The Biswas family, who previously owned forecourts around London, have bought Whittington Petrol Station on the A134 near King’s Lynn, Norfolk – their second in the county.
Shahiduzzaman Biswas – known as Shahid – now has two sites. This latest acquisition joins Jet Broomhill at Downham Market, where Biswas and his wife and two sons moved more than 25 years ago, to become part of a community and build an innovative petrol station.
Their recent purchase of the freehold site on the main road through Whittington market town, includes a Spar convenience store, which is switching to Londis, two islands of eight nozzles of Murco fuel, an air machine and parking for around eight vehicles.
There is also an MOT workshop, a hand car wash and a three-bedroom flat on site. Christie & Co, which brokered the deal, says that with the plot being nearly two acres, it has plenty potential to be developed further, with perhaps electric vehicle charging introduced to the mix.
This is the first time that the site, which benefits from affluent local customers, as well as passing trade from the busy A134, has been on the market for over 40 years. Its previous owner Michael Peake wanted to retire from the sector.
Shehan Biswas, who joined his younger brother Ryan and his mother and father in the family business in 2024 after spending five years as a chartered accountant in London, says initially changes will be focused on the convenience store. There will be a refit concentrating on an expanded offer including more fruit and vegetables, and hot food to go.
“Firstly, we would like to thank Mick and Mandy for selling their business to us,” says Shehan. “From meeting with them both, we know how sentimental the site was to them. We look forward to meeting our customers and welcoming new ones too.
“My dad and I plan to build on the established relationships the site already has with the community, whilst expanding on some of the products and services on offer.”
Shehan has been reported as describing the business as “very hands-on”, largely he has said because his father remains involved day-to-day, listening to what customers want. Many of its customers at Brownhill, he has said, are regulars.
The business is also known for investing in the future and innovation, with a shop refit at Jet Brownhill in January 2024, and over the years trying unusual concepts such as a dog wash and a mat wash.
Stepping back from Whittington Petrol Station, Michael Peake says the sale represents “exciting times ahead for the surrounding community”.
And Lewis Last, associate director at Christie & Co who managed the sale, says he is pleased that the Biswas family was successful in their bid:
“After two successful open days, we were fortunate to receive multiple bids, says Last. ”This deal had a collaborative feel, with buyers and sellers both motivated to reach the shared end goal.
“I’d like to thank Mick and Mandy for entrusting Christie & Co with the sale of the site. It was a privilege to be given the opportunity to deliver this result and we wish the family well for their retirement plans.”
He adds: “Congratulations to Mr Biswas and Shehan too. I look forward to revisiting the site when they have implemented their new ideas, including a shop re-brand and new store layout. Given their success at another site nearby, I have no doubt they will continue to grow this well-established business.”
