Top 50 Indie VST Forecourts is the first operator in the UK to feature a forecourt shop with a new ‘Budgens &’ fascia, as wholesalers offer increasing flexibility to fuel retailers as they court their custom.
VST entered the sector in 2016 and debuted in the Top 50 Indies in 2025. The firm now operates 10 filling stations and its site in Driffield, East Yorkshire, is the first location to wear the ‘Budgens and VST’ signage.
“It allows us to roll out our own concept in store but with the Budgens name as well,” VST’s managing director, Vijay Jaganathan, told Forecourt Trader.
“A convenience store in Ascot has a similar setup, but we’re the first-ever forecourt to feature the ‘Budgens &’ format.”
Jaganathan says the arrangement, which echoes Highland Group’s ‘& Co-op’ branding, gives VST greater flexibility in terms of choosing which lines to stock, while also benefiting from the brand recognition conferred by the Booker-owned Budgens name.
“Local produce – especially meats, breads and desserts – does really well in Driffield, and this allows us to keep those lines and our supplier relationships, while also adopting the Budgens fascia,” Jaganathan explains. The forecourt’s shop also features hot food from Rollover concession, plus Tango Ice Blast and Costa Express machines, and reopened on May 1 following a full refit.
Jaganathan says his firm plans to roll out the Budgens & format at two other filling stations, both in Wales where VST has a significant presence, explaining that wholesalers are taking an increasingly flexible approach to branding where fuel retail is concerned.
“The wholesale sector can see how the market is going: before, forecourts had small stores selling essentials, whereas now they often feature a full convenience offering as well as food to go.
“When you are a multiple site operator, it makes sense for the wholesaler to offer this flexibility.”
Jaganathan says all signs indicate the new Budgens & fascia is having its desired effect, with sales significantly up on the Londis branding the store previously featured
“From the moment we reopened customers told us they love the format, and we’re already seeing the results. Previously the store was trading at around £38,000 a week in sales. Our target now is £50,000 or £50,000-plus even, and we’re on track for that.”
He expressed his thanks to Budgens and its Booker Group parent firm, and Ark Shopfitters, for their collaboration on the project.
