a winning formula for
over 30 years

Formula One Autocentres is one of the largest independently-owned autocentre chains in the UK.

The company is a family-run business, consisting of the current shareholders Phil, Paul and Leon Glencross, and is committed to deliver the highest quality products and services combined with the most competitive prices.

Paul and Leon continue to uphold the company’s long tradition of service, quality and value for money as well as the day-to-day running of Formula One.

Phil Glencross and his father Stan established their first business — a petrol filling station in Stanstead Abbots, Hertfordshire in 1969. By 1974 Phil had expanded with the acquisition of Leaside Garage, which was set up as a tyre centre. From this humble beginning he established a thriving fast-fit business, which by 1985 numbered ten branches.

In 1987 the Shell Corporation bought ‘Leaside Tyre & Exhaust Centres’ and, in this year, the new concept of Formula One Autocentres was conceived with the first centre opening in Bedford.

The aim with Formula One Autocentres was to deliver a whole new kind of fast-fit experience with clean, modern premises, high-tech equipment and highly-trained technicians which was a million miles away from the image normally associated with the industry.

It’s a formula which has proven incredibly popular with motorists. Thanks to the many thousands of loyal customers who continue to put their trust in Formula One’s expertise and experience, which continues to grow strong today.

Formula One currently boasts over 50 state-of-the-art autocentres located throughout the South/South East and the Midlands, with over 450 highly trained staff working seven days a week to provide a full range of services including tyres, exhausts, batteries, brakes, clutches, MOT’s and servicing.

Formula One has always been fiercely independent and, as a family-owned business, not been tied down to any single manufacturer or supplier which means that Formula One are free to offer the biggest deals on the widest range of top branded products.

By offering a real alternative to the big national chains, Formula One provides cost-conscious motorists with a professional, reliable and affordable answer to maintaining their vehicles.

Formula One remains at the forefront of the fast-fit industry by constantly evolving and developing innovative new products and services to meet the ever-changing demands of its customers.

In conclusion, with Paul and Leon continuing to lead the management team, a continuous expansion programme and investment in technology plus Formula One’s commitment to deliver unbeatable fast-fit value, no company is better equipped to face the challenges of the future.