A CHAIN of 70 independent petrol stations with a turnover of £230 million is looking to double in size over the next couple of years.

Euro Garages, based in Blackburn Road, Darwen, is one of the UK's fastest growing independent petrol station operators.

And managing director, Zuber Issa, was recently named Ernst and Young's Young Entrepreneur Of The Year for the northern region.

Euro Garages' expansion plans come at the same time as the price of fuel at the pumps hits record highs and the price of oil is over $130 a barrel.

Judges of the award were impressed with how Mr Issa had built Euro Garages from scratch and had doubled the business over the last three years.

After a successful refinancing earlier this year, the business now plans to double the number of sites through a series of acquisitions.

Mr Issa said: "I'm just one of 500 people who are making a tremendous contribution to the business every single day. With that many motivated, positive people behind you, success comes a lot easier.

"The business has got an exciting two years ahead as we look for more acquisitions - so watch this space."

As well as retailing fuel for oil giants such as BP and Shell, many of its locations include Spar branded convenience retail stores as well as franchised Subway sandwich outlets.

The firm, which was set up in 2001, currently operates mainly across the North and the Midlands.

Euro Garages buy and revamp petrol stations, including rundown and derelict ones, and have become one of the biggest fuel retailers in the area. Zuber runs the compant alongside brothers Mohsin and Zakir Issa.

In 2006, it became a Virgin Fast Track 100 company and bought sought-after sites in key locations.

Manchester senior partner, Simon Allport at Ernst and Young, said Mr Issa had shown a great approach towards growing the business.

He added: "Zuber has brought in partners from franchised food or consumer outlets to help grow site turnover, at the same time quickly integrating acquisitions into the company. Zuber has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to acquire sites and build more partnerships to boost turnover."