Medal recipient: Sir Tom Farmer CBE KCSG

Sir Tom Farmer, founder of the Kwik-Fit tyre company, is one of Scotland's foremost entrepreneurs. The youngest of seven children, he was born in Leith, Edinburgh in 1940. He and his wife Anne have two adult children.

Sir Tom set up his first business in the motor trade in 1964, and founded Kwik-Fit in 1971. The company was bought by Ford in 1999 for over £1 billion. Sir Tom now oversees a portfolio of retailing, commercial property and other business investments.

Sir Tom’s public service appointments include: Founding board member of Scottish Enterprise, Chairman of Scottish Business in the Community, and board member of Investors in People. He is currently Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Sir Tom received a CBE in 1990 and was knighted in 1997.

A devout Roman Catholic, Sir Tom devotes much of his time to the work of the church and is a strong supporter of interfaith activities.

Sir Tom established the Farmer Foundation to provide support to local communities at home and abroad, with the aim of encouraging self-sufficient development.

Amongst his many other activities, he chaired the Scotland Against Drugs campaign and supports the opening up of public access to the arts.

The media contact for Sir Tom Farmer is Robin Dunseath, 07770 831 728.

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