Co-op and forecourt business, EG On The Move, launch seventh site together, in Wherstead (Suffolk)

19 September 2024

A new roadside service station and Co-op store has launched in Wherstead, located on the A137 Ipswich Road, off Junction 56 of the A14.

Known as Wherstead Services, it is the seventh site to launch since the agreement between Co-op and forecourt operator, EG On The Move, was announced in July.

The 24-hour service station includes four electric vehicle charging points; eight fuel pumps at the front plus four HGV and two AdBlue pumps.

The site forms part of a franchise agreement between the leading convenience retailer and the forecourt business EG On The Move. The partnership, announced in July, has seen an initial seven* Co-op stores opening on forecourts, with the potential to grow.

The Co-op convenience store provides self-service Starbucks coffee on-the-go; bakery products and a focus on quality fresh, chilled and healthy produce; meal ideas and everyday essentials; freshly prepared sandwiches and food-to-go; Fairtrade products; flowers; car care goods; ready meals, pizzas and, free-from, vegan and plant-based products.

The food service offer at the roadside service station also includes Subway and Greggs outlets.

Amanpreet Singh, Co-op Store Manager, said: “The whole team is delighted to be part of the launch of a state-of-the art roadside services and brand new Co-op store. We have worked to develop the range, choice and added services to create a compelling customer offer to serve our local community and motorists travelling through the area.”

Martin Rogers, Director of Partnership Development, Co-op, said: We are delighted to work EG On The Move, our second forecourt partner – with seven sites launched since our partnership was announced. The sites benefit from aligning Co-op’s expertise in convenience retailing with EG On The Move’s petrol forecourt business, resulting in a strong and relevant combined forecourt and food service offer. We are focussed on growing our franchise business, and by working with quality partners across a range of sectors we can bring Co-op products and services to more communities.”

Zuber Issa, CEO, EG On The Move, expressed: “EG On The Move is an acknowledged petrol forecourt and convenience retail destination operator, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Co-op to roll out their new convenience store formats. Following on from this seven store trial, we look forward to working with Co-op to consider other locations across the network. Co-op is a well-established convenience operator, respected in the market and a recognised consumer brand, and this partnership not only promises to enhance our convenience store offer but it will also ensure our customers have access to exceptional fuel retail services including EV charging, a wide choice of essential and premium grocery and merchandise along with an enjoyable foodservice experience.”

Co-op has significant growth ambitions for its award-winning franchise business, with growth focussed on where Co-op can best utilise and share its convenience expertise working with quality franchise partners with locations including petrol forecourts and universities. The agreement between Co-op and EG On The Move aligns with the convenience retailer’s growth ambitions across Co-op’s core businesses – Food Retail, B2B and Life Services – with Co-op aiming to broaden its reach and scale and, grow to eight million member-owners by 2030.

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years.

For more information about Co-op franchise visit www.coop.co.uk/franchise

< ends >

• The seven sites to launch since the agreement was announced in July are: Doncaster, Ogden Road – which launched on 11 July, the first to open after the announcement of the franchise agreement; Doncaster, Ogden Road; Billingshurst; Nitshill; Portlethen; Macmerry, Finmere and, Wherstead

About Co-op:
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

About EG On The Move: EG On The Move Ltd was part of EG Group but is now a subsidiary of EG Retail Services. EG On The Move is a leading petrol forecourt and convenience retailer based in the United Kingdom, operating an extensive network of stores that provide a comprehensive range of products and services including fuel, foodservice, grocery and merchandise.
The company has carved out a niche in the retail sector by integrating traditional fuel services with modern convenience retailing, including electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk