Inside Northern Ireland’s Fastest Growing Garage Network
Your Garage: Episode 10
This episode of Your Garage is proudly supported by 1TEC Auto Hub, a network designed to help independent garages grow stronger through expert training, modern technology, and business support.
Find out more at https://www.1tec.co.uk
In this episode of Your Garage, we travel to Northern Ireland to visit Kerr’s Tyres, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent garage networks.
From a single tyre shop to 27 sites across Ireland, Kerr’s has built a business model that blends scale with strong local values. We go behind the scenes of their superstore workshops, meet founder Norman Kerr, and explore how the team are preparing for the future of the automotive trade.
You’ll see how Kerr’s has:
Expanded from tyres into full-service and fleet work
Built consistency across every branch with a “superstore” blueprint
Invested heavily in EV servicing and technician training
Stayed true to Northern Irish hospitality and community values
Created sustainable growth through data, structure, and people
Norman and Richard share honest lessons on scaling, leadership, and what the next five years look like for independent garages.
Whether you run a workshop or work in the trade, this episode is full of real insight on growth, customer care, and the future of independent garages.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Northern Ireland
00:34 - Introduction to Kerr’s Tyres and the Superstore model
02:00 - Behind the scenes: layout, ramps, and space efficiency
03:00 - Wholesale and delivery operation across Ireland
04:00 - From tyres to full mechanical servicing
05:00 - EV servicing, staff training, and investment in the future
07:00 - Detailing and performance partnerships
09:45 - Building a consistent “superstore” brand
11:00 - Marketing through community and events, not ads
13:50 - Inside the flagship workshop and design details
15:00 - Hospitality and Northern Irish business culture
17:00 - Growth lessons and learning from mistakes
18:10 - Data-driven decision making and leadership
19:10 - Advice for smaller independent garages
20:20 - Vision for the next five years
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