Neath Car Finance
Used Car Finance in Neath, West Glamorgan
GB Car Finance specialises in used car finance in and around Neath. We will work hard to help you obtain an approval decision, based on affordability, in minutes and drive away your new used car within 24 hours!
Car Finance Based On Affordability
If you need a loan to buy a used car then you have come to the right place - We could help to find car finance for you regardless of your current financial circumstances. We regularly help people with bad credit, even if they have been refused elsewhere. Simply complete the form opposite to apply.
Car Finance Neath
We are available to help people access car finance 247, 365 days a year - Whether you need an affordable family saloon, an economical hatchback, a large car or a people carrier we will work hard to help you find the right car for you. Apply online day or night, or speak with one of our friendly operators who will help guide you through the car finance application process and answer any questions you have.
“I was happy with the deal I got for my new car as I've struggled in the past to get the finance from any other company as I've had bad credit. They were very helpful on the phone and helped me choose my car - I was more than happy and would recommend GB Car Finance to anyone…”
All circumstances considered - CCJs, defaults, arrears, self employed, benefits, limited or no credit history, refused car finance elsewhere - Whatever your circumstances we'll look to help.
Used Car Finance in West Glamorgan
As well as Neath, GB Car Finance is pleased to assist people searching for car finance in Port Talbot and Swansea in West Glamorgan.
More information about Neath
Introduction
People throughout the world often ask how the small Welsh market town of Neath is relevant outside of its own corner of the United Kingdom. Yet, the town has substantial connections to the car industry, finance industry, and motorsport — demonstrating far greater global significance than many realize.
Located in the Swansea Valley, Neath is the largest town in Wales with a population of 64,641 as of the 2011 census. The southernmost town in the country, Neath is a close neighbour to Swansea, which also hosts important automobile manufacturing plants and is a major regional hub with a population of around 245,000.
Neath is a historical town and is known for having the oldest recorded town charter in Wales. It was granted by King Henry IV in 1404 and is what led the founding of Neath Corporation Market in 1818. The town also holds medicinal importance due to its proximity to the spa towns of Llandrindod Wells and Llangynidr — both of which have been renowned for their healing properties since the 18th century.
While Neath's culture and history are fundamental to the heart of the town, its connections to the car industry, finance industry, and motorsport add a financial, creative, and technological significance.
The Car Industry
The history of the car industry in Neath began in the late 1800s by pioneering entrepreneur Thomas William Lewis. Lewis purchased land adjacent to the Swansea Canal and established Auto Works of Neath Ltd, the first automobile factory in Wales.
At its peak, the Auto Works employed around 1,000 workers and produced many successful designs, such as the Lewis special sports car and the Lewis sedan. Yet, over time, Auto Works of Neath Ltd began to face increasing financial difficulty and closed in 1923 due to a combination of economic struggles and the competing offerings of larger industry rivals.
In more recent years, the car industry in Neath has been associated with the Bridgend Engine Plant — an automotive factory owned and operated by Ford Motor Company since 1980.
The factory is the company's largest production facility in the United Kingdom, producing around 400,000 engines a year for cars produced by the Ford, Jaguar, Mazda, and Land Rover brands. The factory employs around 1,800 people and has been praised for its 'lean' production methods and dedication to environmental responsibility.
The Finance Industry
Neath's proximity to Swansea also hosts a vibrant financial sector in the form of banks, asset management firms, international corporations, and an International Financial Services Centre.
Realising the potential of Neath's location, the Neath finance industry began to take shape in the early 20th century when local banker Thomas William Lewis set up Neath & District Bank. The first bank in Wales to open to the public without appointment, Neath & District Bank established a long-standing relationship with local industries and businesses. The bank merged with TSB in 1989 and continues to operate in the town with a local branch and an outreach program to local schools and businesses.
A major milestone for the Neath finance industry came in 2009 when the Welsh Assembly Government approved the establishment of an International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). A collaboration between the Welsh Government and Neath Port Talbot Council, the IFSC was designated to the Welsh Assembly Government in 2011 and was recognised as a designated IFSC for the European Union in 2012.
The IFSC has successfully attracted a number of financial institutions to its headquarters in Norman Place, Neyland — including the banking giant HSBC. The IFSC provides a range of benefits to companies operating in the region and has been a major contributor to the economy of the town.
Motorsport
The car industry and finance industry of Neath have served to link the town to the exciting world of motorsport. Neath auto racing enthusiasts have been a major contributor to the success of British racing since its earliest days — starting with a local event in Neath in 1912 when the first Welsh Grand Prix was held on a circuit around the town.
Since then, Neath has produced champions in almost every category of racing, from Formula One and rallycross to hill climbs and off-road racing. The most successful driver from the town is endurance racer Tony Gaze. Gaze started his racing career in the early 1950s and went on to become the first Australian to drive in the 24 Hours Le Mans race in 1953.
To this day, Neath is still steeped in motorsport tradition. The town has become an active hub for recreational motorsport with an array of professional race tracks and driving events being held throughout the year.
Conclusion
The small market town of Neath has nurtured and built up a unique and successful identity, with deep connections to the car industry, finance industry, and motorsport. Neath and its surrounding area demonstrate the importance and power of small-town heritage in developing vibrant, economic and creative local environments. Indeed, the success of Neath's industries serves as a testament to the talents of its people, as well as its rich history, culture, and location.