HiQ, Goodyear Dunlop’s fast-fit arm, has appointed franchisees for six of its 15 available regions.

It hopes to have all its partners assigned by the end of the year.

Justin Robert, a former HiQ store manager, now holds the franchise to three stores in Cornwall, while ex-retail director Chris Kisby leads a consortium which has taken control of 28 stores in east, west and south midlands.

Five stores in the South Wales region and five stores in East Anglia zone have also been signed to franchisees.

HiQ’s corporate identity and IT systems will be pushed out in all stores by the end of next year.

James Bailey, Goodyear Dunlop communication manager, said: “It’s important these stores are brought up to the latest standards.

“Franchisees must invest in training and the brand.”

However, Bailey was unwilling to disclose franchisees’ money commitment to the venture.

He added: “By the end of next year, we aim to have a HiQ network of over 130 stores all conforming to the same look and feel, corporate identity and servicing standards so we look like a national network.”

Neil Burrows, former managing director, left the business in September after his management buy out bid was rejected.

Goodyear Dunlop shelved its plan for a management buyout for HiQ after being inundated with interest from people who wanted to take on a franchise.

It began advertising for regional franchises in March with a deadline in May for applications.