profits rise at rontec

Top 50 Indie Rontec has revealed it increased pre-tax profits by 8% to £28.8m on turnover of £1.2bn in its accounts for the year to September 30, 2018. In his chairman’s statement, Gerald Ronson said that although fuel volumes had been under pressure, shop sales increased by 5% on a like-for-like basis.

sainsbury’s asda deal in doubt

The proposed takeover of Asda by Sainsbury’s looks likely to be ruled out by competition concerns. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has warned prices could rise at a large number of Sainsbury’s and Asda petrol stations if the proposed merger of the two companies goes ahead.

owner fights off robber

A brave petrol station owner has fought off a masked armed robber. Himanshu Aligh was locking up the Murco Garage in Tiverton, Devon, when he was approached from behind by a man wearing a mask and carrying a suspected pistol. He was pushed over but sprang back to his feet and pushed his attacker back onto the forecourt where a fight took place, before the attacker fled.

police raid cleveland car washes

Police, backed up by officers from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Immigration Enforcement and by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE),have visited five car washes in Cleveland after concerns were raised about modern-day slavery.

ni retailers meet police

Representatives of retailers in Northern Ireland have met senior police officers to discuss their concerns after a spate ofATM thefts from forecourts and other retailers’ premises.

rate scam warning

A rates expert has warned forecourt operators that scammers may approach them to try and take advantage of a new business rates relief scheme that is due to come into operation in April. Ian Sloan of chartered surveyors Bankier Sloan warned forecourt operators that there should be no need for any third parties to become involved in trying to claim the relief.