Ian Drake, owner of Rex Motor Company, gained support through the Business Improvement Scheme to redevelop the website for his business.

Tell us a little bit about your business journey, when did you set up and what does your business offer? 

I launched the business in September 2018, originally as Rex Leasing. At that point we were a leasing broker based in a small office in Victoria Street. As time went on, more and more people wanted to buy from Rex, as well as lease, and as a result I rebranded the business in March 2020 to Rex Motor Company. We now operate from a sizeable Showroom in White Hoe Industrial estate.

How has the Business Improvement Scheme helped your business?

I wanted to improve upon our current website, with a real focus on video and moving images. I knew such a project would be expensive, so I got help through the Enterprise Support Scheme and obtained a grant to help with a portion of the cost of the new site.

How did you find the experience of receiving support? 

Very straight forward, both quick and efficient.

Tell us about your business - what do you enjoy most about the work you do? 

The best part of the business is meeting lots of new people, and giving those people the service they deserve. I love going to Tesco or to town and bumping into Rex Customers, or seeing Rex Cars driving around the Island. It’s a really great feeling.

Why did you choose the Isle of Man as the destination for your business?

This where I was raised and have worked all of my life. There is no other place in the world I would want to start a business or raise my family.

Outside of work, what do you like to do? How do you spend your free time?

Free time, what's that? Outside of work I am a family man. I have a loving fiancé Katie and two kids, Connie and Jasper, when I am not working you will find me at home playing football with Jasper or out running.

How did you hear about the support schemes offered by the Department for Enterprise? 

It was actually Andy at Dot Performance who told me about the scheme. Dot Performance designed and built the site and were very helpful.

Would you recommend the support scheme to other businesses and what would be your top tips for going through the application process?

Absolutely. It’s a no brainer. The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to improve upon their infrastructure or undertake a project that will help grow the business.

Click here to find out more about Rex Motor Company and to view their new website.

The Business Improvement Scheme offers 50% funding up to £5,000 towards the cost of business improvement projects in the disciplines of website creation and website development, alongside many others. Find out more about the Scheme here.