Blackburn-based Euro Garages, number four in our Top 50 Indies list, has acquired three more sites taking its total to 75. The new acquisitions are a one-acre brownfield site on the Runcorn

Expressway, and two trading forecourts - one on the A6 in Hazel Grove, Stockport, the other in Fallowfield, Manchester. All are scheduled for development over the next six months.

In addition, Euro Garages is in advanced talks to acquire a further four sites in the North West and Midlands over the coming weeks.

Director Mohsin Issa said current conditions in the property market have enabled them to buy, develop and redevelop sites more cheaply and quickly than before.

In its recent half-year trading update, the company reported total fuel and retail sales in the six months to January 31 had climbed 16.3% year-on-year, to £125.4m.