Moving back home to Alloa provided former Royal Air Force (RAF) communications airman Gregor Dawson and his partner, Bethany Hudson, with the perfect opportunity to launch their own business.
Having spent 13 years in the RAF before working across a number of sectors, Gregor and Bethany officially launched Cambus-based Wheel Whizz in May this year after going to Business Gateway Clackmannanshire for advice.
Since then the mobile alloy wheel refurbishment business has secured contracts with five car dealerships in Stirling, and word-of-mouth has attracted a growing number of the general public and local companies to use their services.
Bethany said: “Going to Business Gateway helped us secure the finance we needed to get started. Our adviser was fantastic, and the business plan template and specific help with cash flow projections that she gave to us was invaluable. When we took our business plan to the bank the manager said it looked very professional and we were given the loan we needed. I’m now looking to go on a few of Business Gateway’s workshops to help grow our social media following and keep www.wheelwhizz.co.uk up to date.”
The business, which offers a same day turnaround service at the client’s home or workplace, prides itself on making damaged alloy wheels look as good as new, no matter if one has been scuffed on a kerb or the owner wants to totally change the colour of all four.
Michelle Carr, Business Gateway, said: “Because the business is flexible and responsive it has quickly grown. Our help gave Gregor and Bethany greater confidence and ensured their loan application was successful. Now the business is established the couple hope to continue to attract new customers, expand into Falkirk and Stirling, and work with more car dealerships which they hope will help them create new jobs in the future.”
To find out how Business Gateway Clackmannanshire can help your business call 01259 208426 or visit www.bgateway.com/clackmannanshire.
PIC: Gregor Dawson and his partner, Bethany Hudson of Wheel Whizz