Tom Farmer

businessman

Sir Tom Farmer was a prominent Scottish entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Kwik Fit, the world's largest independent tyre and automotive chain. Born in Leith in 1940, he opened his first tyre business in 1964 and established Kwik Fit in 1971, expanding it to over 2,000 locations across 18 countries. He sold the company to Ford for £1 billion in 1999. Beyond his business achievements, Farmer was also a devoted philanthropist, earning accolades such as the Carnegie Medal and a knighthood in 1997 for his contributions to the automotive sector and charitable endeavors. He was a passionate supporter of Hibernian FC and remained actively involved in his community throughout his life, remembered for his generosity and commitment to family and faith.