Stuart Kerr, from Chipperfield, near Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, spent over four decades in the motor industry, working internationally up to chief executive level with top automotive brands Nissan, Volvo and Ford.

In 2014, the motorbike enthusiast announced he was throwing in the towel to enjoy a life of leisure and travel with Desiree, his wife of 40 years.

But just two globetrotting years later, Stuart realised he missed the world of business too much, so put his retirement on to take on the 42nd Business Doctors territory.

The new franchise holder for Watford and St Albans, he said: “I’m looking to reach out across central Hertfordshire to really empower small businesses to up their game.

“I’m ready to get my hands dirty and help businesses get to the next level.”

“Although my background is in the motors, I have much to offer to businesses of all kinds. Just because I’m a petrolhead, it doesn’t mean I can’t help a florist to put on new growth.”

Rod Davies, Business Doctors’ co-founder, said: “With his bluechip CEO level experience and desire to help in a really active and practical way, Stuart is an excellent fit for Business Doctors. I can predict that Stuart will soon become an essential player in his local SME community.”

Business Doctors, a national support network that helps SMEs develop and grow, began in Cheshire in 2004 when founders Rod Davies and Matt Levington pledged to make management consultancy style services accessible to small businesses.

They launched their first franchise in Bedford in 2009 and are now growing internationally, with master franchises sold in South Africa and India.