Gull outlet puts you in charge

NATIONAL drive-through coffee franchise Muzz Buzz has partnered with Perth-based Gull Petroleum to launch the independent fuel retailer's first unmanned petrol station in Western Australia.

The new purpose-built station and Muzz Buzz outlet, located on the corner of Kalamunda and Kenneth roads in High Wycombe, is said to be the first 24-hour unmanned fuel station in the state for non-commercial, private vehicles.

Muzz Buzz sublets the land from Gull, which has prime position at the front of the block.

Gull general manager of fuels, Michael Mullins, said while unmanned fuel stations were common in the eastern states and overseas, only a handful of unmanned diesel-only stations existed in WA to service truck drivers outside the metropolitan area.

He said demand for unmanned service stations was growing as consumers sought fast and convenient service.

Muzz Buzz executive chairman Warren Reynolds told WA Business News that combining the two franchises on the one location would allow the businesses to "feed off each other", taking advantage of their local brand recognition.

"Gull Petroleum and Muzz Buzz are two proud and successful Western Australian companies that enjoy strong brand recognition, and whose businesses complement each other perfectly," Mr Reynolds said.

"I believe we can use our strong brand recognition to drive growth in both our businesses."

He said while the joint venture was a first for Muzz Buzz, the franchise would consider further partnerships with Gull if they were deemed financially viable.

Since its establishment in 2004, Muzz Buzz has grown to more than 30 drive-through coffee franchises throughout WA, Victoria and South Australia.

The franchise was recently recognised as one of the top five 'emerging brands' in WA Business News' brand survey, for the fourth consecutive year.

From a single service station in Perth in 1976, Gull has grown to become the largest independent fuel company in WA, with more than 70 Gull-branded service stations throughout the state.

Through an aggressive marketing strategy the company plans to significantly increase market share within the Australian and New Zealand petroleum industries.