Local Business Owner Faces Uncertain Future Due to EV Charger Development
Blair Isufi, a dedicated father and small business owner, is grappling with the impending closure of his 12-year-old car wash business in Canterbury. He has been given a mere 30 days to vacate his premises located in the Morrisons car park, a situation that has left him anxious about his family’s financial future.
At 43 years old, Isufi has spent over a decade building his business, BLRM hand car wash, in Riverside Retail Park. However, he recently received an email from Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the company that manages Morrisons’ forecourts, stating that the site will be repurposed for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Despite having signed a five-year continuation contract just a few months ago, this sudden notice has put him in a precarious position.
“This feels like a rope around my neck,” Isufi shared, expressing his concerns about the impact on his family and employees. “I’m feeding my children with this business, and I’ve been providing jobs for people in our community for over a decade.”
His wife, Rudina Doci, a hairdresser, was left in shock after she opened the “devastating” email from MFG. “He works seven days a week and truly loves taking care of his clients. Now, it feels like everything is being taken away from him—it’s incredibly unfair,” she lamented. “With just 30 days’ notice, how can we possibly prepare for this?”
The notification from MFG explicitly stated, “The supermarket intends to redevelop the hand car wash site for electric charging. This therefore means that we require the site back with vacant possession by April 12, 2025.” Isufi acknowledges that the 30-day termination clause is legally binding, but he admits he never thought it would actually be enforced.
The couple has pleaded with both Morrisons and MFG to allow them six additional months to find a suitable relocation, but they claim neither organization is willing to engage in meaningful discussions. “It’s going to be impossible for us to find a new place to operate under such tight constraints. If they don’t let me stay here, I’ll be out of business,” Isufi stated with palpable concern.
“All I’m asking for is for Morrisons to be reasonable and allow me to continue my business in another area of the car park,” he added. In response, a representative from Morrisons indicated that hand car washes fall outside their direct management and advised that inquiries be directed to MFG. As of now, MFG has not provided any comments regarding the situation.