Wilson’s Auto’s, Colchester
How a Start Up Loan Helped Wilson’s Auto’s Hit the Ground Running
When Charlie and Toni Wilson decided to turn their long-held dream into reality by opening Wilson’s Auto’s in Colchester, they faced the same challenge as many new businesses: securing the necessary funding. With no prior experience in setting up a business, they sought guidance and financial support. Thanks to a £19,000 Start Up Loan secured through Let’s Do Business Finance, they were able to equip their garage and launch with confidence in January 2025.
The Challenge: Turning the Dream into Reality
For Charlie Wilson, cars have always been more than just a profession—they're a family legacy. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of mechanics, learning from his father, who ran his own garage, and continuing a tradition that stretched back to his great-grandfather. By the age of 15, Charlie was already training as a mechanic, gaining hands-on experience in a garage environment.
Over the years, Charlie expanded his expertise, working across different sectors of the automotive industry. His career took him beyond the UK to South Africa, where he spent time maintaining and repairing fleets for mining operations, training local workers in vehicle maintenance. Despite his international experience, he always held onto the dream of returning home to open his own garage, a dream he decided to turn into reality in 2025.
Initially exploring the purchase of an existing garage, the Wilsons found financing the venture complicated. Traditional business loans were unsuitable, and personal loans were unfeasible without collateral. Uncertain of their options, they reached out for support.
Finding the Right Support
Through a recommendation from a Let’s Do Business Group Business Advisor, they were referred to Let’s Do Business Finance, an accredited finance provider for the South East and East of England to apply for a Start Up Loan.
The Start Up Loan scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to help new businesses access affordable funding. It provides entrepreneurs with fixed-interest loans to cover essential startup costs, along with menToning and business planning support. Unlike traditional bank loans, Start Up Loans do not require assets as security and are tailored for individuals who may not have access to mainstream finance. The programme provided by the British Business Bank and delivered through business support partners such as Let’s Do Business Finance aims to support small businesses across the UK, helping them establish themselves and contribute to the local economy.
Wilson’s Autos applied for and secured a £19,000 Start Up Loan. This funding allowed them to purchase essential equipment, including:
Vehicle ramps
Air conditioning machines
Tyre machines
Wheel balancing tools
General workshop tools
In addition to equipment, the loan provided a financial buffer, ensuring they could manage initial overhead costs while building their customer base.
“Taking out the Start Up Loan really took some of our stress out of starting up,” Toni shared. “It gave us the capital for essential equipment and also a safety net for those first few months”
Smooth Application Process
One of the biggest concerns for the Wilsons was navigating the application process. However, with the help of Rachel from the Let’s Do Business Finance Start Up Loans team, they found the process straightforward and efficient.
We initially thought we might need to take out multiple loans over time, but Rachel guided us toward the best option for our needs. The decision came through quickly, and the funds were in our account with no hassle.
Additionally, the business plan and cash forecast template provided as part of the application process proved immensely helpful. We struggled to find simple templates online, but the ones we received made everything so much clearer.
Toni Wilson, Wilsons Autos, Colchester
A Thriving Business
Since opening, Wilson’s Auto’s has been fully booked, with demand growing steadily. Their success has been driven by social media, word-of-mouth referrals, and a reputation for honesty and quality service.
While they do not offer MOTs in-house, they have utlised connections to form partnerships with other local garages to provide a seamless experience for their customers. “Between us and our partners, we ensure our customers get the best service possible,” Toni explained.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Hiring
The Wilsons are already planning for the future. Their current premises, a previously unused storage space, has been perfect for their launch, but they hope to expand to a larger unit as the business grows. Additionally, within the next 12 months, they aim to recruit their first employees, with a focus on apprenticeships to bring young talent into the trade.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on their journey, Toni encourages others to seek professional guidance:
“Many people hesitate to start a business due to financial worries, but there is support out there. If you have a dream, go for it, it isn’t as scary as you might think!”