A family-run business has brought a derelict Birmingham petrol station back to life and created 12 new jobs, thanks to a £1 million funding injection from Barclays.
The Hindocha family bought a service station which had been unused for three years in Perry Barr from Texaco and has spent almost a year getting the necessary planning applications approved and then rebuilding the site.
It is now a thriving fuel and retail centre which was opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Michael Wilkes, earlier this month.
The Hindocha Group has carried out major improvement works to the petrol station, which is open 24 hours a day, and has created six full-time and six part-time jobs.
The owner of the business, Raj Hindocha said: “Both the forecourt and the shop have been completed refurbished and we have not compromised in any area.
“We have also nearly doubled the size of the grocery area because our wide experience in this area tells that this is the sort of convenience our customers want.
“Fuel retailers must take an innovative approach if they are to capitalise on the continued growth of petroleum and convenience sectors.”
The Hindocha family have wide experience in the service station sector, having established four other similar businesses in Coventry, Nuneaton, Corby and Birmingham Tilecross.
Mr Hindocha’s father created the first successful station in Barras Heath, Coventry in 1985 and that allowed Raj and his brother Rupen to start acquiring freehold sites in 2003 to build up the family’s portfolio of fuel-related businesses.
They now have six different sites. wRaj Hindocha added: “We have dedicated ourselves to providing a service and it has paid off. We want to be known as the local convenience store where you can also purchase fuel and other products and services.
“The total cost of the development was £1 million and was funded by Barclays Commercial Bank who has shown great confidence in our business even in the current difficult economic climate.”
Barclays relationship director Richard Fray said: “The Hindocha family have a proven track record in this kind of retailing business and I am delighted to be able to support them with their latest venture.”
Mr Hindocha laid out his vision for the site. “We want to offer our customers the very best service with a cash machine, the sale of newspapers, greetings cards as well a full convenience and fresh range including freshly-baked bread, pastries and coffee as well as selling alcohol,” he said.
The family-run group has also installed the latest in forecourt technology to monitor the environmental aspects of its operations.
