People & Careers Formula One Autocentres Names Simon Hughes as New MD Published: May 15, 2026 Author: Luke Redfern Simon Hughes, Managing Director Formula One Autocentres. | Image: Formula One Autocentres ‍ 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 ‍ Jon Butcher | Image: Formula One Autocentres ‍ 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 key 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 ‍ Disclaimer: This content may include forward-looking statements. Views expressed are not verified or endorsed by Tyre News Media. Let's Shape the Future of the Tyre Industry Together Whether you're launching a product, sharing innovation, supporting sustainability initiatives or looking to engage with the global tyre industry. Contact us ADVERTISEMENT Latest News Market Intelligence Bio-Based Feedstocks Open New Route to Rubber Decarbonisation People &

• Careers Chris Follows Takes on Snowdon for The Albion Foundation People &

• Careers Nexen Tire Extends European Leadership Restructure Market Intelligence Global Tyre Recovery Rates Mask Wide Circularity Gap Fleets &

• Operators TireCheck INSCAN Automates Commercial Tyre Inspections Global News Future Tyre Industry Hub Weekly: Traceability, Data and Materials Supporting the Future of the Tyre Industry Join the organisations supporting the daily conversations shaping the future of the tyre industry. Become an Official Sponsor People &

• Careers Formula One Autocentres Names Simon Hughes as New MD Author: Luke Redfern Featured Stories BKT Q1 Sales Reach Record as India Drives OHT Growth Closed-Loop Tyre Materials Drive Recovered Carbon Black Growth UK All-Season Tyre Volumes Fall 9.8% in 2025 RAM Tracking and Klipboard Unite Fleet and Job Platforms Bio-Based Feedstocks Open New Route to Rubber Decarbonisation Anyline Automates Tyre Sidewall Capture in TireBuddy Update Pirelli, Continental and Sailun Show Growing All-Season Choice Maxam Adds 50/65R51 Size to MS501 MineXtra Range Halfords to Join FTSE 250 After Improved FY26 Performance ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISE HERE

📌 Formula One Autocentres Names Simon Hughes as New MD (Raver)
🏢 Tyre News Media
📍 Raver