Six-figure convenience store investment secures family business legacy

Clabby filling station and convenience store acquired with Ulster Bank support

A convenience store and filling station in County Fermanagh has been acquired by the owners of a local fuel delivery enterprise with the support of Ulster Bank, helping to expand the family business portfolio and secure the future of its third generation of entrepreneur.

Clabby filling station, the family-owned service station in Clabby, Co. Fermanagh, is under new ownership following a six-figure investment supported by Ulster Bank.

The established business has been acquired by the owners of Robinson Fuels, the fuel distributor first launched in 2010 to supply the Fermanagh and Tyrone areas with home heating oil and agricultural fuels.

Ulster Bank business development manager Peter O’Hara says the acquisition will secure an important asset for the area.

“Supporting and nurturing this kind of commercial investment opportunity is an important part of how we work to serve the communities we operate in. Businesses such as Clabby filling station are the beating heart of rural communities. They add value and provide an important lifeline to vital goods and services. We’re confident that the business will continue to deliver positive impact under its new management and we’re pleased to provide funding that has secured jobs and services now and into the future.”

When the service station went on the market last year, its new owners, Andrea and Nigel Robinson, said it presented a unique opportunity to expand the family business portfolio.

“It’s a great addition and there’s real synergy between the two businesses given our decade plus experience in agricultural and home heating fuels,” Nigel says.

“We’re able to apply that experience to the forecourt and utilise our industry knowledge to bring petrol, diesel and, eventually, home heating oil to the service station at the same competitive rates we offer through Robinson Fuels.”

Andrea says: “This is a very rural community and a lot of locals rely on this service, so we’re pleased to continue delivering for the area and we have plans to build upon this initial investment with new offerings and refurbishment.”

Independently owned under the Nearby convenience store format, Clabby filling station offers a range of products and services, including a hot food deli, locally sourced fresh produce and an integrated post office service. It operates three active fuels pumps with plans to add a fourth for home heating oil.

Andrea and Nigel’s son, Adam, an A Level student, is undertaking study with the view to taking over the reins of the new venture.

“Adam is a real asset. He was employed here by the previous owners and has an understanding of the needs of the business and the community. He’s shown great appetite to take on more duties and is hoping to study business management after his A Levels,” Andrea says.

“His grandfather and uncles all owned and managed convenience businesses in the Fermanagh area, so he’s eager to continue the family’s entrepreneurial legacy.”