Formula One Autocentres Names Simon Hughes as New MD

‍

Formula One Autocentres has appointed Simon Hughes as managing director, succeeding Jon Butcher when he retires in July after nearly four decades with the business. The change comes as the Hertfordshire-based autocentre group expands its national footprint following the acquisition of 35 former ATS Euromaster sites.

A long-serving leader steps down

‍

‍

Butcher joined Formula One Autocentres in 1987 as a tyre fitter before progressing through manager, area manager and sales director roles. He became managing director six years ago and helped develop the company into a national fast-fit and vehicle servicing operator with more than 170 sites.

His retirement marks a significant leadership change for a business that has become more prominent in UK tyre retail. The company now employs around 1,100 staff and offers tyres, diagnostics, batteries, brakes, clutches, MOTs and servicing.

Butcher said he had “really enjoyed” his time with Formula One Autocentres, having worked across several parts of the business. He added that the company had built a brand focused on customers and service, which he expects to continue under Hughes’ leadership.

Expansion follows ATS acquisition

Hughes, currently finance director, joined Formula One Autocentres in 2020 and led the recent acquisition of 35 sites from ATS Euromaster. Tyre News previously reported on ATS Euromaster’s structured UK wind-down, including the proposed sale of 35 sites to Formula One Autocentres and 14 to S&M Tyres, trading as Elite Garages.

The deal also formed part of wider industry activity following ATS Euromaster’s withdrawal from the UK market. Tyre News later reported how Formula One Autocentres, Halfords and independents moved to support staff and maintain service coverage after the network’s closure process began.

Hughes said there were “very big boots to fill”, but added that the company had a strong team in place. He said Butcher’s legacy was “massive” and described the appointment as “a huge honour”.

Growth target reaches 250 locations

Formula One Autocentres says it is in a healthy position after the ATS acquisition, with a pipeline of further new sites. Hughes will be responsible for delivering plans to reach 185 centres within the next 18 months, with a longer-term ambition to grow towards 250 locations.

The company has also approved a refurbishment programme, under which each site will be upgraded every five years. That programme will include the recently acquired ATS locations.

In practice, this puts Formula One Autocentres among the operators reshaping UK fast-fit capacity after ATS Euromaster’s exit. It also points to continued consolidation in tyre retail, where scale, technician availability and site standards are becoming more important competitive factors.

Michelin tyres added to stock packs

Hughes also confirmed that Formula One Autocentres has added Michelin tyres to its stock packs from May. The move links the group’s retail expansion with a broader premium tyre offer across its growing estate.

The addition comes as tyre manufacturers and retailers continue to focus on margin, premium mix and supply resilience. Recent Tyre News coverage of premium mix and cost control in Q1 tyre results noted Michelin’s continued emphasis on higher-value passenger car and light truck tyres.

Hughes said the future was “very bright” for Formula One Autocentres, citing its expansion, refurbishment plans and new technology across the estate.

‍

‍

Tagged with: Formula One Autocentres, Simon Hughes, Jon Butcher, ATS Euromaster, tyre retail, UK fast-fit, autocentres, Michelin tyres, MOT centres, vehicle servicing, tyre industry appointments, retail expansion

‍