Applegreen is set to nearly double in size in the UK by the end of the summer, according to UK managing director Michael O’Loughlin.

He said acquisitions were set to increase the group’s current total of 24 UK sites to 45 by late summer.

O’Loughlin revealed the growth plans as he unveiled a new canopy for its brand in the UK, and a small store concept, at Uckfield, East Sussex.

The new canopy features the company’s logo on a wood effect and is set to be rolled out across the UK estate.

The format of the Uckfield site, which has a 550sq ft store, will act as a blueprint for the rest of the group’s smaller sites if it proves successful, added O’Loughlin.

He said: "The aim is to transform smaller stores with a £10,000 a week turnover and 20% margin into ones with a £20,000 turnover and 35% margin."