Telfords has been keeping Carlisle moving for almost 50 years – and plans to continue being at the heart of the community.
Harry Telford, the third generation of the family firm, is director of its new van hub – and his focus is to support businesses that may be feeling the pinch.
Harry said: “We know the cost of living crisis is affecting everyone and we want local firms to know we’re here to help.
“Our van hub is our latest venture and being a family business we treat our customers like family, with the current climate and financial pressure we aim to reduce costs where possible.
“We want our customers to know that we’re here for them and will do everything we can to keep north Cumbria’s businesses on the road.”
Aged 18, Harry began washing cars on a Sunday for his dad. Harry could have gone to university, but decided to put his everything into supporting his dad and joined the family business. He began as a sales administrator then service reception advisor then service manager.
Harry has worked his way up the ranks and now heads up the Telford’s business centre and van hub.
Operating since 1973, Telford is a family-run business and pride themselves on providing customers with a specialist, professional sales and aftercare service.
The dealership was founded by Mike and Shirley Telford in 1973 before being passed over to their son Greg in 1996. Greg continues as dealer principal, supported by his three children Ella, Harry and Jack.
Greg said: “Everybody is equal, and everyone’s voice is heard. It’s not just a team, it’s a family. In the heart of Carlisle’s busiest business park Telfords are the staple of community and team spirit.”
And the firm is also looking to the future – at its Kingstown base it recently installed a solar farm to reduce its carbon footprint.
Harry added: “This is really important to us as we are proud of our roots and we want the future generations to be proud of us too.”
Telfords is also at the forefront of the electric revolution.
Harry added: “The era of electric vehicles is upon us. Telfords aims to reduce the fear of purchasing or going electric as the vehicles are worth the change. We have a diverse range of fully electric, hybrid, diesel and petrol Citroen vans, Citroen cars and our luxury range DS. The DS range is the epitome of luxury driving. Birthed from Parisian technology and the finest French leather it doesn’t get better then the DS range!”
