F1 Autocentres company history

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Formula One Autocentres is one of the largest independently owned Autocentre chain in the UK.

Phil Glencross, the current Group Chairman, and his father Stan established their first business - a petrol filling station in Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire in 1969.

Commenting on the roots of Formula One's success Mr Glencross enthused: 'We've been serving the motorist as a family for 35 years and our commitment to deliver the highest quality products and services backed up by the most competitive value around has remained our main aim.

By 1974. The Glencross family had expanded their operations with the acquisition of Leaside Garage, which they set up as a tyre centre. From this humble beginning they established a thriving fast-fit business, which by 1985 numbered 10 branches.

In 1987 Leaside Tyre & Exhaust Centres were bought by the Shell Corporation and in this year the new concept of Formula One Autocentres was conceived and the first Formula One centre was opened in Bedford.

'With Formula One Autocentres we wanted to deliver a whole new kind of fast-fit experience.' Phil explained. 'With clean, modern premises, high-tech equipment and highly trained technicians our vision was a million miles away from the image normally associated with the industry.'

'It's a formula which has proved incredibly popular with motorists.' Added Janet Glencross. 'And thanks to the many thousands of loyal customers who continue to put their trust in our expertise and experience we're still growing strong today!'

So much so in fact that Formula One currently boasts 50 state-of-the-art Autocentres located throughout the South/South East and the Midlands; with over 400 highly trained staff working 7 days a week to provide a full range of services including Tyres, Exhausts, Batteries, Brakes, Clutches, MOT's and Servicing.

It’s still very much a family affair however. The day-to-day running of the business is handled by the Glencross’ two sons – Paul and Leon. As Group Managing Director and Sales Director respectively, they are continuing to uphold the company’s long tradition of service, quality and value for money. And as Paul explained that means a great deal not just to the family, but to every Formula One customer.

'We've always been fiercely proud of our independence.' He confirmed. 'As a family-owned business we're not tied down to any single manufacturer or supplier which means we're free to offer the biggest deals on the widest choice of top brand products!'

Leon Glencross agreed, adding: 'Formula One continues to offer a real alternative to the big national chains, providing cost-conscious motorists with a professional, reliable and affordable route to maintaining their vehicles.'

Speaking about the company's plans for the future, Phil confirmed: 'Formula One has remained at the forefront of the fast-fit industry by constantly evolving and developing innovative new products and services to meet the ever changing demands of our customers.

In summing up he concluded: 'With a dynamic management structure, new technology plus Formula one's commitment to deliver unbeatable fast-fit value, no one is better equipped to face the challenges of the 21st Century!'