Installing public EV charging at commercial sites is important for attracting new and retaining existing customers, shows a recent survey.
According to Osprey Charging, the UK's leading and fastest-growing EV rapid-charging network, nearly nine in 10 UK commercial landlords (87 per cent) surveyed feel that installing public EV charging at their sites is important for attracting new and retaining existing customers (86 per cent).
After polling 500 commercial landlords across the UK, Osprey found that the vast majority think that providing public EV chargers brings numerous commercial benefits. An overwhelming 86 per cent said that it is important for retaining customers, while over four fifths (84 per cent) said that it increases their chances of being able to rent their space out to businesses, decreasing void rates.
Similarly, 85 per cent believe that EV charging is important for ensuring their site is an in-demand space in the future whilst three-quarters (75 per cent) said that it leads to longer dwell times from visitors, and 72 per cent think that it leads to increased total customer footfall.
The survey also found that commercial landlords agree on the environmental and health benefits of EV charging. Four in five (80 per cent) believe it supports local decarbonisation efforts, with 78 per cent agreeing it leads to better air quality, and three-quarters (75 per cent) saying it reduces noise pollution on site.
With the roll-out of public EV chargers continuing at a rapid rate, installing EV charging at commercial spaces continues to remain a priority for UK commercial landlords. Nearly three-quarters (72.4 per cent) currently offer public EV charging at up to half of their spaces.
Jake Goldby, Head of Acquisitions at Osprey Charging, said, "Installing public EV charging is becoming an essential requirement for UK commercial landlords who want to stay competitive and meet customer demands. From the financial benefits of higher customer footfall and greater future renting opportunities to the environmental benefits, this research has provided us with fascinating insights into why more and more are offering EV charging on their sites.
“Partnering with commercial landlords has been integral for Osprey in allowing us to increase the roll-out of our charging infrastructure, which now has over 1,000 public high-powered EV chargers in rural and urban locations across the UK. We’re delighted to see that this research shows that they remain committed to supporting the roll-out of public charging infrastructure across the UK.”
Plans are well under way for the return of the Scottish Wholesale Association’s new-format Annual Conference, taking place in Aberdeen on Thursday, 5 June – and tickets are now on sale.
The event, which adopts a different format to the SWA’s previous well-attended weekend conferences, and this year moves out of the central belt to the north-east of Scotland, will focus on new trends and market insights in the wholesale industry with the wider theme centred around Kaizen, a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on continuous improvement.
Kaizen, meaning “change for the better”, will help the industry explore topics such as the importance of technology within wholesale, along with the use of data and AI (artificial intelligence) within the sector to bring efficiency and improved insights to wholesale operations.
Other discussions will explore DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) in the workplace, plus sustainability, creating value, and maintaining a competitive edge in an ever-changing and fast-moving wholesale industry.
Another key component of the one-day conference, which is being held at Ardoe House Hotel & Spa near the River Dee on the outskirts of Aberdeen, is an exhibition featuring some of Scotland’s finest produce, as part of the SWA’s commitment to a strong, resilient, local supply chain.
The exhibition will showcase food and drink producers which have participated in the SWA’s Delivering Growth Through Wholesale (DGTW) and Wholesale Local Food Champion programmes.
Colin Smith
“We’re ringing the changes with our new-format Annual Conference which returns for the first time since 2019," said SWA chief executive Colin Smith.
“As we strive to ensure that our Annual Conference remains relevant to members and suppliers – their time is at a premium so we must provide a platform for networking and create an environment that is conducive to encouraging discussion and sharing information – we will use Kaizen as the lens through which we will look to the future.
“What does a thriving Scottish wholesale channel look like, now and in the coming years, and what steps should we take to make it a reality? With the support of the renowned Kaizen Institute, our conference – which will feature a mix of speakers and panel discussions – will seek some of the answers.
“SWA members have told us how valuable networking opportunities like this are to their businesses as they provide a rare opportunity to catch up with their peers and meet new contacts in a relaxed environment.
“Space is limited so please secure your spot today and be part of an event that promises to inspire and empower.”
For those SWA members travelling to Aberdeen the day before, there is a pre-conference BBQ and networking evening in Ardoe’s stunning gardens, overlooking the River Dee, on Thursday, 4 June, which attendees can book as part of the conference package.
Family-run forecourt business AY&Y Patel Dewsbury Ltd has transformed its Ceylon service station in Rochdale with a £1.5 million complete knockdown rebuild.
Located in Yorkshire Street, the site has been in the family business for almost 35 years and now has an expanded brand-new SPAR store, serviced by James Hall & Co. Ltd, and a modernised Shell forecourt.
The four-month project has created a bright and airy SPAR store that belies its 1,230sq.ft. size. Highlights are a Fanta Frozen machine and chai and coffee units complementing a strong range of products across all categories with Food To Go including the SPAR Meal Deal.
The Shell forecourt features include six pumps, with V-Power fuel options, an air and water machine, ATM, and new signage.
Shaheena Patel, Operations Manager at AY&Y Patel Dewsbury Ltd, said, “Our Ceylon service station is something of a family favourite being one of our earliest sites and we are thrilled with the results of the rebuild.
“During the transformation, we removed the old car wash at the back of the site to increase the sales space in the new SPAR store which felt was the right direction to go. Visually the store is fantastic, and the range we have included utilises the space available to great effect.
“It is a similar story outside where we have maximised our compact forecourt with the number of pumps and services, also improving access in and around the forecourt for customers.
“Overall, we are delighted and are grateful for the support we have had from multiple departments at James Hall & Co. Ltd. Together we have set Ceylon service station up for a strong future.”
Peter Dodding, Sales Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd and Chair of the SPAR Northern Guild, said. “I am blown away by the changes at Ceylon service station and the Patel family should rightly be proud of what has been achieved at the site where space is at a premium.
“It is another shining example of an excellent working relationship between James Hall & Co. Ltd and AY&Y Patel Dewsbury Ltd, and there is no greater satisfaction for me than seeing our company support the development and growth of our independent SPAR retailers.”
James Hall & Co. Ltd is a fifth-generation family business which serves a network of independent SPAR retailers and company-owned SPAR stores across Northern England six days a week from its base at Bowland View in Preston.
A South London Nisa retailer has crafted a truly unique product, transforming trees outside his convenience store into a premium gin.
Kaual Patel, owner of Nisa Local Torridon Road in Lewisham, has partnered with Gin In A Tin, a renowned Cotswolds-based distillery, to create a limited-edition gin inspired by the bay and olive trees he planted outside his store.
The idea originated a year ago when Kaual installed a six-square-metre community mosaic outside his store, designed by local schoolchildren. Initially planning to plant trees directly into the ground, Kaual faced restrictions due to underground telecoms cables.
Undeterred, he financed the placement of three bay and two olive trees in large planters, complementing the mosaic and enhancing the area’s aesthetics. The evergreen trees not only added year-round beauty but sparked a “eureka moment” for Kaual, leading to the creation of the bespoke gin.
“I’ve seen olive used in gins before, but never bay,” Kaual explained. “After some research, I found a single bay gin and thought, why not combine both? The key was creating something significant to our store and community.”
Working with Gin In A Tin, Kaual developed three batches of gin, experimenting with varying proportions of olive and bay.
Inviting regular customers to sample the creations, the winning recipe was a perfect blend of 150 parts olive and 50 parts bay, with a touch of lemon citrus. The result, Kaual says, is a gin that “tastes phenomenal.”
Packaged in a fully recyclable metal jerry can adorned with images of bay leaves, olives, and lemons, the gin is as visually striking as it is flavourful. Retailing at £39.99 for a 50cl tin, the limited run of 200 units has already proven popular, with a quarter of the stock sold over the Christmas period.
Kaual’s trees not only provide the raw materials for his gin but also deliver a range of community benefits. The trees enhance the local environment, improving air quality and creating a Mediterranean ambiance.
They’ve been embraced by the local community, who frequently praise their aesthetic and environmental impact.
Kaual notes, “The trees capture carbon, look beautiful, and even inspire local schoolchildren to appreciate nature and sustainability.”
This gin follows the success of Kaual’s earlier venture into craft beer, Torridon Beer, released earlier in 2024. However, Kaual describes Gin In A Tin as a “more premium product” and anticipates strong demand as Christmas approaches.
“No other retailer has done anything like this,” he remarked, “and it paves the way for future innovation.”
Looking ahead, Kaual hopes to build on this success with potential future collaborations. “If it sells out, I’ll consider a summer edition with a more citrus-forward recipe. The possibilities are endless.”
One of Scotland’s oldest and most respected independent food and drink wholesalers, JW Filshill, is marking its 150th anniversary in 2025 with a raft of activity based around the theme ‘Delivering Success’ that champions sustainability, innovation, community, and wellbeing.
With a proud heritage spanning five generations, Filshill remains firmly rooted in its core values while embracing a bold vision for the future. From its origins as a confectionery manufacturer in Glasgow’s Gallowgate in 1875 to its position today as an award-winning wholesaler, Filshill has continually evolved to serve independent KeyStore convenience stores across Scotland and the north of England.
The award-winning company, which relocated from Hillington to its purpose-built 120,400 sq ft distribution centre at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport in March 2023, aims to raise £150,000 for six charities which represent large demographics of the communities they serve as part of its anniversary celebrations.
Chosen by Filshill staff, the charities are:
· CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland)
· Dementia Scotland
· Cancer Research UK
· MND Scotland
· SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
· GroceryAid
As part of its community fundraising efforts in its 150th anniversary year, 150 Filshill directors, colleagues, customers, suppliers and family members will take part in the Kiltwalk, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with over 178,000 people taking part since 2016. On 27th April in Glasgow, the company’s involvement will represent the Kiltwalk’s largest-ever corporate attendance.
In terms of Filshill’s sustainability goals, the company – which in 2020 pledged to cut its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 – can reveal that it has reached this target five years early, boosted by its relocation to the new Renfrew site, significant investment in electric HGV vehicles, solar panels, and transitioning to HVO fuel for all diesel-powered operations at Westway
During 2025, the wholesaler will also ramp up its commitment to corporate technology within the business and seek innovative solutions to boost efficiency across the business, including AI.
Simon Hannah, Filshill’s chief executive officer, has recently qualified as an AI trainer, and is keen to work with suppliers and customers to leverage AI for mutual benefit across data analysis and business processes as part of the company’s co-prosperity strategic approach.The company has also committed to investing in a software platform that will assist greatly in tracking Scope 3 emissions.
Meanwhile, Filshill will build on its established mental health and wellbeing agenda by providing training for 150 KeyStore customers to become mental health ambassadors in their communities, joining the company’s 35 existing trained mental health first-aiders to create a supportive environment for colleagues and customers.
In June, it will hold its second Filshill Family Wellness Day, to which all staff and their families will be invited to enjoy a day dedicated to fun, connection, and celebrating the people who make the Filshill family so special.
Culminating with a 150th Anniversary Celebration Dinner in Glasgow on 9th October, hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay with entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the year promises to honour Filshill’s remarkable journey while setting the scene for a future of ambition, growth, and positivity for the company.
Simon Hannah
Simon Hannah said: “Celebrating 150 years is an incredible milestone for the Filshill family. It’s a moment to reflect on our heritage while looking ahead with ambition and purpose. ‘Delivering Success’ captures our dedication to sustainability, technology, community, and wellbeing as we shape the future for the next generations of the Filshill family and beyond.
“We plan to collaborate closely with our customers, suppliers and other colleagues as we set the scene for the next stage of the Filshill journey. We’re proud of our heritage and the values that have guided us for 150 years. This year isn’t just about celebrating where we’ve come from – it’s about demonstrating our commitment to ‘Delivering Success’ for our people, our customers, and our communities as we move forward together in the future.”
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Suzanne Kirkham (centre) with Chris Murphy, retail account manager, Phillips 66 Limited & Vas Mohanathas, operations director, JP & S Services Ltd
A legal assistant from Hampshire, Suzanne Kirkham, has been revealed as the winner of a new Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid car in JET’s biggest promotion to date – Pump Up to 70.
Customers at JET service stations across the country were set the task of filling up their vehicles and stopping at a number ending in £0.70 to be within a chance of winning. The promotion is in celebration of the fuel brand’s platinum 70th anniversary.
“JET is a driver-first business through and through, and what better way to celebrate than giving the gift of driving,” Áine Corkery, Manager, Brand, UK Marketing Phillips 66 Limited said.
“Congratulations to the lucky winner – here’s to many happy years on the road.”
The winner was recently presented with the keys to her new car at her home service station, Horton Heath.
“JP&S Horton Heath congratulates its valued customer, Suzanne, for winning JET’s ‘Pump up to 70’! A wonderful initiative, and good fun, with a fabulous prize that we are sure that she will enjoy” said Priyanth Yoganathan, director at JP&S.