GB Car Finance specialises in used car finance in and around North Kensington. 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!
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.
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.
As well as North Kensington, GB Car Finance is pleased to assist people searching for car finance in Camden, Chingford, East India Dock, Islington, Lewisham, Putney, Seven Sisters, Southgate, Stratford, Walthamstow, Willesden, Wimbledon and London in Greater London.
North Kensington: An Overview
North Kensington is an area of central London, on the northern fringes of Kensington and Chelsea. Situated a short walk from Notting Hill, Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, North Kensington is an affluent area and boasts peaceful open spaces, detached residences and the unique charm of a historic neighbourhood nestled in the heart of a great metropolis. It is here that one can find a unique synergy between the bustling city and a touch of the more quaintly British.
For centuries, North Kensington has been synonymous with culture, from the grandeur of its expansive parks to the magisterial Victorian architecture. The area has long been home to the diplomatic and financial elite, who have helped shape its history and character. It is true to its past and yet, ever-evolving, with a distinctively modern flavour.
In recent years, North Kensington has been the subject of debate and somewhat of an icon, with notable industry and regeneration schemes occurring in the area. For instance, the redeveloped Gasworks is home to Landsec's prestigious Kensington offices, while the soon-to-be opened Circle Line station at Kensal Rise will make navigating the area a far greater ease.
These events have made North Kensington a much more popular destination than ever before. This has led to the area's emergence as a hub for savvy businesses, uniquely connected to the car industry, financial services, and motorsport. This article will take a deeper look into the history and identity of North Kensington, as well as how its connections to these industries have shaped its development.
A Historical Perspective
The name North Kensington originates from the Middle Ages, when the area was little more than marshlands and designated hunting grounds located in the vicinity of Kensington Palace. Throughout the years, North Kensington has been enriched with the many international influences endured by the city of London, from the reign of Edward I in the 13th century, to the rise of the British Empire in the 18th.
At the turn of the 19th century, the area underwent a significant transformation thanks to the burgeoning global credit markets, lead by Oxford-educated businessman Henry Toogood. These radical changes saw Broadway Market boast a variety of artisanal items and boutiques, as well as the arrival of the Great Western Railway, connecting North Kensington to the heart of the city.
By the early 1950s, North Kensington had become a desirable destination, hosting an array of the world's most celebrated cars, buyers and celebrities alike. This propelled the area to be commonly referred to as 'Little Hollywood' by locals and tourists. Nevertheless, the area didn't remain unscathed, suffering massive losses due to two World Wars. After the bombs had stopped falling, North Kensington was infamously deprived of resources and subsequently rebranded as "Little Beirut".
Modern North Kensington: Connections to Industry and Motorsport
The past decades have been pivotal for the regeneration of North Kensington. From December 2019, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea approved the ambitious plan to create a green neighbourhood with a high-sanitation and low-pollution area; this includes a significant allocation of green spaces and pedestrian passages, in stark contrast to the vacant, derelict industrial land (commonly referred to as 'the wastelands') of the past.
Moreover, North Kensington has become a hub for forward-thinking businesses in the car industry, finance and motorsport. Businesses and firms ranging from traditional cobbler proprietors to carmakers have found their new home in the area. For example, the famous Russian electric carmaker, AvtoVAZ, opened a new dealership in 2019, located opposite the Kensington High Street.
Financial services have been particularly strong in the area due to its proximity to the nearby banking district of Canary Wharf and the business capital of the world, City of London. Many multinational banks, such as Barclays and HSBC, as well as major multinational corporations, have chosen North Kensington as their London headquarters.
When it comes to motorsport, North Kensington provides an ideal venue for music festivals and other open-air events. The location also helps to promote corporate hospitality and private events, due to its well-developed transport connections and access to the nearby London airports. Additionally, the area is already home to the Jaguar Motorsport Academy, the world's first youth driving academy.
Conclusion
No historical overview of North Kensington is complete without noting its distinct demographics. In 2019, the neighbourhood's population was estimated at around 44,000, made up predominantly of affluent European expatriates, as well as Londoners from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, the connections to the car industry, finance firms and motorsports have brought with it an open-mindedness to the area, helping create a vibrant and culturally enriched neighbourhood.
Ultimately, the area is renowned for its unique amalgamation of history, culture, and industry—an embodiment of the 'Little Hollywood' that the area once boasted. North Kensington is truly a unique area, a living document of London's past and its connections to the car industry, finance and motorsports.