Latest news with #Kwik-Fit
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers 'must avoid' buying these cheap tyres says motoring expert
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has warned drivers to avoid buying some budget tyres - often made in China - which can prove to be a false economy in the long-run Bridgestone has sounded the alarm for drivers considering cheap Chinese -made tyres, warning that such budget options could lead to higher costs and compromised safety over time. As motorists grapple with soaring vehicle running costs, many are tempted by the cheaper price tags on Chinese tyre brands. Yet Bridgestone's chief technical officer for the West, Emilio Tiberio, has voiced concerns, stressing that initial savings may actually jeopardise safety: "With price, there is always a debate. The price and cost of Chinese tyres do not match. If we look at performance, we see when it comes to critical aspects like stopping, you're in trouble. "They're attractive from a cost perspective, but most consumers are simply unaware of their quality." Mechanic chain Kwik-Fit reports that opting for premium over budget tyres can mean a difference of up to £320 per set for larger wheels, reports the Express. Motoring experts concur, pointing out that while pricier tyres might hit your wallet harder initially, they're made from superior rubber that not only extends tread life but also enhances road grip, slashing the risks of skidding in dodgy weather and shortening braking distances. Gary Powell, technical manager for Bridgestone, pointed out that top-tier tyre brands are more likely to pour resources into innovation aimed at cutting emissions and boosting efficiency. He said: "Bridgestone's tyre technology has evolved considerably over the last couple of years alone. When we talk about budget tyres representing a false economy, we have so much more to elaborate on than ever before. "For example, our Turanza 6 offers best-in-class wet performance, superior mileage and improved fuel and energy efficiency. The benefits are clear and with the automotive industry undergoing such a huge change, motorists are more keen than ever to learn more." To demonstrate their capabilities under various conditions, all new tyres intended for use on cars and vans must come with an EU Tyre Label. These labels, akin to the energy ratings found on household appliances, assign a grade from A to G to tyre models based on their wet grip performance and impact on vehicle fuel efficiency. Drivers can also refer to these labels to gauge the noise level of a tyre set, with many high-end options proving significantly quieter than their budget counterparts.
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
Kwik-Fit founder Sir Tom Farmer: a true entrepreneur
He built Kwik-Fit from a standing start in his home city of Edinburgh in 1971 into one of the best-known companies in Scotland, and indeed the UK, employing thousands of people. Kwik-Fit grew to become one of the biggest Scottish companies listed on the London stock market, on which it remained until 1999. When it comes to the scale of the business built by Sir Tom, the fact that he sold it to Ford in 1999 for £1 billion speaks for itself. This was a very big story to cover at the time. The entrepreneur was acutely aware of the importance of customer service and training staff in this as the business grew, given the high profile of the brand and the impact which any publicity around it could have on the business. While he was not one of those who courted publicity, he always seemed happy to make time for interviews over the years, Sir Tom always provided fascinating insights, whether reflecting on trading as Kwik-Fit published results or addressing broader issues. He was about as far from a flashy entrepreneur as you could get, but he did speak up when he had something to say. Sir Tom, who hailed from Leith, was for 25 years principal shareholder of football club Hibernian. And of course he was willing to spend his time helping, mentoring, and giving advice to other entrepreneurs. Read more Mike Welch, who founded and built tyre business Blackcircles, has been among the many people to pay tribute to Sir Tom. The story told by Mr Welch sums up Sir Tom's astuteness when it comes to people as well as his willingness to help others. In a LinkedIn post, Mr Welch said: 'I remember being at a tyre industry conference, shortly after I'd left Kwik-Fit and was in the very early days of building Blackcircles. I was sharing with him how tough it was to get started and that none of the suppliers in attendance would take a second look at an internet start-up like mine. 'Tom listened carefully, then leaned in and said, 'watch this'. He pulled two chairs together in the middle of a packed bar, sat down across from me, and launched into what looked, very deliberately, like a serious strategic conversation. It was pure theatre, done with a wink. From the outside, it was a message that he was backing me, guiding me, maybe even investing, which he hadn't, but that's another story. By the end of the week, suppliers who wouldn't return my calls were suddenly eager to talk. That moment changed everything. The rest, as they say, is history.' It was also evoked memories when reading Mr Welch's description of Sir Tom as 'full of mischief and warmth'. This comment will resonate with many who had the opportunity to meet with and talk to Sir Tom over the decades. Mr Welch said: 'Sir Tom was more than a business icon - he was generous with his time, full of mischief and warmth, and deeply committed to helping others succeed. I owe a lot to his inspiration and mentorship. He believed in people, and in doing good by them, and he believed in me.'
Rhyl Journal
10-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
David Gray pays tribute to Sir Tom Farmer after death of Hibs saviour aged 84
The Leith-born Kwik-Fit founder's family announced the death of the 84-year-old businessman ahead of Hibs' 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday. Farmer's financial intervention helped block a hostile takeover from Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer in 1990 and he bought the club and Easter Road from the receivers of the parent company a year later amid serious financial difficulties. Hibs would soon win the first of two League Cups of Farmer's 28-year stewardship. And then captain Gray's late winner against Rangers eventually brought the Scottish Cup back to Easter Road in 2016 after a 114-year wait. Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace. — Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 10, 2025 Gray said: 'Really sad news. He's not kept particularly well for a wee while now, but for everything he's done for the football club, saved the club at a time of need, it's a sad day for everyone involved in the football club and the thoughts are with his family at this time. 'My relationship with him personally, it wasn't as if I've seen him all the time, not at all, but I did have one real positive meeting and introduction with him, which was straight after the cup final. 'I saw him on the Sunday and it was a nice moment to be able to present the Scottish Cup to him for everything he's done as a Hibs supporter and everything he's been through. 'All the times he's probably seen Hibs not win the Scottish Cup and all the pain he went through with that as well, so that was a real privileged moment for myself to be involved with the club on that day. 'I know how much it meant to absolutely everyone that day who was involved with the club, but no more so than him I'm sure.' Farmer relinquished ownership of Hibs to the late Ron Gordon in 2019 with a redeveloped Easter Road back in the hands of the club. His rescue act had come a century after his grandfather had performed a similar deed. John Farmer and his brother, Philip, were among a group of four men who put money in to resurrect the club in 1891 after the birth of Celtic had led to an exodus of players and staff to Glasgow.
North Wales Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
David Gray pays tribute to Sir Tom Farmer after death of Hibs saviour aged 84
The Leith-born Kwik-Fit founder's family announced the death of the 84-year-old businessman ahead of Hibs' 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday. Farmer's financial intervention helped block a hostile takeover from Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer in 1990 and he bought the club and Easter Road from the receivers of the parent company a year later amid serious financial difficulties. Hibs would soon win the first of two League Cups of Farmer's 28-year stewardship. And then captain Gray's late winner against Rangers eventually brought the Scottish Cup back to Easter Road in 2016 after a 114-year wait. Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace. — Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 10, 2025 Gray said: 'Really sad news. He's not kept particularly well for a wee while now, but for everything he's done for the football club, saved the club at a time of need, it's a sad day for everyone involved in the football club and the thoughts are with his family at this time. 'My relationship with him personally, it wasn't as if I've seen him all the time, not at all, but I did have one real positive meeting and introduction with him, which was straight after the cup final. 'I saw him on the Sunday and it was a nice moment to be able to present the Scottish Cup to him for everything he's done as a Hibs supporter and everything he's been through. 'All the times he's probably seen Hibs not win the Scottish Cup and all the pain he went through with that as well, so that was a real privileged moment for myself to be involved with the club on that day. 'I know how much it meant to absolutely everyone that day who was involved with the club, but no more so than him I'm sure.' Farmer relinquished ownership of Hibs to the late Ron Gordon in 2019 with a redeveloped Easter Road back in the hands of the club. His rescue act had come a century after his grandfather had performed a similar deed. John Farmer and his brother, Philip, were among a group of four men who put money in to resurrect the club in 1891 after the birth of Celtic had led to an exodus of players and staff to Glasgow.
Leader Live
10-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
David Gray pays tribute to Sir Tom Farmer after death of Hibs saviour aged 84
The Leith-born Kwik-Fit founder's family announced the death of the 84-year-old businessman ahead of Hibs' 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday. Farmer's financial intervention helped block a hostile takeover from Hearts chairman Wallace Mercer in 1990 and he bought the club and Easter Road from the receivers of the parent company a year later amid serious financial difficulties. Hibs would soon win the first of two League Cups of Farmer's 28-year stewardship. And then captain Gray's late winner against Rangers eventually brought the Scottish Cup back to Easter Road in 2016 after a 114-year wait. Hibernian FC are devastated to hear of the passing of former owner Sir Tom Farmer, aged 84. Thank you for everything, Tom. Rest in peace. — Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) May 10, 2025 Gray said: 'Really sad news. He's not kept particularly well for a wee while now, but for everything he's done for the football club, saved the club at a time of need, it's a sad day for everyone involved in the football club and the thoughts are with his family at this time. 'My relationship with him personally, it wasn't as if I've seen him all the time, not at all, but I did have one real positive meeting and introduction with him, which was straight after the cup final. 'I saw him on the Sunday and it was a nice moment to be able to present the Scottish Cup to him for everything he's done as a Hibs supporter and everything he's been through. 'All the times he's probably seen Hibs not win the Scottish Cup and all the pain he went through with that as well, so that was a real privileged moment for myself to be involved with the club on that day. 'I know how much it meant to absolutely everyone that day who was involved with the club, but no more so than him I'm sure.' Farmer relinquished ownership of Hibs to the late Ron Gordon in 2019 with a redeveloped Easter Road back in the hands of the club. His rescue act had come a century after his grandfather had performed a similar deed. John Farmer and his brother, Philip, were among a group of four men who put money in to resurrect the club in 1891 after the birth of Celtic had led to an exodus of players and staff to Glasgow.
