Double success for Highland Group at the Forecourt Trader Awards 2024
Highland Group’s Childerley Gate Service Station has been named Midlands Forecourt of the Year (over 4mlpa) at the esteemed Forecourt Trader Awards 2024.
The event, held at the Park Plaza in London, celebrated excellence in the UK’s forecourt sector, recognising sites that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional service, innovation, and customer experience.
Childerley Gate Service Station, located in the heart of the Midlands, has long been a standout destination for motorists, offering top-tier fuel services and a wide range of convenience amenities.
The site features modern refuelling facilities, a well-stocked convenience store and farm shop, and an inviting customer experience, making it a favourite among locals and travellers alike.
This victory is the latest in a string of successes for the service station, following its recent Forecourt of the Year award at the Retail Industry Awards in September, further cementing its reputation as a leader in the retail and forecourt space.
There was further success for Highland Group on the evening with Managing Director Tom Highland receiving the Special Recognition Award for making a huge difference to the UK fuel retailing industry and topping a public vote.
Judges Comments
Special recognition award – Tom Highland
"This is a very special award as the winner is chosen by Forecourt Trader’s own readers. Tom, who is aged 32, joined the family business 12 years ago and has immediately made his mark with the opening of Childerley Gate Service Station in Dry Drayton, near Cambridge, a standout site that is getting noticed in the forecourt world.
"His entrepreneurial flair has led to the location becoming a destination site – he plans to add an Indian takeaway, fish and chip shop, beauty salon and barbers, as well as EV charging. After learning a trade and serving a long apprenticeship under his father – who started the business – Tom as now taken over and wants to increase the group’s sites from four to 10 by the time he is 40, using Childerley Gate as his template."
Midlands over 4mlpa – Childerley Gate Service Station, Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire
"Business innovation is at the core of Childerley Gate’s entry. The site underwent a £2.5 million rebuild last year and features range from a state of the art jet wash station to offices to rent above the retail outlet.
"The first to take the Highland Group fascia, the 4,000sq ft store combines the relaxed feel of a farm shop with that of a sophisticated upmarket food retailer – think Tebay Services meets Marks & Spencer. Features include an in-store butcher and florist."
Katie Secretan, Nisa's Director of Sales & Retail, expressed her delight at the award, saying: “We’re incredibly proud of Highland Group for another remarkable achievement this year.
"Their dedication to delivering quality service, maintaining high standards, and providing a welcoming environment for customers has been truly outstanding. This win is a testament to their hard work and commitment, and we’re thrilled to see them recognised again.
"Many congratulations also to Tom Highland on receiving the Forecourt Trader Special Recognition Award. Highland Group have gone from strength to strength over the last twelve months and Tom’s leadership and vision has been crucial to realising this potential.”
The Forecourt Trader Awards are renowned for celebrating the best forecourts in the industry, and Childerley Gate’s success in such a competitive category reflects its exceptional performance and strong customer focus.
We’re incredibly proud of Highland Group for another remarkable achievement this year.
