Merityre, Bridgestone, Stapleton’s scoop big Tyre Industry Awards 2021

The National Tyre Distributors Association has presented a bumper crop of awards during its 92^nd Annual Dinner in Birmingham. In the headline awards, Merityre was made the Overall Tyre Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Pirelli Tyres, Bridgestone took first place in Tyre Manufacturer of the Year, sponsored by The Commercial Vehicle Show, while Stapleton’s Tyre Services became 2021’s Tyre Wholesaler of the Year, sponsored by Compilator / Team Systems. Tyrepress reported the announcement of the award winners, in addition to the day’s Tyre Industry Conference, live via Twitter.

Staff training and development initiative of the year award –@BridgestoneUK #TIAwards21 @TyresNTDA pic.twitter.com/M5AXt5QKpK

— Tyrepress.com (@Tyrepress) October 7, 2021

The full list of 2021 Tyre Industry Awards winners was:

• Tyre Manufacturer of the Year Award – sponsored by The Commercial Vehicle Show: Bridgestone Europe NV/SA, UK Branch
• Small Tyre Retailer of the Year Award – sponsored by Pirelli Tyres Ltd: Freeway Exhaust and Tyre Centre Ltd
• Medium Tyre Retailer of the Year Award – sponsored by Pirelli Tyres Ltd: Merityre Specialists Ltd
• Large Tyre Retailer of the Year Award – sponsored by Pirelli Tyres Ltd: Protyre
• Overall Tyre Retailer of the Year Award – sponsored by Pirelli Tyres Ltd: Merityre Specialists Ltd
• Tyre Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by Compilator / Team Systems: Stapleton’s (Tyre Services) Ltd
• Aftermarket Equipment Supplier of the Year Award – sponsored by The Parts Alliance: Autogem Invicta Ltd
• Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights: Jack Wakeman, Kwik Fit (GB) Ltd
• Industry Marketing Campaign of the Year Award – sponsored by Tyre Trade News: Protyre
• Product Innovation of the Year Award – sponsored by Snap-on: Kwik Fit (GB) Ltd
• REACT Commercial Tyre Technician of the Year Award – sponsored by Bridgestone Europe NV/SA, UK Branch: Barry Garbett, Lodge Tyre Co. Ltd
• Staff Training & Development Initiative of the Year Award – sponsored by GB Tyres Ltd: Bridgestone Europe NV/SA, UK Branch
• Truck & Agricultural Tyre Supplier of the Year Award – sponsored by Continental Tyre Group Ltd: Kirkby Tyre Ltd
• Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights Tyre Industry Environmental & Sustainable Solution Award: Michelin Tyre PLC
• Commercial Tyre Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Marsh Commercial: Lodge Tyre
• Tyre Recovery Association (Responsible Recycler Scheme Member of the Year – sponsored by Michelin Tyre PLC: Murfitts Industries
• National Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Tyre Industry – sponsored by Hankook Tyre UK: Stuart John
• NTDA Black and Round Award, recognising altruistic activities in the tyre industry: John Stone

Renowned commercial vehicle industry instructor, Phil Thirsk was 2021’s NTDA Honorary Life Member inductee.

Still shocked/surprised, but very honoured and proud.

— Philip Thirsk (@PhilThirsk) October 8, 2021

The awards, presented at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Birmingham were sponsored for the seventh consecutive year by Sailun Tyres. This year’s dinner was sponsored by Maritime Cargo Services, a long-standing NTDA supplier member and Tyre Industry Awards supporter. Popular TV personality and Rugby Union pundit Mark Durden-Smith returned to present the awards with his trademark blend of fastidious research and warm irreverence.