2026 is already shaping up to be another important year of investment at Ron Perry A19, as plans developed over recent years begin moving closer to reality.

Our focus remains firmly on the future—investing in new technology, improving our facilities and preparing both sites for the changing needs of motorists and professional drivers.

Moving Forward with HGV Parking & EV Charging

Work continues on our major plans to develop expanded HGV parking and improved driver welfare facilities across our Northbound and Southbound sites.

Alongside this, our plans include the introduction of electric vehicle charging, with infrastructure designed not simply around today’s requirements, but with the future development of electric transport—including eHGVs—firmly in mind.

Following several years of planning, consultation and detailed development work, 2026 represents another important step towards turning that long-term vision into reality.

A New Generation of Vehicle Recovery

Innovation isn’t limited to our service stations.

During 2026, we are also investing in a TowTrack recovery robot, introducing an entirely new piece of technology to our vehicle recovery operation.

Designed to assist with the movement and recovery of vehicles in situations where conventional equipment can be difficult to deploy, the TowTrack represents another example of how we’re embracing modern technology to make our recovery operation safer, smarter and more capable.

From traditional recovery trucks to live CCTV and now robotic recovery equipment, the tools may be changing—but our commitment to providing a dependable recovery service remains exactly the same.

A New Jet Wash for Southbound

Customers will also see investment taking shape at our Southbound service station with the introduction of a new modern self-service jet wash facility.

The development forms part of our continued programme of improving the facilities available to customers and making better use of the space across our sites.

OK Diner

After lengthy negotiations, an extension to the impending culmination of the rental term agreement could not be agreed between both parties upon the expiration of the OK Diner lease. As a gesture of good faith and given the long term and productive relationship with OK Diners, Ron Perry A19 extended the Diner lease for a final 6 months to April 2026 for a peppercorn fee (i.e the final months were basically rent-free) to facilitate the exit costs for OK Diner. Whilst we are sad to see OK Diner go, the Company looks forward to something fresh, bold and exciting in its place, with a new tenant taking up occupancy in the summer and undertaking renovations throughout the summer months.

Still Moving Forward

HGV parking. EV charging. Future eHGV infrastructure. Robotic vehicle recovery. New customer facilities. New restaurant offering.

2026 is still very much a work in progress—and there’s plenty more to come. We have had some amazing negotiations with senior figures at the National Highways regarding further potential grant funding to the sites, which is a testament to recognising our commitment to the future of the A19.

After several years of planning and investment, our direction remains clear: combining more than half a century of experience on the A19 with the technology and infrastructure required for the road network of tomorrow.

The next chapter of Ron Perry A19 is taking shape.

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.

Throughout 2023, whilst the bulk of the year focused on consolidating and steaddily growing the business, our focus remained on continuous improvement—enhancing both the appearance of our service stations and the technology supporting our recovery operations.

By investing in the customer experience alongside operational efficiency, we continued to ensure Ron Perry A19 remains a modern, reliable destination for motorists across the North East.

A Fresh New Look for Our Northbound Service Station

It’s amazing what a fresh lick of paint can do!

One of the most visible changes during 2023 was the transformation of our Northbound service station.

The site was completely repainted in a contemporary grey colour scheme, replacing the previous finish with a cleaner, more modern appearance. The change has given the service station a fresh identity while making the most of not only the heritage of the long standing building but also enhancing the curb appeal of the existing buildings and layout.

Alongside the repainting programme, we also reviewed and redesigned much of the site’s physical signage at both North and South. By making better use of the available space and improving the positioning of key signs, we created a clearer, more impactful experience for customers arriving on site.

Together, these improvements have modernised the look of the Northbound station while maintaining the practical, welcoming environment our customers know and trust.

Enhancing Our Recovery Fleet with Live CCTV

Behind the scenes, we also invested in new technology for our vehicle recovery operation.

Throughout the year, live on-board CCTV systems were installed across our fleet of breakdown and recovery vehicles. The new technology enables real-time monitoring, improving fleet management and helping our recovery teams operate even more efficiently.

The system also provides an important additional layer of safety and security for our drivers, customers and vehicles, supporting the high standards expected from our recovery services.

Keeping the cogs turning

Every improvement made during 2023 reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of Ron Perry A19.

Whether enhancing the appearance of our service stations or introducing technology that strengthens our recovery operations, our goal remains the same: providing a modern, dependable service for every customer who visits us.

As we continue to evolve, we’ll keep investing in the facilities, equipment and people that have helped make Ron Perry A19 a trusted name for generations of motorists.

Moving forward, the service stations and test and tune are continuing to be a sustainable and reliable local business, with the entire site providing employment for the local area and the business adapting to uncertain and unprecedented times in the global pandemic and its aftermath.

OK DINER

With the OK Diner lease coming up for renewal in 2021 and with the impact of the Pandemic making the future uncertain, both parties, Ron Perry A19 as landlord and OK Diners as tenant entered into lengthy negotiations on financial terms over the rent and a potential exit of the Diner was discussed for 2021.

Eventually both parties agreed to reduced terms on the rent with a renegotiation set for 5 years time to discuss putting the rent back to either the original level or to market value.

It was a difficult decision to change from BP to Shell as the sites enjoyed an excellent working relationship with BP after a long and successful 11 year partnership. Another major change at the sites came in the break clause with Subway being excercised by the Subway franchisee in place. Whilst we undertook an extensive review of the offer of taking on the Subway franchise ourselves, our research into the market led us to the conclusion to move on from Subway and invest in Hot Food to go offerings ourselves via self serve cabinets.

Additional Fuel tanks and nozzles added to North and Southbound to facilitate bunkered and BP fuel.

Extend Indoor riding school to incorporate stables and a viewing gallery.

A new era with OK Diner renting the land in front of Test and Tune as an American Diner.

We are delighted to welcome the OK Diner as a tenant to our site on a long term lease with Ron Perry A19 as landlord. The diner provides burgers, shakes and all manner of American eaterie foods to eat in at a 50s themed diner setting.

Ron Perry Junior loaned £300 from his parents to buy a Jaguar 340 (of the type featured in the Inspector Morse television programme). A customer in the petrol station saw it on site and made an enquiry about whether Ron would be interested in selling it. Ron was reluctant to sell so the customer offered a swap exchange deal of a Ford Transit van with a trailer and a stock car for the Jaguar. After a few months of racing the stock car on the local circuit, a customer from Ron Perry Senior’s workshops broke down and Ron Perry Junior recovered the vehicle using the Transit and trailer. The stock car was subsequently sold for £300 and Ron Perry & Son Breakdown and Recovery was born.