One of the county’s well established family car dealerships is hoping to grow its business after opening a new showroom, creating three jobs.

Stan Palmer Subaru and Isuzu has moved into the former showroom of Mercedes-Benz Carlisle, in Rosehill, after it moved to new premises at the Kingmoor Park Enterprise Zone.

Stan Palmer’s managing director Neil Palmer said he was confident the new location would help increase its footfall and visibility.

The new showroom has 1.5 acres of space compared to half an acre at the previous site, and officially opened earlier this month.

Mr Palmer said: “It give us a lot more frontage and visibility from our previous location and a lot more space.”

As well as an eight-car showroom and 10-bay workshop the site also has a forecourt with room for 60 used cars.

The expansion has enabled the company to take on new staff in sales, service and accounts.

Mr Palmer said: “We’ve recruited three more staff initially and we are looking to increase that when we get settled in,” said Neil.

He added that the investment in the showroom reflected the fact demand remained steady, with the franchise being in the top five in the UK.

“Obviously we would like to increase the numbers and hopefully give us that visibility and profile,” he added.

Stan Palmer was founded by Neil’s grandfather in the 1950s and his father – also named Stan – is still involved in the business on a daily basis. It also has a Honda dealership in Cockermouth and a Ford showroom in Wigton.

Mr Palmer added: “It really is a small family business and people get well looked after.”