Company Performance Metrics
- Michael Welch: Founder & Managing Director
Blackcircles.com was launched in 2001 as a revolutionary new way to buy tyres and have them fitted, the UK's first 'Click to Fit' tyre proposition. Through either the company website or call centre customers can choose the type of tyres they want and select their local Blackcircles.com franchise garage from a selection of 1300
available across the UK. Blackcircles handle everything from start to finish.
>Over 900,000 UK Customers.
>Rated the most trusted tyre retailer, TrustPilot.co.uk.
>Prices up to 40% less than the high street chains.
Mike Welch left school at 16 to become a tyre fitter in Liverpool. He launched his first tyre business in his teens before being head hunted by Kwik-Fit, his title was New Business and e-Commerce Development Manager. Mike spent time in the US assisting Ford with their online strategy after Ford acquired Kwik-Fit.
In 2011 Tesco Tyres.com was launched. A JV with Tesco PLC the worlds 2nd largest retailer. Tesco takes 1 in 6 pounds spent on the UK high street. Tesco-Tyres.com offered clubcard points on all tyre purchases, adding even more value to the up to 40% less than high street retail price already on offer. The Tesco-Tyres proposition was subsequently merged into Blackcircles bringing with it the Clubcard incentive offer.
The development of tyre fitting bays in Tesco forecourts is underway, initially tested in Milton Keynes Bletchley.
Chairman of Blackcircles is Graeme Bissett, former Group Finance Director, Kwik-Fit
Former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy is a shareholder and mentor.
Awards;
>Shell Livewire Entrepreneur of the Year
>HSBC Start-up Stars winner
>The National Business Awards Entrepreneur of the year
>Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the year
>Ernst & Young Young Entrepreneur of the year
>BT Essence of The Entrepreneur Award
>BT Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year
>SBAAT Young Business Achiever 2011
>Business Insider Young Business Leader of the Year 2012
