When McDonald’s makes the news with a story that mini hash browns are being added to its breakfast menu, you know the UK is serious about its morning meal. But how can forecourt operators make the most of the opportunity?
Forecourt operators should prepare to fill up their tanks before the October 30 Budget to ease the pain when the Chancellor will inevitably raise fuel duty, warns industry commentator Jan Mikula.
Esso remains the biggest brand in forecourt retailing, with Shell edging ahead of BP as the oil giant with the second most pole signs. Meanwhile, Asda is the fastest mover in the industry with the supermarket group more than doubling its estate following its acquisition of EG and Co-op sites. Among the smaller brands, Jet has also enjoyed strong growth throughout the year.
The Car Wash Association’s Brian Madderson welcomes tougher government action against rogue hand car wash operators, but says it is long overdue.
Sports nutrition business Nutrein was founded two years ago by former soldier Steve Rush. Now the company plans to take on the big energy drink brands with a focus on the forecourt sector.
Fitness fanatic and forecourt operator Goran Raven likes to multi-task. He fondly remembers agreeing a Shell fuel deal with the late Steve Hamer while out training on their bikes for his next triathlon. But Goran’s favourite thing is a walk in Scotland’s Cairngorms with his family and dogs.
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