SPAR retailers triumph at the 2025 Forecourt Trader Awards

SPAR retailers across the UK have been recognised for their outstanding standards, innovation and community commitment at the 2025 Forecourt Trader Awards, with SPAR Parkfoot Garage in West Malling taking home the prestigious title of Forecourt Trader of the Year.

It marks the second time SPAR Parkfoot, owned and operated by David Charman, has won the top accolade, reinforcing its reputation as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking forecourts. The site also secured wins in two further categories – London & South East over 4mlpa and Best Sustainability Strategy.

Following a £900,000 refurbishment earlier this year, the 3,000sqft site has become a destination in its own right, offering shoppers a high-quality retail and foodservice experience with an in-house butchery, deli and bakery alongside BP fuel and a sustainability-led operation featuring hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) on pump, solar panels and eco-friendly cleaning initiatives.
Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail and Brand Development Director, said: “We are incredibly proud of our SPAR retailers and forecourt sites who continue to raise the bar in forecourt retailing. Their drive, innovation and commitment to delivering the best possible customer experience are what make our network so strong.

“We are particular delighted for David Charman and the SPAR Parkfoot team on this well-deserved recognition. Winning Forecourt Trader of the Year is an outstanding achievement and a true testament to their passion, attention to detail and focus on sustainability.

“The transformation of the store has been remarkable and it was a pleasure for our SPAR UK design team to work closely with David and his team to help create a welcoming, modern and convenient store, one that is future-proofed to meet the needs of customers for years to come.

“Across the UK, our SPAR retailers are proving that local, independent businesses can lead the way in quality, experience and community engagement and these awards are a fantastic reflection of that.”

In addition to SPAR Parkfoot’s headline success, SPAR and EUROSPAR retailers and forecourt sites shone in multiple regional and specialist categories:
•    Northern England up to 4mlpa – G&E Murgatroyd SPAR Bowness, Windermere
•    Northern England over 4mlpa – Eden Service Station, Malton
•    Northern Ireland up to 4mlpa – SPAR Mallusk, Newtownabbey
•    West Country and Wales up to 4mlpa – Hawtree & Sons, SPAR Riverside Garage, Gillingham
•    Best Forecourt Team – EUROSPAR Hillcrest, Portrush, Londonderry
•    Special Recognition Award – Sej Sejpal, Platinum Retail

These nine awards for SPAR retailers and sites celebrate excellence across all aspects of forecourt retailing, from customer service and team development to sustainability and innovation, showcasing the exceptional standards within the SPAR network.