Hi-Q Bids Farewell to Jack Blacklock

National car care operator, Hi-Q has said farewell to its founder, Jack Blacklock, who sadly passed away recently. Jack, who was 87, founded Tyre Services in 1949, starting the company from premises in Denton Holme, Carlisle. He leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter.

Beginning with premises in Denton Holme’s Metcalfe Street, and with one van, Tyneside-born Jack built up the business by working upwards of 100 hours per week. He was quickly joined by a team of dedicated tyre fitters, including his second in command, Herbert Beacock.

Tyre Services Newcastle and Tyre Services Hexham followed in the 1950s and then in the 1960s Kirkcaldy, Northallerton, Falkirk, Greenock, Edinburgh and Gallowgate also joined the expanding firm. In the years that followed, further depots were opened including Workington, Hamilton, Dundee and Hartlepool until in 1971, the group consisted of 30 depots.

Goodyear saw great potential with Tyre Services through its work in supplying the growing empire with tyres and later bought Tyre Services, creating Hi-Q Tyreservices.

Hi-Q’s retail director, Chris Kisby began his Goodyear career working in the Carlisle territory alongside some of the original Jack Blacklock team. He said: “Jack has left behind quite a legacy. It was his hard work and determination to succeed that’s created the Hi-Q that exists today. His death in 2006 is poignant in that it marks our own announcement that we are set to further invest in the brand, taking the retail concept of fast-fit tyre fitting to its next level. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him at Hi-Q and Goodyear Dunlop.”