The Hockenhulls father and son duo have sold three of their 10 forecourts to Park Garage Group (PGG) and plan to launch other non-fuel ventures, prompted, they say, by a desire for a healthier work-life balance and to spread risk.
Leicester-based Hockenhulls Garages has parted with two Shell sites – St Peters in Wigston, Leicester, and Northmead in Peterborough. The third site – Westside, also in Peterborough – was Esso branded, but is being switched to Valero under PGG’s ownership.
However, Peter says that the company is not withdrawing from the forecourt sector, and that he is looking forward to one of two sites he leases out – in South Normanton, Derbyshire – coming back into the family network in 2029. The other leased site is being operated by Stuart Riding, the former head of dealer sales at Harvest Energy.
Peter also says the business will continue with its plans to develop its Croft site on the outskirts of Leicester, which it hopes to have completed by autumn this year.
The Hockenhulls – who will be left with seven sites under their ownership across the Midlands – are considering investing in valeting with a café, high street convenience stores, and complexes with EV, jet washes and possibly a store on site: “everything really but without fuel”, Peter says.
“Joseph is doing an excellent job as managing director and our target is to diversify using our own funds. That is the whole point. We want to move, into different avenues and not be beholden to anyone,” says Peter, who has been in petrol retailing since 1963.
“We agreed that we have got to look at diversification into areas that we can control without having to worry about the price of oil or fuel deliveries. The industry is in a precarious situation with everything happening and it is far better for us to broaden our base,” he adds.
“Our objective is to grow responsibly and to maintain quality of life. The years go by so fast and a I look at Joseph and his young family and know that numbers of sites does not matter. Quality of life is much more important.”
Following the acquisition, which was managed by Christie & Co, PGG now operates 80 petrol stations. PGG says that the sites are a “strategic fit” for its business.
PGG director Sunil Tandon says he is excited to have acquired the three “exceptional forecourts” and to put his company’s stamp on them. “These new sites enhance our existing portfolio, and we plan to invest in our food to go offerings, Bakery 79, and expand our EV charging facilities,” he says.
He adds: “We remain actively engaged in the market, seeking high-quality forecourts across the UK, and are eager to continue growing our network.”
