Wholesalers express fears over Budget
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Welcome is Southern Co-op’s convenience franchise business. Operating across the south of England with over 60 stores, including a number of forecourts, Welcome stores are run by a formidable mix of franchisees who choose the right approach for them – hands off or a personal touch.
With great contacts at BP, Esso and Texaco, Southern Co-op works very closely with all three fuel brands to ensure a joined up approach for forecourt retailers. Franchisees can access a range of support which Southern Co-op uses for its company owned retail units including marketing, planograms, store development, space and sales analysis as well as a full EPOS and back office system. They also get dedicated support from an operations manager, and access to a support desk from 6am-8pm, seven days a week.
Franchisees can choose to implement recommended store formats based on consumer insights or adapt plans using their own entrepreneurial flair. We also encourage our franchisees to source products from local suppliers. Our franchisees benefit from the co op offer, whilst still having the freedom to change range, and products and price to reflect their local community requirements.
Southern Co-op is an independent ethical retailer with community values and also believes in ‘quality over quantity’. It is proud to have become one of the first convenience store chains to be accredited as a full member of the British Franchise Association – a body which strives to promote ethical franchising practice across the UK.
Southern region - stores located south of the M4 between Cornwall , Kent and within the M25
1000 Lakeside, Western Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire
PO6 3FE
Mike Fitton heads up the Welcome franchise and has a wealth of retail experience including over 20 years working with independent retailers. He knows that allowing a retailer to keep some independence is important as is offering them great support when changing to a new brand.