Business is booming for a Carlisle car sales firm which is taking on staff and expanding into new larger premises.

Eighteen months ago, Michael Seggie started Leaseyournewcar.co.uk, working from his dining table at home.

Now he has two more people working in new offices at Riverside House on Warwick Road with another two on the way. There are also plans for franchises around the UK to match the one he already has operating in Leeds.

Michael, 34, said: “I had three small children at the time so it felt like a big jump with no security.

“I thought it might be nice to have somebody else working with me at some stage, but things have progressed much quicker than I thought.

“Our trade is split 50-50 between private and business customers, but whether you’re looking for a car or van people are realising they can ring us at 9am and we’ll be back in touch with them by the end of the day with some options for them without them having to trail around dealerships.”

Within the last 12 months, Gary Burns and Mark Lowther have joined the business and another two team members are due to come on board by the end of March.

Mark, 33, said: “Leasing is definitely becoming more popular because it is a fixed cost and people don’t have to worry about depreciation. Manufacturers are promoting it which helps us get some good deals.”

Gary, 48, was first to join Michael in his venture and is about to become a director of the company, which also trades under the name of Lakeland Fleet Management.

“We’ve had a good start to the year and get a lot of referrals from previous customers.”