Behind the Business

We are a family business through-and-through. My grandfather bought the business from a chap called Mr Adams in the sixties, then my father got involved circa 1979/80. I joined in 1999 and have progressed through the business, to now running it. When dad and I worked together, our business style was always to grow the business organically – and that is how I continue to operate.

We are currently looking at how we can future-proof the business and are having conversations with our Retail Account Manager Naina Patel regarding revamping the forecourt. We are also looking to increase the volume of fuel we sell which will mean selling the full range of JET fuels and upgrading the fuel tanks – that have been in place for approximately 80 years! We have always been about investing for the long term and offering the best we can for our customers. Ultimately we want to be able to offer a complete service to drivers of petrol, diesel and electric vehicles.

Naina is fantastic and has been a real support to me over the last few months dealing with a big personnel change within the business. She’s been in the background, holding my hand and helping to steer me in the right direction – and I really appreciate that. Our contract with JET is coming up for renewal and, understandably, I am getting a lot of attention from other brands! But there is nothing any of the others are offering that tempts me in any way. JET has always tried their hardest for me and go the extra mile. The level of care is incredible and Naina is always on the end of the phone – day and night. If/when there are problems they get dealt with. Lots of people I meet ‘talk the talk’ but JET walk the walk.

We’re a one-stop shop. We supply fuel, we can fix your car and we can sell you one! Plus we have a SPAR so we can also feed you! We’ve been a part of our community for a long time and have always strived to be the very best we can be. We definitely don’t take our role lightly. In today’s world, online views are important and, in this business, people vote with their feet. If we do get it wrong, we put our hands up and we put it right.

I’d like to think that they see us as a trusted business offering a caring, committed and trusted service. Trust is massive – it’s how we react both as individuals and as a business. We know a lot of our customers by name and we are known in the area. I know we have a good reputation to uphold and that drives us on to always be better.

I’m in for 7am and I count the cash from the previous day and do the end of day tills from the previous night. Throughout the day I jump in and out of the three sides of the business (fuel, workshop and car sales) because I like to feel connected with everyone in the business and to every part. I also think it demonstrates that I’m a doer who is prepared to put the effort in to drive and maintain a successful business. My staff, who are great, recognise that I give as good as I would expect from them.

I care, I really care about this business and I try my best for everyone. It makes me emotional to talk about it. Never give up and always try to help everybody.

Provide a good service, be trusted and always do your best.