracts with the UK’s biggest online fuel distributor, the second largest fuel distributor on the Isle of Wight and the largest in Ireland. He plans to move the company into bigger premises, so he can bring more of the manufacturing in-house.
The sensors mean the fuel or chemical supplier can check on their customers’ fluid levels and work more efficiently and make sure tanks are topped up before they become empty. Ram is also working on an app for householders to improve domestic user experience.
Ram said: “Basically, it’s all about giving the customer, whether that’s the supplier or end user, data which is understandable and helps them work in a more efficient way, which ultimately could have an impact on costs. For example, a heating oil supplier will know when a customer’s tank is running low and can deliver when they are in that area, rather than having to make a special trip.”
The company also supplies alarms for giant tanks to alert the users to any leaks.
Ram set up the business after a career which started in banking and training, before landing a job in the fuel supply sector. Just before lockdown he left that job and spent the next two years developing the products, most of which are assembled in-house, with parts from around the world.
Ram is now working with business support programme AD:VENTURE with his plans to bring the manufacturing in-house and move into bigger premises within the next 12 months. He has a contracted product manager and design engineer and plans to build a bigger team.
He has already been supported by AD:VENTURE, which helps businesses under three years old in North and West Yorkshire, with a grant for IT equipment and a new website, and with advice and guidance over issues like Intellectual Property and exporting. Dalbinder is in discussion with potential clients in Poland, USA, Canada and South Africa, and is looking at other markets.
Ram added: “The support I have had from AD:VENTURE has been absolutely fantastic. If I had to give them marks out of ten, I would give them ten out of ten.”
AD:VENTURE is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with other funding and delivery partners across the Leeds City Region, including Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
