Certas Energy plans to double the size of its fuel express network and is asking for landowners to get in touch – especially if they have unusual plots.
The operator of unmanned petrol stations said its model represented a “golden ticket” opportunity for underused assets.
Certas currently operates 41 Fuel Express locations under the Gulf UK brand and it wants to expand this to 82 sites by 2030.
It runs each site remotely, with local caretakers ensuring compliance, safety, and site presentation standards.
The expansion plan focuses on rejuvenating brownfield and underutilised sites, repurposing existing infrastructure and developing new forecourts, prioritising sites that contribute to regional economic regeneration.
Certas added that it also enabled landowners to unlock value while providing Certas Energy with a low-cost platform for growth.
Sam Edwards, head of Fuel Express at Certas Energy, said: “We are open to everything: existing petrol stations that landlords no longer want to run themselves, old car washes, or small pieces of land that are completely new to industry where we can build from the ground up.
“Nothing is off the table, in fact, the more unusual the better!”
Edwards said landlords would lease their land to Certas and it would manage the process, from planning and installation to operation and maintenance.
He said its initiative was already proving a success among partners: “A mechanic who rents out his petrol forecourt to Fuel Express says his business has virtually doubled in size thanks to the increased footfall it brings,” Edwards said.
“The tanks and pumps were unused for almost 20 years because it wasn’t financially viable to run. Now our self-service site is distributing 2.3million litres of fuel a year with around 2,000 cars visiting a week.”
He added: “It’s a golden ticket opportunity that creates real community and economic value, as well as opportunities for network growth.”
Founded in 2010, Fuel Express pioneered the unmanned forecourt model in the UK.
