Hyperhub charging station

The Monks Cross HyperHub, located next to one of York’s Park and Ride sites, is one of the largest EV charging hubs in Northern England.

The creation of the HyperHubs was a first for both the City Council and their partners Evo Energy and so partnering with a business with a background in fuel retail was hugely beneficial.

“Bever Innovation’s experience with petrol stations and LED price signs was invaluable. The HyperHubs are a very new concept, so having someone experienced in this public facing element of the business who could install robust, reliable equipment that works was really important to us,” explained Jonathan Roper, Principal Renewable Energy Consultant at Evo Energy.

Bever Innovations’ unique LED design and production techniques are the result of many years of field experience with the world’s largest oil companies, including Shell, BP, Q8, Exxon Mobile, and Total.

Remote access

A key requirement for the project was to be able to make price changes across all sites remotely. York City Council have standardised pricing across their network so any price changes need to be rolled out across all sites. This task is made simple with Bever’s EOS Technology.

Read the Case Study here: https://fuel.beverinnovations.com/en/project/evo-energy-huperhub/

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Extreme punishment: the unique challenges faced on the forecourt

In petrol stations, which are typically set apart from other structures and more exposed to the elements, weather conditions can significantly affect the longevity and quality of an illuminated sign. High winds and vibration can damage poorly constructed channel letters and boxes, whilst humidity and rainwater ingress can significantly compromise unprotected electronic components, causing expensive failures. Air pollution from high volumes of slow-moving traffic also presents an additional threat; sulphur dioxide (SO₂) along with other particulates and halogens emitted from vehicle exhausts.

In a worst-case scenario, a petrol station chain might be tempted to choose a lower-quality specification for its illuminated signage, perhaps to shave down some of the build and installation costs in the short term. This can quickly prove to be a false economy!

In lower cost modules, the LED chip sits in a reflective cup which directs more light towards the illuminated face of the sign. The blue light emitted by the LED is corrected to white by a layer of yellow phosphor, held in suspension within an epoxy resin which covers the chip. However, with limited protection, the combination of SO₂ and moisture corrodes the epoxy resin, reacting with the phosphor and tarnishing the reflective cup. This can result in significant light depreciation and colour shift, giving the illuminated sign or individual letters a patchy, blueish tint that makes the brand look shabby and old, potentially ruining the all-important first impression.

GE Current, a Daintree company, planned for this worst-case scenario when developing its 24V products. Each module was designed not only to satisfy the most stringent sustainability targets but also to ensure that any product in the portfolio could outperform the competition in even the most taxing environments.

The construction of Current’s 24V Tetra® modules features the company’s patented OptiLens X technology to offer robust physical protection, whilst distributing the light emitted across a wide 170-degree angle to achieve beautifully uniform illumination with fewer modules. An overmould offers a further barrier to the elements, preventing sulphur dioxide and moisture from coming into contact with the epoxy resin and causing any change to lumen output or colour temperature.

Tested (almost) to destruction

In order to reassure customers that their illuminated signage will stand the test of time, even in the busiest, most exposed petrol station forecourt, Current subjects every module to the harshest testing programme in the industry. Every module is burned for 6,000 hours and a battery of tests, grouped into twelve different categories, ensure that the modules burn brighter for longer in any situation.

For example, standard IP68 testing for water ingress requires the module to be submerged at a depth of 1m for 30 minutes. However, Current tests at a depth of 5m for one hour to ensure that the modules can withstand the wettest conditions. The modules are also tested under extreme temperatures (cycling 100 hours at +60°C followed by -40°C) as well as high humidity and even in a corrosive salt fog to ensure consistently high performance in coastal regions. However, for petrol stations, the accelerated sulphur test is perhaps the most important, in conjunction with the enhanced IP68 certification and high temperature, high humidity testing, as a predictor of the long-term effects of a highly polluted environment.

When testing the GE Current Tetra miniMAX module against a cheaper, lower quality competitor, the accelerated sulphur test revealed no degradation in the light output (measured in lumens) and only an 18 degree colour shift thanks to the OptiLens X and additional protection offered by the higher quality casing. By comparison, the cheaper product suffered a 9% lumen degradation following the 72-hour test as well as a 1200 degree colour shift. This degree of decline would certainly have had a visible impact on the appearance of the sign and would have required replacement.

However, as David Williamson, Sales GM, Europe for GE Current says, “Testing will only get you so far. The only way to really show how good your products are is to find a partner who will trust and work with you to prove it in the real world.” For example, GE Current has worked with Lightsign, experts in lighting and display technology, for more than 16 years and has developed a trusted partnership during that time which has enabled both companies to offer superior signage illumination to customers across Ireland.

David O’Sheehan, MD Lightsign explains, “Signage is still very much a relationship industry. Our customers rely on us not only to manage stock against highly sensitive deadlines during projects but they also want to work with us because we can connect them with the right suppliers and the latest innovation as well as offering informed, strategic advice based on our deep knowledge of the industry. Our relationships are built over years of collaboration so when we go into a conversation with prospective client, we are able to work as one team with the guys at Current.”

Helping Circle K reach a new milestone in Ireland

When Canadian convenience store chain, Circle K purchased the Topaz network of petrol stations in Ireland, Irish Prestige Signs was given the opportunity to tender for the rebranding of the 420 sites. “A global specification for illuminated signage had already been established by the European arm of the company so our proposal had to offer either significant quality improvements or financial savings in order to be successful,” explains Eamonn O’Shea, Director of Irish Prestige Signs. Having partnered with both Lightsign and Current for more than a decade, O’Shea worked closely with both companies to design a technical response that would not only perform as well as, if not better than, the standard specification but would also save Circle K money across the mandated 10-year useful life of the signs.

Each of the 420 sites required a range of illuminated signage, from main identifier signs (MIDs) and pylons, to channel letters and fully-illuminated canopies. In order to create a specification that would stand up to the harshest environments, the team swiftly moved from testing 12V solutions to designing solely with 24V Tetra LEDs throughout. This meant that fewer modules would be needed for each sign, shortening installation times and offering a more robust, long-lasting solution. The lower energy consumption and reduction in materials would also help Circle K achieve a higher sustainability rating against the total lifetime carbon cost of its signage.

Seeing is believing

In order to prove that Current’s 24V modules could indeed achieve the same quality of illumination as the European specification, the team created a mock-up of a fully-illuminated section of the proposed forecourt canopy featuring a set of channel letters. This allowed Circle K to independently verify Irish Prestige Signs’ claims of light output, build quality and energy efficacy, proving that the alternative proposed specification surpassed their brand requirements.

Once awarded the contract, Irish Prestige Signs had to work quickly and methodically in order to deliver the project within the agreed twelve-month timeframe. “We planned it incredibly carefully with Lightsign and Current to forecast all the necessary materials, components and build-time,” says Eamonn O’Shea. At its peak, the project saw the roll-out of new Circle K branding at 11 different petrol stations per week, with distribution managed by Lightsign in close partnership with the team at Current. In total, Irish Prestige Signs deployed 200,000 Tetra LED modules in 5,500 signs, turning the 420 blue and green Topaz petrol stations a vibrant Circle K red on time and within budget. “Circle K trusted us to improve on their specification for signage in Ireland so it made perfect sense for us to work with our own trusted partners to deliver the best possible results for them,” concludes O’Shea. “Working with Lightsign and Current gives us the confidence that we can offer our customers the highest-quality lighting innovation, whilst also helping them meet their sustainability obligations and cutting costs with rebranding programmes that are delivered on time and to budget.”

Savings that add up across the board

Petrol station brands will always be better served by considering the long-term costs of any individual site’s illuminated signage. By investing in LED solutions that are designed and comprehensively proven to be more durable and energy-efficient over the lifetime of the sign, network head offices and forecourt managers will save time, money, and the planet, whilst maintaining and building a positive brand image and customer base. By using fewer, robust LED modules to achieve uniform illumination, branding projects can be rolled out faster, with less need to call on the sign-makers to maintain or replace failed modules under warranty agreements. Finally, a longer lifespan and greater energy efficiency means that today’s illuminated signage offers greater long-term value, reducing the associated energy bills and disposal costs and helping brands meet their sustainability goals with little to no additional corporate effort required.

To learn more about GE Current’s lighting solutions for petrol stations, visit: gecurrent.com

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The A5 is a busy trunk road, with a high volume of commuter and commercial traffic. The Department of Infrastructure in the north describes it as ‘the A5 Western Transport Corridor’. It is one of the Department of Infrastructure’s five key transport corridors identified in the Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland. Its improvement represents a significant link in plans to improve strategic links between the urban centres of Londonderry/Derry, Strabane, Omagh and Aughnacloy and improves connections to the North West.

For Naomi, a combined background in both property and forecourt retailing gave her the experience and expertise to make it happen. She previously worked in property management for Savills. At a young age, she had worked in forecourt retail, before spending several years in managing property as a career.

OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST

However, she wanted a business of her own, and along came this precise opportunity at the right time – primed and ready for development by someone with the vision to see what it could become.

“I saw it as an opportunity to invest. I could see the commercial potential of the site, and its benefits for the community. It has taken significant investment, with a partnership between Ulster Bank, Centra, Emo, and myself,” explained Naomi.

The first step was to get the site through the planning process, which went quite smoothly. The original forecourt was demolished and building of the new site started in June 2019 – with a five month turnaround. The new Centra and Emo forecourt opened for business on Tuesday 26th November 2019.

Since then, the customer feedback has been fantastic. All targets have been surpassed – and then some, demonstrating just how ripe the site was for development on this significant route.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

“The industry is constantly changing, but the investment has been significant. My plan was to focus on customer experience on this busy commuter route, to ensure that our services met expectations,” said Naomi. “I wanted an easily accessible site with good parking facilities, to deliver affordable prices, and to meet customer demand. There are plans for the future – such as a car wash, and EV charging points. AdBlue has now been installed on the site and the lighting of the canopy is excellent.”

The canopy lighting is a specific feature of the overall Emo branding. This was important to Naomi, who wanted a respected and recognisable, colourful brand with impact. A visit to Trainor’s

Emo branded forecourt in Poyntzpass was the defining moment for Naomi. “I could see the impact of their branding, especially the lighting. I saw that Emo could deliver a modern forecourt.

STRONG BRANDING

“I met with Richard Irvine, Emo’s business development manager. He shared and understood my vision to deliver and meet expectations for the site, with a strong, reliable brand offering at a competitive price.

“I wanted to differentiate the forecourt from the competition. The Emo branding and colours fitted with the Centra colour scheme within the shop. I wanted a forecourt which was visually attractive.”

Historically, the site was a small forecourt and car showroom with a little shop. It was entirely demolished and rebuilt. The four point island forecourt now features an OPT – an Outdoor Payment Terminal. AdBlue has been a welcome addition, and the full height canopy enables ease of access for HGVs, coaches and buses, and means the forecourt has high visibility. One pump has been fitted with high speed diesel – suitable for commercial vehicles.

BRIGHT MODERN STORE

Naomi has also invested heavily in the creation of a bright, modern Centra store, compared to the small 900 square foot shop on the previous site. “Space has been dramatically increased. I worked with Barry Holland at Musgrave to create the Centra store. I wanted a store that was able to cater for both the transient customer and local community, to provide a significant, convenience grocery range.

“In-store there’s a modern off-licence, a hot and cold deli, seating area, ATM, lottery, Pay Point and customer toilets. Feedback has been fantastic from locals. People who drove past the site for years, are now coming in. I love the fast paced, customer facing nature of forecourt retailing. It’s long hours, seven days a week, but as my own business venture, I welcome this high footfall and fast pace,” said Naomi.

The ease of access and exit from the site is important for both passing commuters and commercial business. The forecourt is equipped for commercial vehicles. HGV drivers can just pull in to the site, get their hot meals and rest in the seating area.

This growing importance of the forecourt café-style culture is important – often the seating area is a favoured meeting point for people on the move, or for catching up on calls and emails (with full customer wifi access).

An open day is being planned for the spring, but so far the site is ‘selling itself’ with its stunning makeover and unique style.

“Richard Irvine, the business development manager for Emo has been particularly helpful to me. He was very easy to work with, and tailored a complete package for the site. His knowledge and expertise was so important. He had been driving past the site himself for years and could see the potential too. The entire team at Emo has been supportive and flexible.

“Musgrave and the retail community has also been extremely supportive. The new working environment is equally welcomed by our forecourt staff.”

The last word must go to the Emo branding however. Naomi found the Emo brand specifications suited her needs most. “It definitely does look good. It makes for a very attractive and welcoming customer experience – which is precisely what I wanted to create.”

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Launching nationally in 250 stores this month, the digital display media owner is innovating the way retailers and brands advertise to shoppers with its high bright screens, placed strategically in the window front and proven to influence decision making at the vital point of purchase, whilst also attracting passing trade.

Having undergone a vigorous year-long trial period in some of the top independent stores in the UK and Ireland, representing a wide range of symbol groups, sales of FMCG brands promoted on the screens increased by an average of 15.3% over the period, with each store experiencing increased footfall and basket spend as a result.

The company is looking to change the face of convenience retailing with its unique screens, tapping into the booming market which is forecast to grow by 11.7% by 2020 (£196.9bn) as ‘little and often’ shopping habits evolve at a pace. Hi!Street Digital works directly with brands and each retailer to ensure its content is highly engaging, bespoke and occasion-led to catch important last minute and planned purchases.

Jonathan Daniels, managing partner of Hi!Street Digital Media, said: “The launch of Hi!Street Digital is a real step change for independent convenience retailers and the market. Competition on the high street is rife and with shopper loyalty at an all-time low, our tried and tested advertising medium provides retailers with an important point of difference, whilst giving brands a unique opportunity to target the convenience shopper.

“With over 20 recognised store missions and over two thirds of shoppers make their decision at store, Hi! Street Digital screens are often the difference between a sale and no sale.”

“Our high bright screens help to control the conversation with shoppers, influencing their store mission with relevant engagement at the right time and right place. For the next phase of our national store roll out, we ask for both retailers and brands to get in touch if they’d like to be involved and supported by our revolutionary shopper engagement analytics.”

Scott Graham, owner of McLeish in Inverurie, was fitted with a Hi!Street Digitial screen just before Christmas. Of his results so far, he said: “Having seen a screen in action, I was keen to get involved. Our store is located on a busy high street and old-school wholesaler posters just don’t offer the stand out we need to really catch our customers’ attention, particularly on dark evenings.

“We’ve had fantastic results for promotions we are running on screen and in-store, particularly meal deals. Food to go is such an important part of our offering now, having the additional awareness has definitely contributed to more sales and is one of our biggest successes of the year so far.”

Retailers and brands should contact Jonathan@histreetdigital.com for more details on how to get involved.

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The large display area holds a 40 x 30 inch or B1 poster to give outstanding visual impact, which will help boost sales and awareness.

Store and display products in style! Orion Display Unit has a large display area that allows easy access to goods and encourages customers to buy.  Orion is available with a choice of three cover options: without cover, for 24-hour sites; a corrosion-free Rollatec Material cover that provides weather protection and hides contents from view; or an aluminium shutter with Vandalex® Coating that provides extra security in areas where there is a high risk of vandalism.

Auto-Mate Forecourt Bin is a litter bin, towel dispenser and glove dispenser in one space-saving unit. Specially designed for a busy forecourt, Auto-Mate is manufactured from Durapol® material and will not chip, rust or corrode and never needs painting.

For more information contact our sales office on Freephone 1800 656 606.

Glasdon International Limited
Preston New Road

Blackpool

Lancashire

FY4 4UY

United Kingdom

Freephone: 1800 656 606

Freefax: 1800 656 607

e-mail: sales@glasdon.ie

web: www.glasdon.com

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