Susie Jones
The Red Lion Truckstop - A model of success
Створено: 28.08.2024
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Оновлено: 28.08.2024
Just 200 yards from the M1 at junction 16 sits the Red Lion truck stop. Established more than 30 years ago, the Red Lion has become the go-to destination for drivers. Described as a trucker’s paradise, its communal feel, delicious food, and vast range of facilities make this award-winning stop a firm favourite. Site operator, Ali Sadrudin, tells us about the site.
"The site can accommodate over 200 lorries per night. There is high-speed fuel filling station, which not only dispenses Diesel and AdBlue but also Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). There is also a newly-built manned 3 brush truck wash. The amenity building has a restaurant and bar, truck accessory shop, launderette, gaming centre, cash machines, manned showers and toilets, and function and meeting spaces.”
Facilities
Some may see truck stops as just a resting place for drivers, but they also play a crucial role in improving driver well-being. At SNAP, we know that providing drivers with clean facilities is imperative. But what else do truckers need?
“I believe customers are looking for the basics but done right. Good food, clean facilities, and safety for their vehicles and their loads. If you can provide this, then you will have happy and repeat customers,” says Ali.
A quick glance at the Red Lion’s Facebook page tells you they certainly follow this mantra, and it’s working. Comments like “cracking truck stop, best in the country” and “possibly one of the best truck stops in England” support the 4,000+ positive Google reviews.
Safety and security
However, delicious meals and clean facilities aren’t the only things Ali and the team focus on. They also take security extremely seriously. In 2020, it was estimated that, in the UK, there were over 4,000 HGV, freight, and cargo crimes - resulting in a £250 million cost to the UK. Sites like the Red Lion have introduced security measures to reduce this number.
Ali states that “SNAP has helped us gain the TAPA PSR Level 3 certification.” In February 2023, The Red Lion was awarded the Park Mark Freight Award. Ali talks us through what security measures were taken to achieve this award.
“The site is a secure by design site. We have 24/7 manned guards who patrol the site, with a third party monitoring the CCTV. We have a 3m uninterrupted fence around the site, with fixed cameras looking at all points of it, so it can detect any unauthorised entries or damage to the fence panels. The site is also fully lit to the required lux levels that the police have specified with motion detection cameras strategically placed around the site to pick up any unauthorised movement and make sure every part of the site is under watch. ANPR system to pick up plates entering in and out of the site, and a quick response alert with police if ever there is a need to call them.”
The Red Lion has also taken extra measures to ensure female drivers feel comfortable and safe during their visits. Amenities such as women's showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available. These measures haven’t been unnoticed as, in January 2023, the truck stop was named a Top UK truck stop for female HGV drivers.
Revenue and expansion
One of the many benefits for location managers using SNAP is improved profitability and optimisation. As a founding customer of SNAP, Ali explains how SNAP has brought the business extra revenue since joining in 2009.
“It was a gradual process over the years, however, as driver spending habits are continuously changing and becoming cashless, I can imagine a new site taking on SNAP would have an immediate return. Approximately 65% of the total revenue for the site is from SNAP.”
Things have certainly changed a lot in the industry since 2009. Ali explains how the site has had to adapt to the changing industry and increased demand.
“The site was initially only able to accommodate 130 HGVs per night, but in 2018 the site extended to 200+ to accommodate the increased demand,” states Ali. For drivers and fleets using SNAP, those 200 spaces become easily bookable.
Just four years on, the site saw more expansion with the introduction of a new truck-washing facility. Opened in November 2022, the state of the art three brush truck wash is suitable for most LGVs.
Joining SNAP as a service partner
Joining SNAP puts your location in front of 160,000 drivers and 7,000 fleets. For truck stops, like the Red Lion, who are constantly striving to offer new initiatives and facilities for their customers, SNAP provides the opportunity to do so.
“SNAP enabled the site to offer an alternative payment method which can only benefit the customer, and draw them to the site,” says Ali.
The benefits of SNAP
Over 160,000 drivers use SNAP Account. Therefore, high standards are vital. Although service partners accepting SNAP Account payments are independent businesses, we review each site and ensure they meet our standards. In addition to this, our network team is available whenever needed.
“SNAP has always been supportive from the very first time we joined,” says Ali.
When asked what the best thing about SNAP is for them, Ali states, “it’s the level of service, they have gone above and beyond to tailor the ticketing system to our requirements.”
And his advice for truck park owners who are thinking about opening their location to SNAP drivers?
“Do it! Why would you not want to bring additional customers to your site.”
Sign up to SNAP
To improve your profitability and optimise your site operations, head to snapacc.com.
