Mark Widdows Archives

Mark Widdows appointed Colewood Automotive network director

Colewood Automotive, the tyre e-commerce platform operator, has recruited Mark Widdows as network director. Widdows has more than 40 years’ experience in the tyre industry. He has managed and developed franchise networks comprised of independent dealers for both Goodyear and Bridgestone over the last 17 years. Colewood Automotive is behind several of the biggest tyre websites in the UK including Asda Tyres, etyres and RAC Tyres. Widdows will be responsible for increasing its business online and broadening its fitter network.

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14th March 2024/by Andrew

First Stop breaks the 150-branch barrier

UK News

First Stop

First Stop’s UK tyre and autocare retail operation recently broke through the 150-branch barrier. The leap to 150 tyre centres marks a significant milestone for any tyre business, but read in light of our annual tyre retail ranking, two key facts are immediately apparent: Firstly, First Stop has added something like 26 branches to the network since the last count at the end of April 2022 (which itself followed a 65-branch increase on the 2021 total). And secondly, reaching the 150 mark means that – as things stand – First Stop is now the fifth largest tyre retail operation in the UK. First Stop’s UK management set the goat or reaching 220 branches in four years back in 2019. Reaching 150 branches in three despite the challenging circumstances that have come along with the pandemic, is all the more remarkable.

5th October 2022/by Chris

All-female front desk takes Northampton garage into First Stop network

Career Tracks, UK News

First Stop

The manager of one of the latest independent garages to join the First Stop retail network is committed to creating the most welcoming customer environment in the industry, supported by an all-female front desk. Kim Dorr decided to embark on a career in the industry to dispel common stereotypes associated with garage forecourts after feeling intimidated and undermined when taking her car to the garage. She aimed to create a warm, welcoming environment at Northampton-based In Town Automotive, featuring a children’s play area, a screen showing live video updates of technicians’ work, and bunches of fresh flowers from the local florist. Now Dorr is heralding a new chapter for the centre as it gains national sales, marketing and purchasing support from the First Stop network.

28th March 2022/by Andrew

First Stop unveils ‘most advanced’ centre in Weston-super-Mare

UK News

First Stop has unveiled its “most advanced automotive centre” in Weston-super-Mare. The state-of-the-art depot in Aisecome Way offers a broad range of services, including tyre replacements, alignment, fixed-price servicing and an MOT bay fully equipped for cars, vans and motorcycles. Centre manager Dan Radford and his three colleagues are all from the local area. They say it is a “privilege to work” at the centre with its “second-to-none” facilities.

24th May 2021/by Andrew

First Stop completes British support team

Career Tracks, UK News

The First Stop network has completed its support team for new and existing partners with the recruitment of two further retail business consultants. The First Stop area map for Britain is now fully populated with the appointments of Nick Salt (Northern England and Scotland) and Shaun Sweeney (South West England and South Wales).

9th December 2020/by Stephen

The Auto Workshop joins First Stop, rebrands as flagship centre

UK News

The Auto Workshop; First Stop

First Stop Tyre & Car Services has revealed its striking new rebrand at a flagship store in Birmingham. The Auto Workshop, headed up by father-and-son team Steve and Graham Todd, has become First Stop’s latest partner. Five new jobs have b

2nd October 2020/by Chris

First Stop aiming for 220 branches in four years

UK News

When Mark Widdows left HiQ to head up the First Stop project as UK retail network manager, Bridgestone EMIA in October 2019, it was a fair guess that the revamped First Stop would end up competing with HiQ for the role of leading UK tyre retail franchise operation. However, six months into the role, Tyres & Accessories met up with Widdows and learnt that the new First Stop retail proposition has both ambitious plans and a comprehensive franchise offer.

5th March 2020/by Chris

First Stop names Mark Widdows as retail manager

Career Tracks, UK News

First Stop has recruited Mark Widdows to the senior position of UK retail network manager after working with Goodyear Dunlop for 20 years, where he latterly served as national franchise manager for the HiQ network. The recruitment is seen as a statement of intent, as First Stop aims to grow its network and position itself as a major player in the fast-fit sector.

17th October 2019/by Chris

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