The Bell & Shanks of today—a global chauffeur house trusted by leaders and luminaries - was born from a single car and a radical idea: that service, at its highest level, is an act of respect.
Here, you’ll discover the story of how that idea endured. It is a history written not in milestones, but in millions of quiet moments of composure, precision, and trust—the same values that now guide our every move in a faster world.
Our family business was founded in post-war England by Colin Shanks, a returning prisoner of war, and his wife, Audrey. In a country rebuilding itself, they built something different — a service defined by dignity, precision, and care. Every journey was personal.
Every passenger, looked after as though they were family.
Their quiet dedication soon earned recognition beyond their hometown. In 1978, Colin and Audrey were entrusted to chauffeur Diane Disney, daughter of Walt Disney, and Executive Vice President Ron Miller during their visit to Northumberland and Scotland. The occasion reflected what Bell & Shanks had already become known for: composure, attention to detail, and a genuine pride in the experience of travel. What began as two people and one car became a name synonymous with trust.
Seven decades later, Bell & Shanks drives us forward with the same values — service without spectacle, craftsmanship without compromise, and the belief that how one travels is every bit as important as where they are going.
Servicing private clients, leading businesses, and international events, Bell & Shanks stands as a modern expression of heritage in motion. Rooted in seven decades of trusted service, we continue to evolve — combining the craftsmanship of our past with the technology, precision, and foresight that define the future of private transport.
The space between departure and arrival. Every journey, every gesture, every decision is guided by an unwavering commitment to composure and trust.
