Certas continues to grow
CERTAS Energy, the firm behind forecourt brand Gulf, is continuing to push forward, expanding its forecourt footprint in Scotland to more than 100 sites.
As part of Certas’ ongoing business development programme, the firm has introduced new fast food offers to its own chain of 26 Scottish forecourts, while more than half of the Certas estate has been refitted.
Each Gulf site now also offers four fuel grades, including premium fuel. Certas Energy has also recently carried out refurbishment work across its forecourt estate with sites supported by symbol brands Spar, Londis and Bestway.
Plus, there is 100% Costa Coffee, Lottery and Paypoint coverage across the estate.
The Larbet-based company recently unveiled plans for continued investment in its forecourt business as it seeks out new opportunities through organic growth and acquisitions.
The company has renegotiated a large part of its UK fuel supply agreement, a move which it reckons will strengthen its long-term supply position and improve its cost base.
Ramsay MacDonald (pictured), retail director at Certas Energy, has promised these savings will be passed down the line to retailers.
“It’s important that we help our dealers to reduce their costs in the same way that we support them to improve service levels and drive new business to their forecourts,” he said.
“Gulf was always a major brand in Scotland and it’s great to see dealers and motorists respond to the increased number of Gulf pole signs.
“We are continually looking at ways of presenting motorists and shoppers with the best possible forecourt proposition.
The search for differentiation from the other leading suppliers is an ongoing challenge.
“Having a Scottish office presence and a Scottish company-owned network of stores is an immense help, allowing us to trial new ideas and products.
“Once we have the feel of how something works we share with our dealers.
“We also have a great team, and we are one team. The people who work on the company sites know and respect all of our customers and the dealer team and our customers have open access to any information or people they want to talk to.
“That’s what makes us unique here in Scotland, the way we behave as a team, there to serve, from our drivers through to the support staff in the office, we are open when most of the competition are closed.”
