Case Study: Monza Sports Tuning Ltd -
Based in Ashington, West Sussex; Monza Sports Tuning Ltd is a car sales showroom and large servicing workshop with fully trained staff for all Subaru, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Abarth cars.
SUMMARY
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, Monza Sports Tuning Ltd found that new car sales were almost non-existent due to uncertainty. With electric vehicles becoming more popular, the owners knew they had to diversify to attract modern customers and future-proof the business. Our funding helped to install sustainable technology, including two electric car charging points which has helped the owners compete amidst the rapidly changing automotive sector.
THE PROBLEM
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the business, with sales of new cars reduced to almost zero and social distancing requirements requiring a change in layout of the workshop.
HOW WE HELPED
Monza were successful in applying for a Business Recovery Grant of £28,904 for investment in sustainable technology through the purchase and installation of solar panels and battery storage technology to provide a minimum of 50% of the business’s energy requirements, including energy efficient lighting and heating equipment, and two electric vehicle charging points.
THE RESULTS
Two charging points will enable the company to offer charging for new electric vehicle customers and for local electric vehicle owners.
This has enabled Monza to diversify into the Electric Vehicle market, which is set to develop rapidly encouraged by the ban on hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Their business recovery strategy is to focus more on vehicle servicing in recognition of the move towards electric vehicles and in line with government regulations. Servicing has always been far more profitable than the sales side of the business, thanks to their large loyal customer base.
"The Business Recovery Grant from Coast to Capital makes the investment in solar panels, battery storage, energy efficient lighting, heating and electric charging financially achievable, it also makes us a more attractive proposition for electric vehicle franchise partnerships, provides business resilience against another COVID outbreak, increases our options for growth, enables us to employ further staff, and makes our business more sustainable going forward."
Managing Director Bryn Griffiths
