Alexcars hangs keys up

Cirencester-based Alexcars has ceased trading.

A statement from the company said: “It gives great sadness to announce that the directors of Alexcars Ltd have taken the extremely difficult decision to hang the keys up and cease trading.

“A number of factors in a short timeframe have impacted the business, not least Covid-19 which has brought a total loss of revenue in what should be the busiest time of year.

“Alexcars has been proud to serve the people of Cirencester and surrounding areas since 1946 and we are extremely grateful to our customers and fantastic staff and for their loyalty over these years.

“During these difficult and challenging times, please stay safe, look after each other, and support your local businesses wherever you can.”

Hazlewoods is the administrator for the company.

Alexcars was founded by Alec Hibberd and his wife Barbara in 1946. Alec’s brothers, Sidney and Norman also joined the business, which progressed to running coaches. As the company grew, a new base was moved into in Cirencester in the ’50s.

Alec and Barbara’s son Rodney joined the business in 1967. Following his father’s death in 1997, Rod took the helm. Rod’s sister Jenny, her husband Will and their son Ben have also take an active roll in the running of the business, recently joined by Rod’s children Douglas, Freya and Luke.

According to its website, the operator employed around 25 full-time and part-time staff and has over 20 coaches of various sizes.