Jet is using the Forecourt Show 2015, running from April 20-22, as a platform to launch its new convenience initiative, a concept that will give Jet’s 350-plus dealers access to four bespoke levels of retail support.

To deliver this long-term programme, Jet has entered into a five-year agreement with Spar UK, the UK’s leading convenience store group, with a turnover in excess of £3bn.

Existing Jet dealers – and any new sites joining the network – will have the choice of four options and can select the support package that best meets their shop needs.

These are:

• Symbol Partnership: aimed at larger convenience stores that would like to be part of the Spar brand with multiple retail formats. Dealers can choose from various branding options for both their forecourt and shop. In addition there will be a range of Jet exclusive benefits, savings, and promotions.

• Wholesale Convenience: aimed at dealers who would like to be part of the ‘Lifestyle Express’ symbol group. As well as benefiting from Jet exclusive rebates, dealers choosing this option will be offered support via retail consultancy from Make More Margin and receive industry updates via Jet’s membership of ACS.

• Wholesale: for those dealers that wish to retain their own shop brand but would benefit from a wholesale supply service. Dealers will benefit from Jet exclusive quarterly rebates offering potential annual savings of thousands of pounds, along with Jet’s extensive support options via Make More Margin and ACS.

• Independent: for dealers that wish to operate their shops independently but could benefit from additional support, such as Make More Margin retail consultancy services, ACS updates and access to Jet exclusive deals, preferred suppliers and industry experts.

Stuart Cufflin, Jet’s transport and retail contracts manager, commented: “Jet’s new convenience initiative has been over a year in development. The retail element of a forecourt has never been more important so we wanted to develop a programme that encompassed a range of retail support packages.

“We recognise that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to forecourt retailing so this programme is all about enabling our dealers to strengthen their own unique retail offering and providing our dealers with choices to select the right solutions that will enhance their businesses.

“Although other fuel suppliers have entered into arrangements with symbol groups, we believe this is the first time that this range of bespoke retail support packages is available to UK dealers. We’re confident that dealers will see real value in the packages, particularly in terms of the consultancy support and the financial benefits of the rebates we have negotiated on dealers’ behalf.”

Debbie Robinson, Spar UK managing director, added: “This is a great opportunity for Spar. As the leading convenience symbol group with several award-winning store formats we are continuously proving ourselves as the frontrunner in the petrol forecourt sector.

“We look forward to working with entrepreneurial independent forecourt operators within the Jet network and seeing many more Spar stores on new forecourt sites around the UK.”

Stuart Cufflin concluded: “This is a really exciting development for Jet – and for our dealer network – and we would encourage both existing and prospective Jet dealers attending the Forecourt Show to come on stand (Stand B50) and discuss the choices and which of these packages would best meet their requirements.”