Dr Max's hospitality industry secret about BP's 100th Anniversary in 2001

"If opportunity doesn't knock, then build a door" so said Milton Bearle. This 'BP Opportunity' for the hospitality industry we introduce you to is not only knocking it's belting the door down!

BP is one of Britain's biggest companies and one of the world's largest oil and petrochemicals groups. Its origins go back to May 1901, when a wealthy Englishman, William Knox D'Arcy, obtained a concession from the Shah of Persia (now known as Iran) to explore for and exploit the oil resources of the country, excluding the five northern provinces which bordered Russia.

However, it was not until 1908 that the company struck oil in commercial quantities at Masjid-i-Suleiman in southwest Persia. It was the first commercial oil discovery in the Middle East, signaling the emergence of that region as an oil producing area. After the discovery had been made, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (as BP was first known) was formed in 1909 to develop the oilfield and work the concession. At the time of Anglo-Persian's formation, 97% of its ordinary shares were owned by the Burmah Oil Company. The rest were owned by Lord Strathcona, the company's first chairman.

BP, today, is an international company, having operations in over 70 countries. Its key strengths are in oil and gas exploration and production; the refining, marketing and supply of petroleum products; and the manufacturing and marketing of chemicals. It supports all its businesses with high quality research and technology.

Head Office: Britannic House, 1 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7BA, United Kingdom Phone: +44-20-7496-4000 Fax: +44-20-7496-4630 http://www.bp.com

Until next week, I wish you good luck, good life and good fun.

Max Hitchins

The Hospitality Doctor

Marketing, motivation and management magician

http://www.HospitalityDoctor.com

PS. Later this month I'll be speaking in Auckland in New Zealand, Vancouver and Calgary in Canada and Seattle in the USA. If I'm anywhere near you and you'd like details of the where I'll be speaking simply send me an e-mail to