Motorsport Tools has been supplying car parts and equipment for road and rally use for nearly 20 years. Today, support from Business Wales is helping the Gwynedd-based online retailer to deploy new tactics that will take the business to the next level.
Over the last decade, Motorsport Tool has grown to become one of the UK’s foremost supplier of specialist rally and racing parts. Since 2008, Carwyn Ellis from Pwllheli, has dedicated himself to turning a lifelong interest in motorsport into a professional reality.
With expansion on his mind, Carwyn felt that there was an opportunity for further growth. In 2020, he reached out to Business Wales to explore options of growing the business, and to get advice on potential sources of funding that would help expand its operations into new markets.
He was put in contact with Business Wales Relationship Manager, Richard Fraser-Williams, with whom he had worked earlier in the life of the business. Identifying the business’ needs, Richard was able to link Carwyn with Dr Ann Sudder, an innovation specialist for Welsh Government.
Carwyn said:
After building this business, having the chance to discuss my goals with external business experts has been really insightful. Dr Sudder’s research and development assistance were key to devising a business plan to move forward and start building cars with the technology we supply.
Richard further assisted Carwyn to successfully apply for funding under the ARFOR programme – a programme administered by the 4 local authorities in Ynys Mon, Gwynedd, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire aimed at supporting economic development and the Welsh language. In addition to the Arfor grant, the business advisor supported an application for Gwynedd’s Shared Prosperity Fund which after a successful submission the company was awarded over £100K, enabling the business to expand their range of tools and parts.
Carwyn continued:
I wouldn’t have had a successful grant application without Richard’s help. The ability to have guidance from experts with vast business experience and understanding on the technical aspects of grant applications has been invaluable.
Motorsport Tools has since increased the pace of production and output which has had direct positive effects on increase of sales and has also enabled Carwyn to hire more employees.
Its success has enabled Carwyn to open a second business, MST Cars, where he and his employees build from scratch “restomod” style cars, which combine classic cars with modern technology. These incredibly popular models, that are in high demand by collectors and enthusiasts, include the racing spec Ford Escorts.
Richard Fraser-Williams, Relationship Manager at Business Wales, said:
Carwyn’s passion and expertise has allowed him to build a great business, but sometimes it just takes an outside perspective and experience to help entrepreneurs take the next step. It’s great to see the business thriving due to the expansion plans Carwyn has now been able to put in motion. I look forward to continuing to support his businesses as the expansion of production facilities and its team continues.
Business Wales is funded by the Welsh Government. For more information and support to help your business discover new growth opportunities, and to speak to a specialist advisor, contact Business Wales. Visit www.businesswales.gov.wales/ or call 03000 6 03000. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg - we welcome calls in Welsh.