History:

Steer Tyres was founded in 1978 by Bardon Hill Quarries, who at that time were diversifying away from their core quarrying business, but into areas where there was some synergy. Operating one of Leicestershire's largest granite quarries meant that Bardon Hill were a large consumer of tyres for earthmoving machinery, as well as using a large number of trucks to haul the stone, and this is where Steer started.

Our business progressed, and Chris Cole joined to Company as Director and General Manager in 1987, with the task of developing and expanding the business. Chris had previously worked for Dunlop Tyres, Kenning Tyre Services, and came from Watts Tyre and Rubber Co, in the West and South Wales. In all, to date, Chris has spent nearly 40 years in the tyre industry.

In 1988, Bardon Hill changed direction and decided to concentrate solely on quarrying, as a result of which they disposed of all their service businesses, and Chris, together with his wife Angela, purchased the business, which at that time had 6 locations. A further depot in Lutterworth was added.

Recession:

The recession in the late 80s hit Steer very hard. In effect a new company was suddenly exposed to a massive downturn in the aggregate industry affecting the majority of Steer's customer base both in terms of reduced demand and bad debts, and in 1992 it was necessary to restructure the business, resulting in the closure of a number of locations, so that trading continued from the branches at Coalville and Lutterworth, both of whom offer a comprehensive service, and St Ives who cater specifically to the car and van market.

A number of our staff have been with us a long time, including Bob Harley, our manager at Coalville, who was the first employee of Steer Tyres. Jeff Durow, our Lutterworth manager has also been with us for a number of years, and Ben Chandler at St Ives has been with Steer for nearly two years and has wide industry experience