GB Car Finance specialises in used car finance in and around Shildon. 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 Shildon, GB Car Finance is pleased to assist people searching for car finance in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Chester le Street, Consett, Crook, Darlington, Durham, Ferryhill, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Seaham, Spennymoor and Stanley in County Durham.
Introduction
Shildon lies in County Durham in the north east of England, roughly halfway between the large cities of Durham and Darlington. It is a small market town with a population of around 10,000 people, but it has a fascinating history, particularly in the fields of engineering, the car industry, finance, and motorsport.
The town began life in the 1790s as a mining village, and until the 1950s its economy was based largely on coal mining and associated industries. One of its most famous landmarks is the Head of Steam railway museum, which is located inside the former 1825 Shildon railway station.
This all began to change in the 1950s when the town became associated with the car industry, and several major manufacturers opened factories there. Over the years these factories have produced some of the most iconic cars ever made, and the town has long been associated with the engineering and automotive industry thanks to the many talented people who work there.
The connection to the car industry
The first car factory to open in Shildon was Ford's in 1953, followed a year later by Vauxhall. The two factories helped to bring a degree of wealth and prosperity to the town, which had been hit hard by the decline in coal mining. At its height in the 1960s, Ford employed more than 8,000 people at its Shildon plant, and it produced a variety of popular cars including the Ford Cortina, the Fiesta and the Escort.
Vauxhall was also a major employer in the town, manufacturing all of its popular models during its time in Shildon. It closed for good in 2002 and the factory site is now owned by Torotrak, an engineering company that supplies automotive components to the motor industry.
The connection to the finance industry
In addition to its links to the automotive industry, Shildon also has strong connections to the finance industry. It is home to the Northern Savings and Loans Bank, which was established in 1845 and is the oldest building society in the world. The bank has played an important role in the local economy for many years, as has Barclay's Bank, which opened a branch in Shildon in 1910.
Shildon is also an important centre for finance in the region, with a number of tax advisers, solicitors and other financial services providers in the town, as well as a number of finance companies and business centres.
The connection to motorsport
The connection between Shildon and motorsport has its origins in the 1950s, when the town's unemployed miners decided to build their own racing cars and compete in local events. This was the start of a long tradition of motorsport in Shildon and the town has since become home to some of the most iconic names and teams in the sport.
The town's most famous motorsport name is that of Eddie Irvine, who raced a Formula Ford 2000 car in Shildon in 1983. He would go on to race in Formula One and become one of the most popular drivers of his era. A number of other drivers have also had success on the local tracks, including Nick Heidfeld and Jenson Button, who both competed in Shildon's National Motorsport Centre. The centre also hosted some of the earliest rounds of the British Touring Car Championship.
Demographics
The last census held in Shildon was in 2011 and it listed population figures of 8,969. According to the same census, more than 44% of the town's population is employed in either the manufacturing or finance sector. The town also has a large elderly population, with more than 22% of the population over the age of 65. The 2011 census also showed that Shildon has a higher than average unemployment rate, with 6.6% of those aged 16 to 64 classified as unemployed.
Conclusion
Shildon is a small but historically important town in the north east of England. Its links to the engineering and automotive industry, as well as the finance sector, have helped to make it an important centre for many years. Its list of motorsport champions, such as Eddie Irvine, has also helped to make it an iconic town for its size. Although its population is relatively small, its history and its wealth of industries have made it an important part of the Durham region.