Garage network Halfords Autocentres has appointed Simon Benson as operations director to take over the reins from Bill Duffy, who was recently appointed as Halfords Autocentres’ chief executive.

Benson has joined the company from Kwik-Fit, where he served for 10 years, most recently as divisional director. He has also worked for Kingfisher Group brands Comet and Woolworths.

Halfords Autocentres is currently experiencing its most rapid period of expansion, with the company expecting to have an additional 14 centres open by the end of April 2012 and aiming to add up to another 30 by April 2013. It currently has 247 autocentres, the most recent to open being in Blackpool.

Halfords has also just signed a promotional deal with vehicle provenance website MyCarCheck.com to offer its customers discounted winter service inspections.

Halfords’ winter inspection is normally priced at £29.95 and customers at MyCarCheck will be offered a “better than half price” deal.