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The husband and wife converted the old workshop into their dealership showroom and their old showroom into a 2,000sq Spar store with a Gulf-branded forecourt over five weeks.
The couple has invested a total of £300,000 into the site, which includes co-investment of £60,000 from Blakemore Trade Partners.
The complete refit was undertaken by Blakemore Design & Shopfitting and included an electrical upgrade. The site includes a large parking area with 20 parking spaces and a community space for hire, something which is currently missing from the local area.
The fuel side of the business has also undergone a makeover with four new pumps added together with Gulf branding, and provides air, water facilities too. Electric charging is being considered for the future.
The store includes a new County Bridge fresh meat range and extensive selection of chilled meals together with a bespoke licensed section. Daily Deli, Costa Coffee together with Freal Milkshakes have been added.
The couple will open a 1,500sqft Insomnia coffee shop in 12 months’ time inclusive of an off and on licence. The home delivery app Snappy Shopper is also available to local customers.
Duncan Betts said: “We have worked in this area for 20 years and we knew there was a great opportunity for convenience. We always had a kiosk and a forecourt on the site but we were really keen to create something special. We have been impressed with Spar and met with Blakemore Trade Partners to discuss the opportunity.”
He added:” We are thrilled to see all our plans delivered and through a pandemic. It has been a total leap of faith but we are very confident of the future.”
Oliver Walters, business development manager at Blakemore Trade Partners, said: “We have no doubt this is going to be a huge success for them. The first two weeks of trading have been great. Lisa and Duncan are very brave to embark on this new project – especially during a pandemic, and we look forward to supporting them every step of the way.”
Spar Lowdham now employs eight people and is open seven days a week from 07:00-22:00.
