Growing up as one of four brothers on the family farm in the Trough of Bowland, James Alpe was never afraid of hard work. From looking after hens, cows, sheep and pigs as a youngster, to working in his dad’s butcher shop as soon as he was old enough – being busy was his business.
Following an apprenticeship at a local car dealership, James began repairing damaged and salvaged vehicles on his father’s farm, establishing a long tradition of automobile repair expertise, which is still a cornerstone of Alpe’s service offering today.
With the scale of his operations progressing to the point where he was working on up to 40 cars at any one time, James recognised a need to acquire his own land, purchasing a field on the then rural outskirts of Clitheroe.
Today, the James Alpe group of companies is based on the same site, employing over 100 staff across varied sectors, built on a business-wide ethos of excellence and innovation. In November 2021 James Alpe Ltd was awarded the ‘Fastest Growing Single Site Bodyshop’ at the ABP Night of Knights awards ceremony, a huge achievement for James and his team! As of 2022, our Bodyshop is approved for 30 Manufacturers including prestige vehicle makes.
This on-going development and diversification, allied to the tradition of honest labour established by James, has driven turnover to more than £6million annually. Much of this is reinvested in training and technology to maintain and improve the high standards of service delivery expected and relied on by our customers. James Alpe offer a full suite of services to individuals, businesses, fleet operators in both the public and private sector. From the core business of accident repairs, the company now have its own specialist conversion workshops carrying out all types of commercial vehicle conversion work. We also boast our own on site vehicle livery and sign company in addition to car & van hire and used car sales. In essence most things vehicle related are provided from our single site in Clitheroe.
From humble beginnings to an award winning British Kitemark and quality accredited organisation, James Alpe Ltd are proud of their achievements within the automotive industry and beyond.
