Blakemore Trade Partners has moved to strengthen its forecourt proposition with the launch of a joint venture with HKS Retail, a national operator of filling stations and convenience stores.

HKS Retail launched its first Spar forecourt store in Ibstock, Leicestershire last month. Located on a BP forecourt, the 1,000sq ft store has been completely refurbished and relaunched with a Spar fascia.

The group hopes to extend the partnership with Blakemore to more of its 27 sites. Under the agreement, Blakemore provides store layout design, imagery, range, category management, marketing, logistics and supply solutions.

Blakemore managing director Jerry Marwood said: “We’re delighted to be working with HKS with a shared vision that will grow and develop their business. This collaboration is testament to the strength of our forecourt proposition and our ability to deliver it to key retailers such as HKS.”

HKS operations manager Chris Loach said: “We decided to embark on this joint venture with Blakemore Trade Partners because of their flexible partnership approach and the breadth of support services they offer. 

“At HKS we are continually seeking new ways to improve our services and develop our business, so we wanted a partner that we felt confident could help us to grow our retail estate.”

He said the group was already in talks to discuss its next Spar store conversion project at its Sandringham forecourt site in Leicester.