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A-road Operators: Difference between revisions

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[[File:{{#setmainimage:Cirencester_Co-op_2017.JPG}}|250px|thumb|right|alt=Co-op petrol station.|Co-op branding at Cirencester.]]
{{Sundry|image=Kennford sign 2022.jpg|country=UK}}[[File:Cirencester Co-op 2017.JPG|250px|thumb|right|alt=Co-op petrol station.|Co-op branding at Cirencester.]]
This page summarises the larger, multiple-forecourt operators who can be found on the a-road network. As this site only lists services which are signposted as such from a major road, other operators who are confined to other areas aren't included.
The [[MSA Policy|regulations]] make it much easier to build a service area on an A-road than on a motorway, especially historically. This means that A-roads tend to attract operators who are experienced in developing and running much smaller sites, often pushing their [[brands|brand partners]] more than their own name.


Major fuel brands have or did have their own corporate sites. For these see [[BP|BP Express]], [[Total|TCS]], [[Texaco|Star Services]], [[Esso|ROC]] and [[Shell]]. The major fuel companies are now selling off significant numbers of sites to independent operators.
This, plus the fact that road signs on A-roads don't allow service areas to advertise their facilities, means that the operators of A-road service areas tend not to be as well-known as the [[operators|operators of the motorway sites]], even though some of the A-road operators have more sites overall.  


Unlike the full [[Operators|motorway service area operators]], which run everything self-branded or [[franchise|franchised]], these a-road operators generally operate the fuel forecourt and associated shop/café, which explains the wide use of franchised convenience shop brands. Some other facilities, such as motels and restaurants, are ground-leased to independent operators.
This page summarises the most prominent operators of A-road service areas. Most of these are actually '''forecourt operators''', who started out building and running forecourts across the UK, some of which just happened to be at A-road service areas. Other facilities on the site may be run by them, or leased to somebody else.
 
Increasingly, those forecourt operators are trying to move away from fuel sales, by developing more stand-alone drive thru restaurants and electric vehicle charging facilities. Some of those developments are also taking place at A-road service areas. Confusingly, this means that you often find two A-road operators standing by each other at the same site.


==Current Operators==
==Current Operators==
===The Co-operative Group===
===Asda===
{{fulldetails|Co-op Food}}
{{fulldetails|Asda}}
Many Co-op sites within filling stations were taken over with the now defunct [[Somerfield]] business.
Asda operates many forecourts that were acquired from their parent company, [[EG Group]]. They are run under the brand 'ASDA Express'.


'''formed''': 2011{{newline}}
===BP Connect===
'''locations''': ~100{{newline}}
{{fulldetails|BP#BP Connect|BP}}
'''fuel brands''': [[Texaco]], [[Own brand]] {{newline}}
BP actively develop some, but not all, of the service areas that use their brand. These are [[Corporate Sites]] that trade under the name 'BP Connect' (previously 'BP Express'). They are increasingly scaling back on this operation.
[http://food.coop.co.uk Co-op website]


====Sites include====
===EG Group===
* [[Braintree]] (A120)
{{fulldetails|EG Group}}
* [[Cirencester]] (A417)
The colossal EG Group business started out developing individual forecourts, including whole service areas like [[Monmouth]]. They now run food and fuel facilities all around the world. In the UK, many of the forecourts have now been passed to their sister company, [[Asda]].
* [[Cramlington]] (A19)
* [[Evesham]] (A46)
* [[Minster]] (A299)
* [[Polegate]] (A27)
* [[Sittingbourne]] (A249)
* [[Solstice]] (A303)
* [[West Wellow]] (A36)
* [[Willowtree]] (A1)
 
===Euro Garages===
{{fulldetails|Euro Garages}}


===Exelby Services===
===Exelby Services===
Exelby Services Ltd are a operator of a group of services spread across north of England, generally larger sites aimed at the HGV trade, but providing facilities for all road users. One of the largest suppliers of bunkered fuel in the UK. Generally trades with [[Shell]] fuel forecourts.
[https://www.exelbyservices.co.uk Exelby Services Ltd] are an operator of a group of services spread across north of England, generally larger sites aimed at the HGV trade, but providing facilities for all road users. One of the largest suppliers of bunkered fuel in the UK. They generally trade with [[Shell]] fuel forecourts.


'''formed''': 1976{{newline}}
Sites include:
'''locations''': 5{{newline}}
'''fuel brands''': [[Shell]]{{newline}}
[http://www.exelbyservices.co.uk Exelby Services website]


====Sites include====
* [[Coneygarth]] (A1)
* [[Coneygarth]] (A1)
* [[Golden Fleece]] (A6/M6)
* [[Golden Fleece]] (A6/M6)
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===MFG===
===MFG===
{{fulldetails|MFG}}
{{fulldetails|MFG}}
MFG is a fast-growing forecourt developer, now increasingly focusing on their EV Power charging brand.


===Nightowl Truckstops===
===Rontec===
[[File:Barton Park petrol station.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Tired BP branding visible at a former Nightowl site.|alt=Barton Park truckstop.]]
{{fulldetails|Rontec}}
Formerly the largest provider of truckstop style services nationwide, Nightowl were established from the purchase of [[BP]]'s corporate truckstop business. The increasing cost of fuel coupled to the burden of the previous large expansion and the expiration of leases, caused the company to shrink considerably, leaving it to be a relatively small player.
Rontec was formed in 2011 to take over the assets of [[Total|TCS]] which were being sold by owner [[Total]]. It is a combination of a number of investors including independent forecourt operator Snax 24.


Nightowl is now owned by Stobart Group.
===Shell===
{{fulldetails|Shell#As a Leaseholder|Shell}}
Shell actively develop some, but not all, of the service areas that use their brand, known as [[Corporate Sites]]. They are increasingly scaling back on this operation.


'''formed''': 2002{{newline}}
===Stobart Group===
'''locations''': 2{{newline}}
[[File:Barton Park petrol station.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Tired BP branding visible at a former Nightowl site.|alt=Barton Park truckstop.]]
'''fuel brands''': [[Own brand]]{{newline}}
BP launched [[BP Truckstops]] in the 1980s, providing a wide range of truckstop facilities to allow them to capitalise on the fuel sales. They sold these to Nightowl in 2002 when fuel profits fell. Nightowl struggled with the large network and scaled back. It is now owned by Stobart Group.


====Sites include====
Sites include:
* [[Carlisle Truckstop]] (A689) (industrial estate near M6)
* [[Carlisle|Carlisle Truckstop]] (A689, in an industrial estate near M6)
* [[Rugby Truckstop]] (A5, advertised as being off the M1)
* [[Rugby Truckstop]] (A5, advertised as being off the M1)


====Former sites include====
And formerly:
* Alconbury (A1(M)/A14)  
* Alconbury (A1(M)/A14)  
* [[Barton Park]] - sold to [[Moto]]
* [[Barton Park]] - sold to [[Moto]]
* Washington (A1(M)) - close to [[Washington]] services
* [[Penrith]] (M6/A66)
* [[South Mimms]] (M25/A1(M)/A1)
* Washington (A1(M)) - not [[Washington|Washington services]]
* Wolverhampton (M54) - was signposted from the motorway
* Wolverhampton (M54) - was signposted from the motorway


===Rontec===
BP also owned several truckstops in mainland Europe.
{{fulldetails|Rontec}}
Rontec was formed in 2011 to take over the assets of [[Total|TCS]] which were being sold by owner [[Total]]. It is a combination of a number of investors including independent forecourt operator Snax 24.


==Former Operators==
==Former Operators==
===Bayford Group===
===Bayford Group===
A [[Gulf]] franchisee which operated sites at [[Beal]], which is now operated by Penny Petroleum, and at [[Calcutt]], which is now derelict.
A [[Gulf]] franchisee which operated sites at [[Lindisfarne]], which is now operated by Penny Petroleum, and at [[Seven Bridges]], which is now operated by BP Express after it was redeveloped.
 
===The Co-operative Group===
{{fulldetails|Co-op Food}}
Many Co-op sites within filling stations were taken over with the now defunct [[Somerfield]] business. They were later sold to [[Asda]] in August 2022.


===MRH===
===MRH===
{{fulldetails|MRH}}
{{fulldetails|MRH}}
Formerly the largest independent filling station operator in the UK; taken over by [[MFG]] in 2018.
Formerly the largest independent filling station operator in the UK; itself formed during a merger of Malthurst and Pace. Taken over by [[MFG]] in 2018.


===Murco Petroleum===
===Murco Petroleum===
{{fulldetails|MFG}}
{{fulldetails|Murco}}
The name for Murco's former filling station sites who operated a number of self branded sites. [[Costcutter]] branding was used for their stores. All of these sites are now operated by MFG and are operated under [[BP]], [[Jet]], [[Shell]] and [[Texaco]] fuel brands.
The name for Murco's former filling station sites who operated a number of self branded sites. [[Costcutter]] branding was used for their stores. All of these sites are now operated by MFG and are operated under [[BP]], [[Esso]], [[Jet]], [[Shell]] and [[Texaco]] fuel brands.
 
===ROC===
{{fulldetails|Esso#ROC|Esso}}
ROC was the name used for corporate sites operated by [[Esso]].


===Snax 24===
===Snax 24===
{{fulldetails|Rontec}}
{{fulldetails|Rontec}}
Snax 24 was a company owned by Gerald Ronson which ran petrol forecourts and service areas across the UK. The Snax 24 name could also be used as, and started as the a company in retail shop associated with their forecourts, but in the end their sites were more commonly associated with a [[Mace]] store. In 2015 Snax 24 merged with Rontec.
Snax 24 was a company owned by Gerald Ronson which ran 43 petrol forecourts and service areas across the UK, including the former 'Heron' sites. The Snax 24 name could also be used as, and started as the a company in retail shop associated with their forecourts, but in the end their sites were more commonly associated with a [[Mace]] store. In 2015 Snax 24 merged with Rontec.


'''formed''': 1993{{newline}}
Sites included:
'''locations''': 43{{newline}}
'''fuel brands''': [[BP]]{{newline}}
 
====Former sites include====
* [[Crossbush]] (A27)
* [[Crossbush]] (A27)
* [[Rushden]] (A45)
* [[Rushden]] (A45)
* [[Wellingborough]] (A45)
* [[Wellingborough]] (A45)


[[Category:Operators]][[Category:UK only]]
===Star Services===
{{fulldetails|Texaco}}
Star was the name used for corporate sites operated by [[Texaco]].
 
===TCS===
{{fulldetails|Total|TotalEnergies}}
Total Convenience Stores (TCS) was the name used for corporate sites operated by [[Total]].
 
[[Category:Operators]]

Latest revision as of 12:05, 30 May 2024

Co-op petrol station.
Co-op branding at Cirencester.

The regulations make it much easier to build a service area on an A-road than on a motorway, especially historically. This means that A-roads tend to attract operators who are experienced in developing and running much smaller sites, often pushing their brand partners more than their own name.

This, plus the fact that road signs on A-roads don't allow service areas to advertise their facilities, means that the operators of A-road service areas tend not to be as well-known as the operators of the motorway sites, even though some of the A-road operators have more sites overall.

This page summarises the most prominent operators of A-road service areas. Most of these are actually forecourt operators, who started out building and running forecourts across the UK, some of which just happened to be at A-road service areas. Other facilities on the site may be run by them, or leased to somebody else.

Increasingly, those forecourt operators are trying to move away from fuel sales, by developing more stand-alone drive thru restaurants and electric vehicle charging facilities. Some of those developments are also taking place at A-road service areas. Confusingly, this means that you often find two A-road operators standing by each other at the same site.

Current Operators

Asda

See also: Asda

Asda operates many forecourts that were acquired from their parent company, EG Group. They are run under the brand 'ASDA Express'.

BP Connect

See also: BP

BP actively develop some, but not all, of the service areas that use their brand. These are Corporate Sites that trade under the name 'BP Connect' (previously 'BP Express'). They are increasingly scaling back on this operation.

EG Group

See also: EG Group

The colossal EG Group business started out developing individual forecourts, including whole service areas like Monmouth. They now run food and fuel facilities all around the world. In the UK, many of the forecourts have now been passed to their sister company, Asda.

Exelby Services

Exelby Services Ltd are an operator of a group of services spread across north of England, generally larger sites aimed at the HGV trade, but providing facilities for all road users. One of the largest suppliers of bunkered fuel in the UK. They generally trade with Shell fuel forecourts.

Sites include:

MFG

See also: MFG

MFG is a fast-growing forecourt developer, now increasingly focusing on their EV Power charging brand.

Rontec

See also: Rontec

Rontec was formed in 2011 to take over the assets of TCS which were being sold by owner Total. It is a combination of a number of investors including independent forecourt operator Snax 24.

Shell

See also: Shell

Shell actively develop some, but not all, of the service areas that use their brand, known as Corporate Sites. They are increasingly scaling back on this operation.

Stobart Group

Barton Park truckstop.
Tired BP branding visible at a former Nightowl site.

BP launched BP Truckstops in the 1980s, providing a wide range of truckstop facilities to allow them to capitalise on the fuel sales. They sold these to Nightowl in 2002 when fuel profits fell. Nightowl struggled with the large network and scaled back. It is now owned by Stobart Group.

Sites include:

And formerly:

BP also owned several truckstops in mainland Europe.

Former Operators

Bayford Group

A Gulf franchisee which operated sites at Lindisfarne, which is now operated by Penny Petroleum, and at Seven Bridges, which is now operated by BP Express after it was redeveloped.

The Co-operative Group

See also: Co-op Food

Many Co-op sites within filling stations were taken over with the now defunct Somerfield business. They were later sold to Asda in August 2022.

MRH

See also: MRH

Formerly the largest independent filling station operator in the UK; itself formed during a merger of Malthurst and Pace. Taken over by MFG in 2018.

Murco Petroleum

See also: Murco

The name for Murco's former filling station sites who operated a number of self branded sites. Costcutter branding was used for their stores. All of these sites are now operated by MFG and are operated under BP, Esso, Jet, Shell and Texaco fuel brands.

ROC

See also: Esso

ROC was the name used for corporate sites operated by Esso.

Snax 24

See also: Rontec

Snax 24 was a company owned by Gerald Ronson which ran 43 petrol forecourts and service areas across the UK, including the former 'Heron' sites. The Snax 24 name could also be used as, and started as the a company in retail shop associated with their forecourts, but in the end their sites were more commonly associated with a Mace store. In 2015 Snax 24 merged with Rontec.

Sites included:

Star Services

See also: Texaco

Star was the name used for corporate sites operated by Texaco.

TCS

See also: TotalEnergies

Total Convenience Stores (TCS) was the name used for corporate sites operated by Total.