News
Now that we’ve assumed operation of Esso sites in the UK and Ireland, we’re about to embark on the next phase of our ROC journey. That means converting some stores to our popular “On The Run” format, but also thinking quality: delighting the customer and improving store standards. Developing our people is high on our list too, both in our 355 UK stores and at our 39 sites in Ireland. With these plans in place, we’re well on the way to fulfilling our vision to be the best refreshment and refuelling operation.
And it’s not just us that think so. In 2007, we won the Best Forecourt Retailer award for our UK “On The Run” stores as part of the Checkout Convenience Awards. Since then, we’ve also bagged a Best Beverages award for one site and a Best Motorway Site award for another at the 2008 Forecourt Trader Awards. As the judges spotted, we’re setting the future for motorway service stations! However, that’s not the only area where we’re blazing a trail. With government-funded apprenticeships and NVQ training soon available, our people will be able to choose how best to improve their talents – with a full apprenticeship, a Retailing NVQ or some key skills training in Maths and English.
It’s an important step. After all, it’s our people who have helped us achieve this level of success. Just imagine what they can do with more training. What’s more, our annual ROC employee survey has found that some 76% of those surveyed enjoyed working for ROC. That’s a 4% improvement on 2007 - one we hope to build on year on year.
The next era is ahead of us. 2008 was a successful year, where we rolled-out across the UK and Ireland without a hitch. Now we’re in a great position for 2009 and beyond, complete with solid finances and a growing business. With everything we have achieved in the last five years, just imagine what the future will hold for ROC…