Petrol-stations giant will use food to fuel growth

Motorists will be offered freshly ground coffee and big-brand food names as part of a major overhaul of petrol stations by MRH, the UK’s biggest operator.

The company, owned by US private-equity firm Lone Star, is trialling in-house Costa Coffee baristas and Co-op convenience stores at sites around London so drivers can buy breakfast and dinner on their commutes.

“Customers are changing their perception of service stations. It’s not just somewhere to buy fuel. It’s to cater to more and more of their needs,” said chief executive Karen Dickens (pictured), who joined last March after nearly 30 years at ExxonMobil.

MRH is developing its own Hurst retail brand and Greggs and Subway have also been signed up.

The group, which owns 480 sites across the UK, saw revenue rise 18% last year to £2.1 billion, according to Companies House accounts.

Pre-tax profits rose to £56.9 million from £38.9 million.

The first Costa will open near Kingston-upon Thames while the Co-op sites are located in Eastcote and Streatham.