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 #YourGarage #KerrsTyres #IndependentGarage #automotivebusiness #TyreBusiness #evs #garagelife #AutoRepairUK #workshopManagement #northernIreland #garageowners #AutomotiveIndustry #CustomerService #mechaniclife