Turning a friend’s problem into a worldwide solution
Hi I’m Mark Smart founder and owner of The Fuel Cap Company, a family-run business established in 2007 and based in Oswestry, Shropshire, in the UK.
Yes, that’s me on the left. Dressed as Scooby Doo. Why am I dressed like that? Every year I join hundreds of motorcyclists in a charity ride that supports the Air Ambulance service.
The Midlands Air Ambulance is our chosen charity and like many families it’s personal to us as a family member was transported from one hospital to another for specialist care.
Each year my granddaughter chooses a theme. In recent years I’ve been; Thunderbirds, Minions, Cat in the Hat and in 2025 Scooby Doo. It’s my way of contributing to the fun and support for this incredible charity.
Identifying a gap in the market
The company was formed out of necessity, when trying to source a good quality replacement fuel cap for a friend, proved difficult.
With decades of experience working for some of the best automotive parts companies in the industry, this problem lead me to identify a gap in the market. There was a need for a reliable and comprehensive fuel cap solution.
Yes, we have a fuel cap for that
The Fuel Cap Company supply and manufacture (bespoke one-off or short-run) petrol and diesel fuel filler caps. The product range is comprehensive. We list over 290 manufacturers and more than 4100 models.
From Alfa Romeo and Audi to Volvo and Volkswagan. But that’s not all. We also supply fuel caps and conversion kits for motorhomes, agricultural vehicles, commercial vans, generators and heavy plant machinery.
In recent years, we have invested in cataloging and supplying discontinued and hard-to-find fuel caps. A investment that has proven popular with drivers of classic cars.
Fulfilling a classic need for chrome
Working closely with our manufacturing partner in Italy (Farma Group), I designed an exclusive range of lockable full-chrome fuel caps for classic cars.
Each product is produced using high-quality Zamak alloy and, as you would expect from an OEM manufacturer, undergoes rigorous quality checks before leaving the factory.
Providing fuel cap solutions around the world
While the UK is our primary market, we have helped customers in 58 countries through three specialist websites. petrolcaps.co.uk and dieselcaps.co.uk and directcaps.co.uk for wholesale bulk purchasing orders.
Our business is one built on trust, service and a commitment to quality sourced products, aiming to fill the needs of both modern and classic vehicle owners.
Helping hands
Over the years we have been instrumental in helping startups with advice, data and free advertising space on our packing slips.
An example of helping hands was this solution to the issue with fuel cans and dripping fuel. Its simple revolutionary design caught my eye. So I would like to share this product by Easy Fill Fuel Can with you.
How to get in touch
I can be contacted; via email (mark@directcaps.co.uk) or phone 01691 596677. Please view our contact page for more options and details.
A successful partnership of two family businesses
Farma Srl (often referred to as Farma Group) is a well-established Italian company based near Bologna, Italy. The company was founded in 1975 and has built a reputation for precision, innovation and delivering high-quality standards in the industrial vehicle sector.
Farma Group specialise in the design and manufacture of refuelling systems and components for; fuel, urea, oil and water tanks.
Location: Via G. Galilei 171, Fossatone di Medicina, Bologna, 40059, Italy. Phone: +39 051856314.
