Wesleyan partners with Be.EV to deliver first EV charging hub on its real estate portfolio

Signed, sealed and soon to be delivered.

We’re thrilled to officially announce our partnership with Wesleyan Assurance Society to introduce their first-ever EV charging hub within their real estate portfolio.

Together, we’ll be rolling out 16 ultra-rapid charging bays at Gallagher Retail Park in Wednesbury – soon to be the largest charging facility on any retail park in this part of the West Midlands conurbation.

Right place, right chargers

Conveniently located just off J9 of the M6 – one of the UK’s busiest motorway junctions – this 50,000 sq ft retail park, alongside Gallagher Shopping Park, will not only serve Decathlon and B&M but provide EV charging for thousands of drivers and major retailers alike.

Forming part of one of the UK’s most successful out-of-town shopping destinations, adjoining an impressive line-up of retailers at Gallagher Shopping Park. Stores on-site include M&S, Currys, Next, Boots, JD Sports, Nandos, Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut. These are complemented by IKEA, B&Q and Costa in the locality.

The hub will appeal to thousands of EV drivers looking for a quick charge and comfort break on long journeys, as well as shoppers and the local community.

Wesleyan is a Birmingham-based UK mutual with £7.6bn of assets under management, including a UK commercial property portfolio worth approximately £450m. The partnership, is the first the mutual has undertaken to install EV charging at one of its existing sites and reflects its commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO at Be.EV said: “Wesleyan is a long-established mutual with over 180 years of history. We are delighted that they’ve chosen us to install state-of-the-art EV charging infrastructure at this key site. It forms a core part of our strategy, as we look to expand on our market-leading position in the North West as we continue to develop a national portfolio.

“We have extensive experience installing and maintaining chargers at retail parks in and around Greater Manchester, which not only serve the local community but also boost retailer income through increased footfall. We’re confident we’ll be able to do the same at Wednesbury and aim to develop more EV hubs for Wesleyan in the UK.

“Our aim is to provide the best customer experience possible when charging, and we can’t wait to do this with such a respected real estate investor at what will be the largest ultra-rapid charging hub in the region.”

Mitchell Spencer, Property Asset Manager at Wesleyan, said: “When we bought the retail  unit in 2023, we had a vision from the start to enhance it by offering add-on sustainable and beneficial amenities for all who visit, and we very much had in mind the fact it was so close to a busy motorway network.

“The addition of the EV charging facility will no doubt be a welcome pit stop for electric car drivers visiting the retail park, and more importantly, supports the electric car movement across the UK.”