We got the opportunity sit down with one of our newest customers to find out more about Autolooms’ biggest challenges, best advice to growing businesses, and their favourite part of working at BASE.
Autolooms Ltd specialise in the design, manufacture, and repair of electrical wiring looms typically used within the motorsport sector. With a wealth of experience gained working in high end motorsport electronics over 35 years, we now find ourselves revisiting racing cars of the past, working with some of the country’s most respected restoration companies. We work to redesign electrical systems to incorporate the latest technology control units, and undertake the manufacture of vehicle wiring looms whilst keeping vehicle electrical systems as visually original as possible.
When and why did you start your business?
Autolooms Ltd was created in spring 2023, having worked in large businesses for many years we felt it was now or never to fulfil our dream of establishing our own business. We noticed over the past few years the increase in investment opportunities of owning and running historic motorsport vehicles, coupled with the growing fan base for historic motorsport worldwide. With our experience gained over 35 years within motorsport electronics, coupled with a love of historic vehicles, this was an opportunity that had to be taken.
What does your business do and who does it help?
Autolooms Ltd specialise in the design, manufacture, and repair of electrical wiring looms typically used within the motorsport sector. With a wealth of experience gained working in high end motorsport electronics over 35 years, we now find ourselves revisiting racing cars of the past, working with some of the country’s most respected restoration companies. We work to redesign electrical systems to incorporate the latest technology control units, and undertake the manufacture of vehicle wiring looms whilst keeping vehicle electrical systems as visually original as possible.
What do you love about working at BASE?
Working at BASE is already a fantastic experience, the building is clean, bright, and welcoming; presenting a professional environment to work in, and of course when customers visit. We love the manned reception, and staff at BASE are very friendly and welcoming.
If there is anything you could share with other businesses about what you wished you knew when you started your business, what would it be?
Be prepared to not know everything, its ok. In the first year the learning curve to run your business will be steep, but when in doubt: ask. We have found talking to other business owners to be an invaluable source of knowledge.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
Our biggest challenge to date is reverse engineering, but this is the service our customers require, and it will continue so long as we are involved with F1 and Prototype race cars of the 80s and 90s.
What has been your biggest success to date?
To us success is either the first engine start, seeing the racing car back on track, either competing for a win at LeMan Classic or running up the hill at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
What is next for your business? What projects/ambitions do you have for the future?
With a constantly growing customer list we want to provide the best possible service, although we are managing with the workload, we hope in the future to take on a younger technician to pass on our experience.
