Jim Walton celebrates 55 years in business

Local used car dealer, Jim Walton Penrith Ltd, turns 55 years old this year. Set up in 1968 as a hobby from his home garage, Jim Walton along with his wife Ann, took a leap and set up his dream business. 

Ann Walton said: “Jim wanted to go into cars and he said ‘What do you think Ann?’ and I said, ‘Well you have got to have a go. If you have a go and you fail, well you have tried. But if you don’t try, you are always going to regret it.’”

Turns out Jim didn’t fail, in fact the business is still here 55 years down the line! Now run by the ‘Walton boys’, Jim Walton's three sons; James, Alan and Stephen, the business is thriving in its local area and even has customers who travel from as far as London to purchase cars from them. 

The boys grew up in the world of cars, they grew up knowing the business and its customers. As they have grown, they have all taken the natural step into the business and they are all thriving in the world of cars and car sales. 

Ann said: ‘Stephen was just coming into the business when Jim passed away. It was sad in a way that Jim isn’t here to see it now, but at least when he went, he knew the boys were carrying on.’ 

The business has some very exciting campaigns on the horizon to celebrate their big milestone. Their first being, a celebratory 55 years video, the video celebrates their family, their business, their staff and their customers. The main stars of the video are Stephen's two children, Zac and Mia! We are sure that you will agree that it is very moving to watch, it is great to see three generations come together to celebrate something their husband/dad/grandfather started. Jim really has left a legacy behind for his family. 

We can’t talk about the business and its achievements without mentioning their well loved and missed colleague Stephen Wallace, AKA ‘Wally’. Wally was a huge part of the Jim Walton team and in the words of Laura Walton, Stephen’s wife: ‘He was amazing at his job. Probably the best salesman there ever was.’ Stephen will forever be in the hearts of the Jim Walton team. 

Jim Walton has also teamed up with Solway Spirits and created their very own Jim Walton gin, these will be handed out to everyone who purchases a car from them this year. Those who purchase a car this year, will also be entered into a huge giveaway at the end of the year, you have to be in it to win it! 

Investing in the local area is also a huge mission for Jim Walton this year, if you are local, you may come across their sponsorship board at Penrith Rugby Club and Kirkoswald Football Club. Watch this space, there may be more on its way. 

Looking forward, the business aims to continue to provide quality used cars to the local area and further afield, it is grateful for the support that its customers have, returning time on time again to purchase their cars.