From a small office with a staff of seven just six years ago, Credit Acceptance has grown into a major employer in Worthing.

It has moved from its cramped premises next to Durrington Station into the spacious Burfree House in Teville Road, close to the centre of Worthing.

Credit Acceptance was established in Sussex in 1994 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of an American multinational corporation.

It has become the leading UK collection and financial services company dedicated to the 'non-prime' used car market.

Non-prime is the industry term for higher risk customers.

CA is now an important part of the Worthing business scene with a staff of more than 140, including a regional sales force of eight.

Managing director Tom FitzSimmons said the location of the business had enabled it to grow into a major player in the UK finance industry.

He said: "Worthing has proven to be an excellent base for CA.

"We have developed a loyal workforce with a competent skill base from within the locality."

The company operates throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland and easy access to its offices is essential for its affiliated dealers, who regularly attend workshops in Worthing.

Mr FitzSimmons said: "Dealers from as far away as Scotland welcome the opportunity to visit our offices and good transportation to and within the area makes this feasible."

He is equally positive about the company's role in helping people who in the past have been refused credit to buy quality cars.

"Since our inception, in partnership with our dealer base, we have helped over 60,000 people in the UK to buy cars with our private vehicle finance programme.

"These are customers, who, for a variety of reasons have previously been refused credit from the more traditional high street lenders.

"It comes as a shock to most people that in the UK an estimated 8.7 million people are categorised by credit rating agencies as being unacceptable for traditional sources of consumer credit.

"I believe the term non-prime is perhaps inappropriate when you consider the types of people to whom we extend credit.

"For example, we have helped people who are self-employed, those who live in rented accommodation, even people who have never had credit or are not on the electoral roll.

"These are all reasons which prevent people from easily obtaining credit.

"By enabling our customers to purchase a quality vehicle, we help them establish or re-establish a positive credit rating.

"This is an important aspect of our business and we empathise with customers when working with them and helping them meet their contractual obligations."

He added: "As part of the service equation, it is essential that our customers have a decent quality vehicle.

"As such, we work in partnership with our dealers up and down the country, who are thoroughly vetted before we will consider a business relationship.

"By operating a professional and responsible business, if a customer can show an ability to afford the repayments, then we can help to ensure they are not disadvantaged when it comes to buying a car."