Our Story So Far
Acklams has proudly served the East Yorkshire community for three generations, with deep roots in Beverley and a long-standing commitment to the transport industry.
1952
Bernard Acklam founded Alpha Taxis on Ladygate, Beverley. The business was a family effort from day one, with everyone helping to clean taxis or answer phones in the office.
As demand grew, the company expanded into minibus services, marking the first of many steps forward.
1980s
The introduction of our first bus, a Ford R-Series single-decker, signalled a new chapter for the business.
Around this time, we also secured our first school transport contract, establishing Acklams as a trusted name in community travel.
2007
Paul Acklam became Managing Director as Acklams Coaches transitioned to a Private Limited Company. Alan Acklam was appointed Director, guiding the business into a new era.
2010
Following the collapse of a local ticket & travel company, we stepped in to help concertgoers, offering free coach travel for JLS fans. This paved the way for our now-popular Coaches to Concerts brand.
2013
Launched our Door-to-Door Elite Holidays, offering personalised, luxury travel all over the UK with home pickups.
2013
Opened the Hull Travel Shop, bringing our holidays and travel services directly to the public.
2014
Introduced our Day Trip Programme, making travel more accessible and exciting for our community.
2017
Launched Elite Coach Works, a dedicated commercial paint and body shop specialising in PSV and HGV repair — also catering for motorhomes, vans, and horseboxes.
All work is completed by our skilled craftsmen, from minor panel repairs to full restorations.
2018
We added a Starliner VIP Team Coach to our fleet — a luxurious, high-spec coach designed for sports teams, corporate groups, and special events.
Features include leather reclining seats, Wi-Fi, Sky TV, gaming consoles, and kitchen facilities.
2020
Launched our Short & Super Breaks product — offering value UK and European getaways to a wider audience.
2022
Paul Acklam sadly passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in the company and community.
2023
Natalie Acklam was appointed Director, continuing the family legacy into a new generation.
We also acquired Welsh’s Coaches in West Yorkshire and launched South Elmsall Travel, extending our reach in West and South Yorkshire.
2024
Our 2024 Open Day marked a milestone year, with record-breaking attendance from across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Visitors enjoyed the launch of our new season brochures, live entertainment, cream teas, and our ever-popular mystery excursions. The event showcased the growing excitement around our journeys and celebrated the community spirit that keeps our tradition alive.
2025
2025 has been a year of exciting growth and forward-thinking investment. We’ve expanded our facilities with a new garage extension and dedicated yard for our Elite Coach Works, alongside the launch of Elite Signage – bringing all design and vinyl wrap services in-house. Our commitment to sustainability took a major step forward too, with the order of our very first electric coach, alongside two brand-new Irizar additions to our growing Tour fleet.
Looking Ahead,
Investing in the Journey
We continue to invest in both our fleet and our people, maintaining the Acklams commitment to quality and service.
Our depots and facilities have grown to include Beverley (main HQ), Hull, Driffield, and a new site in South Cave.
International demand continues to grow, with trips to Ireland, Channel Islands, Croatia, Italy, Austria, and Norway among the most popular.
Acklams is proud to be on a journey of continuous growth, with family values and customer care still at the heart of everything we do.
