RAMSAY MacDonald, retail director of Certas Energy, has encouraged independent forecourt traders to invest now in their businesses to protect future margins.
“After two decades of the toughest possible conditions to survive in business, independent operators are fighting back against the hypers,” he said. “Changing consumer behaviour also means that more and more people recognise the value of independent retailers within their communities. Whilst always a low margin, high cost business, retail margins are holding up, which is good news and an ideal time to invest in the forecourt and shop to protect margins going forward.”
He told Scottish Grocer: “This business is all about speed and investing in better equipment makes a huge difference. The time to do it is now.”
He has also called upon the UK‘s fuel suppliers to become much more transparent in their invoicing.
“It’s unrealistic to talk about long-term relationships and at the same time present petrol retailers with hidden costs which, from some suppliers, are not highlighted during contract negotiations. We urge all dealers to check out their invoice price, before they commit.”
