Roger Perry, proprietor of Leven Road Service Station near Beverley, East Riding, Yorkshire, has added Prospect Service Station, Ossett, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, to his portfolio, facilitated by Certas Energy. Both sites are Gulf-branded.
“I had been looking for another forecourt business for two years, without success,” explained Roger. “Most of the better sites are sold off in packages, favouring groups over small operators. When the opportunity arose for Certas Energy to acquire four former Co-op sites that included Prospect Service Station, Certas bought them all and then sold Prospect to me.”
Roger immediately introduced Londis to complement the Gulf-branded forecourt and revitalised the shop. He introduced new shelving, new refrigeration, improved merchandising, Costa Coffee and significantly more product lines. The site currently pumps 3mlpa and Roger is planning to replace the existing shop with a larger convenience store in the next 18 months.
He said: “Our immediate objective is to establish ourselves, fully understand the local market and build customer loyalty. This site had been part of the Co-op for many years and it will take time for customers to fully appreciate the improvements we are making. We have a very good business at Leven Road and Prospect has similar potential.
“By its actions, Certas Energy demonstrated a commitment to its Gulf dealers and an understanding of the marketplace. Unlike many fuel suppliers we talk openly with Certas about our aspirations. The company then responds with flexible bespoke deals to suit us. That in turn allows us to be more proactive and establish a more profitable business.”
No comments yet