Tyres & the tyre bay 46 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2026 Stronger together, independent by choice Tyre and autocare network, Point S, explains how independent tyre and maintenance businesses can reap many of the benefits offered by being part of a large-scale business, while maintaining the independence and flexibility they enjoy. Consolidation has become one of the defining themes across the UK automotive aftermarket. National chains continue to expand, private equity investment remains active across the sector, and rising operational costs are placing increasing pressure on independent tyre and maintenance businesses. At the same time, customer expectations around convenience, pricing and service standards continue to rise. For many independents, scale matters more than it once did, but so does maintaining the local reputation and flexibility that made those businesses successful in the first place. Rather than selling to larger groups or moving into rigid franchise models, more operators are now seeking access to buying power and supplier support while retaining ownership. Point S is one example of how this can be achieved. The network recently surpassed 400 UK points of sale, reflecting what it describes as the growing demand from independent workshops for partnerships that protect independence without isolation. While national operators dominate advertising spend, local businesses compete on reputation, trust and longterm relationships; advantages that are harder to scale but difficult to replicate. However, maintaining that position has become increasingly difficult in a market that demands constant investment. Demands of evolving technology Workshop technology is evolving rapidly, EV readiness continues to reshape training requirements, and staffing and cost pressures remain acute across the sector. For many businesses, operating entirely alone is becoming harder to sustain. That is reflected in comments made by members across the Point S network. Matt Cleevely (pictured), Managing Director of Cleevely Motors and Cleevely Electric Vehicles, explained how the network’s framework enables independent operators to remain competitive. “Since becoming a part of the Point S network, I’ve learned that if you buy tyres properly and strategically through wholesale markets and deal with the right suppliers, tyres can become a little goldmine for your business, particularly when it comes to EV servicing.” Franchise benefits with independent decision making Access to training, supplier relationships and operational support is also increasingly important for independent operators but many remain wary of sacrificing ownership in return. That is where independent network models are gaining traction. Unlike traditional franchise structures, Point S members continue operating under their own branding while accessing collective support behind the scenes. Flexibility is often as important as the commercial benefits themselves. That point is illustrated by the experience of Kevin Williams, owner of B & K Williams in Caernarfon, North Wales, who joined the network after a chance encounter at another Point S centre. “I’d travelled to Shrewsbury to buy a car, and when I realised the tyre was faulty, I was pointed toward a local Point S centre,” he explained. “The owner, who told me about the benefits of being part of the network. I went home, got in touch – and here we are.” On the network’s impact, Kevin is direct: “The new [Point S] signage is getting our customers talking – they’re asking what Point S is, and that starts the conversation. It’s a fresh look, but what matters most is what’s behind it: a trusted service and local relationships.” Point S has increasingly focused on broader mechanical support and training as members diversify beyond traditional tyre fitting. Its Next Gen Campus programme helps prepare younger leaders within family-owned businesses for future management roles and the technological changes reshaping the sector. For businesses across tyre retail and vehicle maintenance, independence no longer has to mean operating alone. www.point-s.co.uk
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