Carlton Motor Co

Carlton Motor Company has been a family business since 1992, when Andrew first set up shop in Darlington. More than three decades later, he's still very much involved, bringing his trademark dry humour and down-to-earth personality to the business. There's no army of commission-driven salespeople or pressure to make a quick decision. The family has always preferred to let the vehicles speak for themselves.

Things have changed considerably since those early days. In 2005, Carlton doubled the size of its Whessoe Road premises, creating room for more than 120 commercial vehicles, many of them displayed undercover. It's quite a collection, with everything from everyday delivery vans to tippers, dropsides, minibuses and specialist vehicles fitted with cranes or workshop equipment. The variety reflects the different trades and businesses that have come through Carlton's doors over the years.

For many customers, finding a suitable van is only half the job. Carlton can arrange tow bars, roof rails, ply lining and professional signwriting, helping businesses get their vehicles ready for work. Some buyers live just down the road, while others travel from much further afield to find something specific. Whatever brings them to Darlington, they'll find the same independent, family-run business that Andrew started back in 1992.