North-Yorkshire based forecourt owner John Stephenson has opened his third Nisa Local forecourt store. The independent, family-run enterprise at Northallerton highlights its independent status with its story told through a series of story boards placed around the shop. These declare their family business status since 1978 when John’s father Ian was in charge of the first forecourt just up the road.

John said: "It was really important to let our customers know that we are an independent forecourt, run as a family business. Within walking distance we have almost every supermarket there is as well as the discounters and Marks and Spencer. I knew we were going to have to work hard here but we offer something a bit different through our independence."

As for the design, John said he wanted it to look a bit different to other stores. He is confident he has achieved that with things like halo lighting along the front of the store, bespoke LCD lighting over the licensed area and different floor coverings to indicate different areas.