Franchise development expert joins Colewood Automotive to expand business

Online tyre retail group Colewood Automotive has hired Mark Widdows as its network director, tasked with increasing its online presence and broadening its tyre fitter network.

Colewood is behind some of the biggest tyre websites in the UK including Asda Tyres, etyres and RAC Tyres, which market and sell tyres online which are then fitted by the approved network of independent tyre workshops.

Widdows has spent the last 17 years managing and developing franchised networks of independent dealers for both Goodyear and Bridgestone.

In his 41 years career in the automotive industry he has held a broad range of positions, from tyre fitter and mechanic in the early years to a store manager, franchise manager, acting retail director, national franchise manager and most recently as UK & Ireland retail network manager.

He said: “I am extremely excited to be working with such a forward thinking brand in Colewood Automotive, which has made a huge impact in the automotive retail sector since arriving in 2017.

“Its data solutions is also allowing its partners to capitalise on new business opportunities and I see a lot of growth potential. My role is to take Colewood Automotive to the next level, by attracting more fitter locations which will lead to greater coverage nationwide.

“With the contacts I have and the experience gained in the tyre retail sector, I am extremely confident that I’ll be adding quality partners who will be ambassadors for the business.”

Colewood Automotive managing director Travis Coleman said: “It’s a huge coup for us to add Mark to the team. He brings vast experience to the role and will play a massive role in helping us to achieve our objectives."