Family service station business sold as founder retires after almost three decades of success

A long-standing family business operating four service stations across Dumfries and Galloway has entered a new chapter following its successful sale to Grove Retail Limited.

St Michael’s Services, which runs service stations in Dumfries, Newton Stewart, St John’s Town of Dalry and Moffat - two of which operate Post Office counters - was established by Jamie Wood in 1998.

Jamie has dedicated his career to growing the business from the original site in Dumfries to a highly-profitable and well-invested enterprise operating across multiple locations.

Making the decision to retire, Jamie sought a buyer who would uphold the company’s values and strong reputation and continue its growth trajectory. His priority was to ensure continuity for employees and customers while safeguarding the legacy he had built.

Grove Retail Limited, which operates a network of sites across the UK has committed to maintaining the high standards that customers expect and investing in future development, ensuring a seamless transition and a promising future for the business.

Jamie said: “While I’m sad to be moving on from the business after so many years, and will definitely miss the contact with colleagues and customers, many of whom I have known since day one, I’m thrilled that it will continue to thrive under new ownership. For me, finding the right buyer was important and Grove Retail was the perfect fit.”

A long-standing client of Armstrong Watson for almost 30 years, Jamie has worked with Business Services Partner Douglas Russell for half of that time and sought the expertise of the firm’s Corporate Finance Team. They worked with legal advisers from Morton Fraser MacRoberts - Gary Baines, Nicola Kelly and Lachlan Tait - to advise on the sales process and manage the deal to completion ahead of the Capital Gain Tax rate for Business Asset Disposal relief rising from 14% to 18% in April [2026].

Corporate Finance Partner David Wilson said: “We’re delighted to have advised and supported Jamie to sell the business and achieve his retirement goals. His dedication has helped grow St Michael’s Services into a highly successful business with a strong future ahead following this acquisition.”

Partner Gary Baines added: "It was a pleasure and privilege to advise Jamie and his family on the sale. Jamie has built a well-run and successful business over three decades, and we are delighted to see his legacy continue through Grove Retail."