FORMER Liverpool tyre fitter Mike Welch is plotting European domination for his Blackcircles.com business.
Mr Welch, 27, from Aigburth, opened a small firm in Garston soon after leaving school but was head-hunted by the Scottish operation of national chain Kwik Fit.
Four years ago, he quit to start Blackcircles.com in Peebles, near Edinburgh, which sells tyres online or through a call centre at savings of up to 40%.
He deals with a network of 987 independent garages and dealerships around the UK and turnover is running at £6m.
Now he is launching a franchise model which he says will help revitalise small, independent garages facing stiff competition from large national tyre chains.
He said: "It will offer a 'bolt-on' service for garages by transferring the sales opportunity from the call centre and website to the garage."
The network can provide a same-day service for 80% of its product and Mr Welch added: "We already have a number of queued-up garages to be converted and we forecast about 700 will be completed within 18 months.
"Already 10 garages from the Liverpool area have been in contact."
He added: "We are not looking to encroach on independents or alter their local identity. We want to enhance their business by helping them attract new customers and retain business.
"By becoming a franchisee they will have access to our ordering system enabling them to benefit from our group deals."
Mr Welch said the next step is a European model which could take turnover to £100m within five years.
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