Jeff Fowkes Wheels celebrates second TyreSafe award, 30th anniversary

Jeff Fowkes Wheels, a family run garage in Leicestershire, won the 2016 TyreSafe Independent Garage of the year – the second time the garage has been recognised with a national award in three years. The news comes as the company starts to expand its services to mark 30 years in business with the work force doubling in size to meet demand at the Station Road site in Ibstock.

This year’s award is the second time the garage has been given the Independent Garage of the year award with it scooping the title in 2013 as well – making it the only garage in the country to win the award twice.

The garage is also looking to support national tyre safety month in October and appealing for partners to help in its mission of raising awareness of the dangers of not being tyre safe.

Jeff Fowkes, who has more than 40 years industry experience, said: “When we first started out our aim was to deliver a quality, personal service to our customers and 30 years on we still follow that ethos putting customer service first.

“It is great that as a small, independent garage TyreSafe has recognised the work we do with this award. To receive this national accolade is a great honour and it is even more special considering our celebratory year.”

In presenting the award TyreSafe said: “With limited resources at their disposal, it takes passion and commitment for independent retailers and smaller operations to find the time and money to support the tyre safety awareness message. Our winner – Jeff Fowkes Wheels – has consistently gone further than the extra mile to continually support tyre safety awareness.”

Jeff Fowkes and his wife Debbie started Jeff Fowkes Wheels in 1986 offering alloy wheels, tyres and general servicing to the motorists of Ibstock and surrounding villages. Three decades on and the family run business is now taking on new staff to cope with customer demand as well as diversifying to offer new in house services such as cam belts, clutches and engine work. The couple, who run the business with their daughter Grace, pride themselves on offering a friendly and informative service.