Former Spar shop under new management 
in buyout deal

Mark Follen bought the business and secured a long lease on the seven-pump fuel stop and 1,000 sq ft Spar shop on the A6 at Cabus,near Garstang. Two existing staff have been retained and another six jobs created.

With a background in retail, having worked for county supermarket chain Booths for 21 years, Mr Follen purchased his first business in 2007.

This acquisition is his third and expands a portfolio which includes a Spar shop and post office at Ribchester in the Ribble Valley, and a garage and Spar at Claughton-on-Brock, also on the A6 just north of Preston.

Mark Follen said: “This is a well established business and this purchase is a natural extension of what we’re already doing elsewhere.

“We know the road, we know the location, and we already work with Spar at our other two sites.

“Our plan is quite straightforward, to increase the range of retail products and grow the customer base. The business is well positioned for residents of Garstang and the outlying villages, plus holidaymakers at nearby parks and caravan sites, and the passing traffic of HGVs and drivers heading north to Lancaster and the Lake District or south to Preston and Blackpool.

“We will be catering to all needs with everything from household items and kitchen basics, to drinks, snacks and magazines for those passing through.”

Funding was provided by Barclays Bank and financial advice was provided by accountant Julie Eccleston.

The vendor was the Chippendale Family.

Rosemary Riley, from Barclays Bank, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to support Mark and Suzanne Follen with the purchase of their third leasehold site.

“They understand the sector, their customer base, the local economy and the day-to-day challenges.