Launching the forecourt business in Dover just over a year ago Image: Go4 Marketing and Public Relations Ltd :::
A Kent supermarket that benefited from a major revamp just over a year ago has been named as the top performing forecourt retailer in England.
The Budgens supermarket at Whitfield Service Station, on the A2 just outside Dover, was one of three businesses shortlisted for the independent forecourt retailer of the year award for smaller stores in the 2024 Retail Industry Awards.
With the top award, presented at a ceremony in London, going to a store in Cookstown, County Tyrone, it left the Budgens store judged to be the best-performing forecourt retailer in England following a tough selection process.
“I was delighted to have the work at Whitfield recognised by success in such an important national award for our industry,” said managing director Mr K Rajaseelan (Seelan). “It reflects the efforts of the whole team to create a vital facility for local people as well as for travellers heading to the continent.”
The major investment in the busy trunk road supermarket created a number of new jobs and was carried out alongside a revamp of the site’s BP petrol station and the opening of a Fireaway Pizza outlet.
The service station continues to be developed, with a new Döner & Gyros outlet due to be unveiled within the next few weeks, adding further choice for travellers and local fast-food fans. The Whitfield franchise will be only the fifth in the country as the popular kebab chain expands.
The prestigious Retail Industry Awards are judged by retailers, ex-retailers, industry experts, analysts and sector leaders who scrutinise written submissions, photos and videos as well as using their own industry knowledge to select the winners. The 2024 event was hosted by comedian, author and human rights advocate ‘Shappi’ Khorsandi.
The £1.5m redevelopment of the site at Whitfield provided better facilities for local people as well as those heading for the port, plus around 15 new jobs. The size of the supermarket was increased from 1,600 sq. ft to 2,000 sq. ft, allowing it to stock a much wider range of goods and a better choice of takeaeway food.