4 minute read
Cover Story: James Hall & Co.
by 55 North
New lease of life
The wholesaler's multi-million pound investment has given Holmes Service Station in Rossendale Borough a new lease of life after a long period of dilapidation.
James Hall, Spar UK’s primary wholesaler and distributor for the North of England, has opened a new Spar and Shell-branded forecourt in Bacup, Rossendale Borough in Lancashire, after a £3m investment and a complete overhaul of the site.
The new 3,000 sq ft Spar and Shell forecourt, which is open between 6am and 11pm seven days a week, has created 30 jobs for local people.
Holmes Service Station features six fuel pumps, a jet wash, an ATM machine, and customer parking. Inside the Spar store, there is a high-quality Graham Eyes butchers counter and Clayton Park deli.
There is also a comprehensive range of fresh foods, food-to-go, and a range of refreshment options including Cheeky Coffee, F’Real milkshakes and smoothies, and a Tango Ice Blast machine.
Hundreds of people from Bacup and Rossendale accepted an invitation to attend a family fun day at the new look site. The 2nd Rossendale Scout Group and Brass Band performed live music, and there was face painting, a raffle, the chance to meet the Spar mascot, and goody bags for children and adults.
The new-look store is already winning praise from its local community. David France, one resident to visit on the opening day, said: “This new Spar store in Bacup is very convenient for us, and the fuel station is ideal as there are not many in the area. The butcher’s counter inside the new store is great, and my grandson will love the drinks machines.”
FIONA DRUMMOND, JAMES HALL & CO
Karen Burgess, who also lives in Bacup, visited with her mum for the opening, added: “I live on the other side of town and I’ve been monitoring the progress when I have been travelling past on the bus. The waiting is over and it’s brilliant that the Spar is now here. I think it is what we needed.
“The prices are very good, and I think the voucher scheme has brought people in for the opening day. I really like the store, and I‘ll definitely be back. We would have walked home but we’ve done so much shopping that we’ve had to call a taxi.”
The funds raised at the opening day were donated to Bacup Family Centre, which offers individuals and families in need a helping hand. The M3 Project, a charity that can help with advice, support and accommodation for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, were also in attendance to raise awareness of their services. Both charities received a donation of Easter eggs from the store.
Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co, said: “Nurturing Our Neighbourhoods and Passionate About Local are two of Spar’s brand pillars, and we have wholeheartedly brought that to Bacup for this launch.
“We’ve put a tremendous amount into developing this Spar store and forecourt, and we have added impetus to how we have launched the store in terms of community engagement too.”
Drummond added: “We are more confident than ever that after a successful launch, it meets the needs of the local community here in Bacup, and it will be a real asset for people in the town.”
