A new garage and filling station on the Military Road got the winter start-up help it needed, thanks to the Isle of Wight Lottery.
Grange Chine Auto Centre was set up by Sophie Perkins, with her partner Chris Simmons, who moved to the Island in June last year, looking to set up in business.
They found the perfect location, facing the sea on the coast road at Brighstone, but were finding it difficult to get support from the banks.
Sophie, director of the company, said: “We believe we put forward a strong business case, but the banks just weren’t interested. Then we heard about the Isle of Wight Lottery and put the same case to them.”
Within a few months, Sophie and Chris – who manages the business – had secured an interest free loan of £15,000, enabling them to establish petrol and diesel sales, too.
“It was a real lifeline for us,” said Chris, who has managed garages for ten years. “We have already doubled our business plan financial predictions, and the support of the Lottery’s business advisor is an added bonus.”
Grange Chine Auto Centre is now a petrol station, as well as offering servicing, tyre fitting and car sales, and is launching a new mobile tyre service.
Sophie said: “We moved here from Wiltshire and we love the Island so much already. Now we’re looking forward to building up the business. We’re encouraged by the fact that we have survived a tough winter, and the temporary closure of the Military Road, so we’re quite optimistic about the future!”
