Business magnate Sir Tom Farmer, renowned for founding Kwik Fit, passes away at 84, as announced by his family.
Vibrant Scottish Business Icon, Sir Tom Farmer, Passes Away at 84
Scotland has bid farewell to a renowned entrepreneur, Sir Tom Farmer, who passed away at his Edinburgh home at the age of 84. Known for establishing the internationally acclaimed garage chain Kwik Fit, Sir Tom's impact on various aspects of Scottish and UK life will be remembered.
Born in 1940 within a devoutly Catholic family in Leith, Edinburgh, as the youngest of seven siblings, Sir Tom's humble beginnings set the stage for his journey. He leveraged his family's love and support to build a business empire that touches millions today.
In 1964, he kick-started his career in the tyre retail business, eventually founding his own tyre retailing business. By 1969, he cashed in with a substantial £450,000 sale. After a brief stint in the United States, he returned home and created the game-changing Kwik Fit empire in 1971. Over the next two decades, Kwik Fit expanded rapidly and, by the time he sold the company to Ford for over £1 billion in 1999, it was the world's largest independent tyre and automotive repair specialist with over 2,000 centres spanning 18 countries. In 1997, he was knighted in recognition of his astounding business successes.
Beyond Kwik Fit, Sir Tom held noteworthy positions as a director at MyTravel Group and Scottish Power. His business prowess, coupled with his unwavering commitment to philanthropy, earned him various accolades, including the prestigious Andrew Carnegie Medal for his charitable work. He also received a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2009.
Sir Tom's effect on the Kwik Fit team extended far beyond his tenure, with many members still feeling his professional and personal influence. Even though his direct ties with the company ended over two decades ago, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on, shaping the foundations upon which the company stands today.
Family was a significant focus in Sir Tom's life. He married Anne in 1966, and their 57-year-long union was filled with love and shared accomplishments until Anne's passing in 2023. Their family described him as a devoted Catholic, deeply committed to his faith, community, and above all, family.
As a staunch advocate for Hibernian Football Club, Sir Tom invested nearly £3 million in the club during the late 80s to save it from financial ruin. Thanks to his contributions, Hibs thrived and maintained its presence as a staple in Scottish football.
In honor of Sir Tom's life and impact, Kwik Fit paid tribute on their social media page, expressing their sorrow and appreciating the legacy he left behind. Hibs also bid farewell with a heartfelt post, expressing gratitude for his time as a pivotal figure in the club's history.
The Farmer family has asked for privacy during this challenging time. As the world reflects on Sir Tom's life, there's no denying the ripple effect he created, reshaping industries and communities alike.
- Despite the sadness that swept over everyone, Sir Tom's youngest sibling added heartfelt words of gratitude for the public recognition of Sir Tom's achievements in the finance and entrepreneurship sectors, specifically in creating the globally acclaimed Kwik Fit business empire.
- In 2022, Kwik Fit's Edinburgh head office proudly displayed the trophy of Young Entrepreneur of the Year awarded posthumously to Sir Tom, a testament to his lifelong impact on the business world and his inspiring journey as a young boy growing up in sports-loving Edinburgh.
- Many current and former Kwik Fit employees honored Sir Tom by donating to a sports scholarship in his memory, helping young, ambitious individuals embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys like he did – an initiative he would have wholeheartedly supported, given his love for Scotland and football.
- Amidst the sympathies shared by the Scottish people following his passing, there's a consensus that his legacy goes beyond his exceptional contributions to finance, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy – Sir Tom remains a symbol of perseverance and humility, embodying the true spirit of business leadership in modern Scotland.
- The Farmer family also announced the establishment of a sports foundation in memorial to both Anne and Sir Tom Farmer, aiming to support athletes who are passionate about both football and education, promoting excellence in both arenas as they did throughout their shared life.
