Building the Service Station of the Future
2024 represented one of the most ambitious periods of investment and modernisation in the recent history of Ron Perry A19.
From sustainable fuels and intelligent security systems to digital media, modern lighting and major plans for the future of HGV and electric vehicle infrastructure, our focus throughout the year was firmly on what a modern roadside service station should look like—not just today, but for decades to come.
It was a year that combined improvements customers could see immediately with the beginning of a much larger, long-term investment and improvement programme across both our Northbound and Southbound sites.
Investing in the Future of Driver Welfare
One of the biggest milestones of 2024 came in March, when Ron Perry A19 was awarded funding through the Government’s programme to improve HGV driver welfare and facilities across the road network.
The award represented an important vote of confidence in our long-term plans for both the Northbound and Southbound sites and marked the beginning of what we believe to be a key investment in our facilities and its key strategic place in the local and national road network.
To mark the announcement, we were delighted to welcome our local MP alongside the Minister for Roads for a visit to Ron Perry A19 to see the sites and discuss our plans first-hand.
Our ambition is not simply to expand—we are determined to deliver an excellent standard of facilities and welfare for drivers using the A19.
Plans had been submitted at the start of the year for new, secure, overnight HGV parking developments across Northbound and Southbound, alongside electric vehicle charging infrastructure and provisions designed to future-proof the sites for the emerging generation of electric HGVs.
Road transport is changing rapidly, and we want Ron Perry A19 to be ready for it.
HVO100 – Investing in Sustainable Fuel
Another important part of that future began at the end of 2023 with the introduction of HVO100 renewable diesel at Ron Perry A19 northbound and southbound.
HVO100 provides motorists and commercial operators with a renewable alternative to conventional fossil diesel and represents an area of sustainable transport that we strongly believe has an important long-term role to play.
Throughout 2024, HVO100 became part of our wider commitment to exploring practical ways in which an independent service station can support the transition towards lower-carbon road transport.
Alongside our plans for EV charging and future eHGV infrastructure, it means we aren’t placing all our bets on one technology. Instead, we’re preparing our sites for a road network where different fuels and technologies are likely to operate alongside one another. We are still continuing to look at Hydrogen fuelling.
Smarter Security with Next-Generation CCTV
During summer 2024, we completed a comprehensive overhaul of the CCTV infrastructure across our sites.
The new generation of high-definition cameras and intelligent monitoring technology represented a significant step forward from the systems they replaced.
Modern AI-assisted capabilities, including facial recognition technology, provide our team with more sophisticated tools for managing site security, protecting customers, employees and property across our busy locations.
Combined with the live on-board CCTV introduced to our recovery fleet during 2023, the investment forms part of a much broader move towards smarter, more connected security across the business.
Bringing Big-Business Digital Technology to the A19
Our digital transformation also continued into 2024 following the introduction of large-format portrait media screens towards the end of 2023.
Similar to the digital displays now seen in major international retailers, restaurants and other leading consumer businesses, the screens brought a completely new way of communicating with customers across our sites.
Promotions, important information and dynamic content can now be displayed quickly and professionally, giving an independent North East service station access to the same type of modern digital communication technology increasingly used by some of the world’s biggest brands.
A Brighter, More Modern Forecourt
Our petrol stations also received another significant visual upgrade during 2024 with the installation of modern square LED lighting in the shop.
The new lighting dramatically improved the appearance of the forecourts, particularly during the evening and overnight, while also providing a more efficient and contemporary lighting solution.
Following the major repainting and signage improvements undertaken during 2023, it was another important step in creating cleaner, brighter and more modern service stations.
Making Everyday Visits Better
Not every improvement has to involve major infrastructure or cutting-edge technology.
Sometimes, it’s about making the everyday experience better.
During 2024, our ladies’ washroom facilities received a colourful refresh, including distinctive floral feature walls that brought a little more character and personality to an area of the service station that can often be overlooked.
We also continued our investment in faster, more convenient retail technology with the rollout of self-service checkout facilities, helping customers get what they need and get back on the road quickly during busy periods.
Five Forecourt Award Nominations
Our continued investment was also recognised by the wider industry during 2024 when Ron Perry A19 received an incredible five nominations at the Forecourt Awards.
For an independent, family-run North East business, being recognised alongside some of the leading names in the forecourt sector was something we were enormously proud of.
More importantly, the nominations reflected the work of the entire Ron Perry A19 team and the considerable amount of change taking place across the business.
Looking Towards the Next Generation of Roadside Services
2024 wasn’t simply about improving what we already had.
It was about laying the foundations for what comes next.
Renewable HVO100 fuel. Electric vehicle charging. Future eHGV infrastructure. Intelligent CCTV. Digital media. Modernised forecourts. Improved driver welfare facilities. Expanded HGV parking.
Some of these investments were already visible by the end of the year. Others represented the beginning of projects that will take several years to fully realise.
Together, however, they represent our vision for the future of Ron Perry A19: combining the independence, personality and service of a long-established family business with the technology, infrastructure and ambition expected from a modern 21st-century roadside facility.
The way Britain travels is changing.
And we’re determined to change with it.
