Ambitious couple set up their first Gulf petrol station franchise
Seizing petrol station franchise opportunities
The couple hope that their petrol franchise will provide them with more autonomy and a reliable, stable income for their three children. Karl said: “Covid really made us take stock of our lives and think about how we could have more security and autonomy over our lives. I have always been told if you work for yourself, you know your job is safe. I grew up around petrol stations because my dad is in the industry, so it was a natural step for me.”
Olivia’s career change is a complete lifestyle pivot. “It’s a bit more of a dramatic career change for Olivia, but she’s taken to it really well. It’s a real partnership, we work well together. I couldn’t do it without her and the sacrifices she’s made to make this a reality.”
Leveraging the Gulf brand
Under the couples’ ownership, the new petrol pump franchise site now has a Londis convenience shop and a garage with MOT test centre – and has six members of staff, including a full-time mechanic. They have obtained an alcohol license, and will continue to sell fresh, locally produced eggs, plus sandwich rolls made by local pub The Wharf Inn.
Karl said: “From day one it felt special because it’s our own site. Everything has come together and we’re really positive about the future. We’ve got a new Gulf fascia which looks really impressive, especially when it’s all lit up – we’ve had quite a few positive comments about how smart it looks especially car enthusiasts because they really like the Gulf design and nostalgia.”
Building a family legacy
Karl’s first taste of working on forecourts was through his father Karim, who has garages in Thrapston, Kettering and Frilford, Oxfordshire. In 2021, Karl was approached to run a garage in Cranfield and by 2024, decided the time was right to invest in his first petrol garage franchise.
Karl, who is a dad to three children, now hopes his own kids will follow in his footsteps. Karl added: “I went with Gulf because I had a really good relationship with one of the area managers Sam Edwards, who I’d worked with before. I knew he’d be reliable, and it’s been great so far. I’m really happy.”
