Dartford-based Caterham Cars, the manufacturer of iconic lightweight sports cars, has secured £1.15 million in new funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial to support the firm's long-term plan to expand in fast-growing international markets as well as further develop its UK manufacturing capabilities.
The firm is already established in, and exports to, a large number of markets such as France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland and the US and is investing for growth in these established markets but also new ones such as Taiwan and Columbia.
Originally established in Caterham, Surrey, in 1959 by Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman, the business has been located in Dartford since 1986, supported by a showroom in Crawley. It now has franchised dealerships in the UK and across Europe, with a growing order book and manufacturing slots booked out into 2019 – fuelled by demand, in part, from overseas dealers and customers.
Santander Corporate & Commercial has become Caterham Car's new day-to-day banking partner, with the initial funding viewed as potentially the start of a long-term partnership to support the firm's wider growth aspirations. Helping UK businesses to export is a key specialism of the bank, and Santander will look to support the manufacturer through dedicated products and contacts as it expands in high-value markets such as the US.
Trevor Steel, Chief Financial Officer, Caterham Cars, said: “The business continues to grow, both in the UK and overseas, and we are focused on capitalising on this strong demand. We have a loyal customer base who recognise and value the cars for their engineering excellence, classic design and driving experience. The new partnership with Santander heralds an exciting new era in the history of Caterham Cars.”
Jeff Clark, International and Working Capital Director, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this quintessential UK manufacturer as it invests for growth. It is clear the management team has very exciting plans for the business, and we are honoured to be able to help them expand internationally.”
– Ends –
The information contained in our press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions.
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact the Caterham Press Office on press@caterham.com.
Andy Bothwell
T: +44 208 541 3434
M: +44 7825 703 505
Simon Lush
T: +44 208 541 3434
M: +44 7725 833 989
Imogen Shaw
T: +44 208 541 3434
M: +44 7701 076 781
Caterham Cars:
Caterham South, Caterham House - Dialog, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9NQ
T: +44 1293 312300
E: sales@caterham.com
Media Enquiries
Lara Lipsey T: 020 7756 4518 M: 07713 560 209 E: lara.lipsey@santander.co.uk
Josephine Dencker T: 020 7756 4221 M: 07529 113877 E: josephine.dencker@santander.co.uk
Follow @santanderuknews on Twitter
The Santander press office operates from 8.00am to 6.00pm. Outside of these hours please call 0800 5877708.