Sir Tom Farmer

Tom Farmer is an entrepreneur credited with transforming the automotive repairs industry. As the founder of the Kwik-Fit Group, Tom led the business to national success and has since become an award-winning leader. From an apprentice to a billion-pound businessman, Tom is sought-after to share his success story. Booked for keynote talks and motivational business presentations, Tom is able to relate his career to individuals across industries and offer insightful advice to transfer to the business environment. From leadership to team cohesion, innovating to scalability, Tom has expertise every audience will benefit from.

Best known for pioneering his own business, Tom is the Founder of Kwiki Fit, which came to fruition in 1971. The Scotland based chain of garages specialised in automotive repairs and tyres and fast became a global leader in its field. As the world’s largest independent company offering the trade, Kwik Fit, under the leadership of Tom, grew to over 860 facilities nationwide and 4,000 employees. Having driven the success of the brand for nearly 30 years, in 1999 Tom sold Kwik Fit for nearly one billion dollars to Ford Motor Company. Despite Tom stepping down as Chairman in 2002, the business continues to thrive, a testament to the longevity and vision instilled by Tom.

Born and raised in Scotland, Tom founded his first business in his 20s, inspired by his experiences as a garage apprentice in Edinburgh. Determined to pave his own way, Tom established Tyres & Accessory Supplies in 1964, which he sold only five years later to retire to the US. Growing board of retirement, Tom returned to found Kwik Fit and he has gone on to hold several advisory positions due to his entrepreneurial expertise. Some of his roles include Non-Executive Director of MyTravel Group PLC, Non-Executive Director of Scottish Power and 90% owner of Hibernian FC.

With such an extensive and impressive career, Tom has been recognised with many awards, including the honour of being Knighted by HRH The Queen, and was named Scottish Businessman of the Year whilst at the helm of Kwik Fit. At events, the award-winning entrepreneur expands on his influential career and offers insightful advice to individuals and corporate teams on improving their productivity, growth, and profits. A truly transformational speaker, Tom is a high profile leader with the ability to transform your business.