Blackcircles, the UK's leading online tyre retailer, has launched a division dedicated to cutting the costs of tyre replacement for businesses.

The Peebles-based business has appointed Martin Towers, former corporate sales director at Kwik Fit, to head Blackcircles.com Business.

Founder Mike Welch, who cut his teeth with Kwik-Fit under Sir Tom Farmer, said Mr Towers brought over 20 years experience to the role and his appointment further strengthened the management team as it continued to drive ambitious growth plans.

Blackcircles sells tyres online and pays local independent garages to fit them. Since its founding in 2001 the business has gradually disrupted the fast-fit market, benefiting from the explosion of different tyre sizes which makes it impossible for the fast-fitters to keep all tyres in stock.

It aims to support local independents while boasting prices up to 40 per cent lower, and is now building a chain of Pit Stop fitting stations on sites provided by partners such as Tesco at Glasgow's Silverburn shopping centre.

Mr Towers said: "I believe there is a huge opportunity to improve on the price, service and convenience that business customers big and small receive when replacing tyres."

MrWelch, last year's 'emerging entrepreneur of the year' in Scotland, said: "We're delighted to finally be in a position to expand our offer into the business and fleet arena. We're looking forward to giving the big guys a run for their money in the same way we have been for retail customers over the last 12 years."