East Sussex-based Skinners of Rye, a car sales and servicing, family-run business, has expanded substantially with the support of a £1.55 million funding package from HSBC.
Skinners of Rye has banked with HSBC since 2005 and has used the latest funding to support the purchase of additional premises in Rye, which will see the business expand its workshop space to 42,000sqft. The enlarged premises will also allow the business to take on 10 new members of staff.
Cora McLaren, Regional Director for Business Banking in the South and East Region, said: “Skinners has been operating in Sussex for over 150 years so has a strong reputation in the local area and is a fantastic example of a family-run business which has passed through the generations.
“Its success comes from providing a high quality service to the community which has rapidly adapted to the market over the decades. This latest deal will enable the business to evolve further to continue to meet customers’ needs.”
Gary Barlow, Owner of Skinners of Rye, said: “Skinners has been around since 1858 in the days of horse drawn carriages, so I am proud to be continuing the legacy of this long established company.
“Our new premises in Rye will allow us to take on more customers and provide an enhanced car sales and repair service. It has also been fantastic to be able to provide new jobs for the community.
“Our latest expansion wouldn’t have been possible without the support and funding from HSBC.
“Throughout the process of purchasing the new workshop we have been really impressed with the bank’s advice and guidance, which will ensure we meet our ambitions in the next chapter for our business.”
