Top 50 Indie Park Garage Group (PGG) plans to install another 10 SpotlessWater dispensers at its larger sites by the end of the year: connecting the pure water machines where possible to jet washes for streak-free washing.
So far the 80-site operator has two of the units – one of which at its BP forecourt in Rushden, in Northamptonshire, is rigged up to the valeting hub.
It is also available for customers to fill tanks, with most business in that instance coming from window cleaners or car detailing, says PGG’s head of operations Ian Cawley.
“We’re keen to have quite a few more mainly for our bigger sites with valeting, as they are large units and so not really suitable for our smaller locations,” says Cawley.
While taking up a similar amount of space to a parcel locker, they generate more incremental business for the family business, he says.
“We do have parcel lockers but I don’t see shop and fuel sales up from them. With these guys, and the same with washing machines, we see a bit more dwell time. And even if that means a window cleaner buying a coffee in the morning that is good news,” says Cawley.
He adds: “Integrating SpotlessWater with our jet wash bays introduces something new for everyday motorists, while continuing to enhance the services available across our sites.
He adds: “It presents an exciting opportunity for everyone involved, and provides a glimpse into what the future of forecourts could hold.”
Over the past six months SpotlessWater has announced partnerships also with MFG and Morrisons.
Each SpotlessWater station operates as a hands-off, fully managed concession, equipped with sensors and control systems that enable real-time monitoring of water quality, TDS levels, and purity, says the company.
The purified water, it says, is used for multiple domestic and commercial purposes including solar panel and carpet cleaning, and for use in aquariums and irons.
Tim Morris, chief executive of SpotlessWater, says that forecourts are ideal locations for it to build a convenient, nationwide network for the brand across the UK.
“We’re particularly excited to be trialling a new and innovative use of SpotlessWater at forecourts, with the integration of our service into jet wash bays,” he adds. “It brings even more benefits to the partnership – for us, Park Garage Group and customers alike. It really speaks to the innovation and entrepreneurship that drives both companies.
“We look forward to expanding this model by working with more retail, forecourt and independent concession partners, businesses whose values are also founded on customer convenience and satisfaction.”
