Top 50 Indies newcomer SJS Group has acquired its seventh forecourt, Crayford & Abbs in Mundesley, Norfolk, which it plans to knock down and rebuild.
The Pace-branded site on Cromer Road was previously owned by Bill Penman for more than 25 years. Penman is pleased to hand the baton to Johnny Srikrishna and his family to redevelop the business with a larger convenience store included in their plans.
The Srikrishna family entered the Top 50 Indies ranking in February at number 49. Since then director Johnny Srikrishna has been busy expanding its jet wash facilities, and rolling out parcel lockers and solar panels at his sites, as well as experimenting with electric vehicle charging.
Penman, who is planning to retire, says: “I am delighted to be handing over to Johnny, whose vision for the site will bring new opportunities and investment to the area. I wish him every success in the future and look forward to seeing the next chapter for Crayford & Abbs unfold.”
Srikrishna, whose other sites are mostly in the south east of England, replies: “I would like to thank Mr Penman for selling the site to us, and I am excited to take on this challenge and build upon the established site he leaves behind. We are looking forward to getting started on the redevelopment of the site and bringing back the customer experience the local community deserves. I look forward to meeting our customers soon.”
Lewis Last, associate director – retail at Christie & Co, who managed the sale of the freehold site for an undisclosed price, comments: “It has been a pleasure working with Bill on this sale. His commitment to the business and the community has been truly commendable, and we wish him all the best in his retirement.
“We are also delighted to welcome Johnny as the new owner and look forward to seeing his plans come to life. The redevelopment will no doubt be a positive step for Mundesley and the surrounding areas.”
