AK Vehicle Rental: the family behind Paisley’s van empire
Claire Elliot reveals an inspiring story of humour, heart, and heavy lifting when she visited AK Vehicle Rental
In a town such as Paisley, where community ties run as deep as the area’s rich history, companies like AK Vehicle Rental stand as more than just a business – it’s a family saga written in diesel and determination, punctuated by an ever-present undercurrent of laughter.
At the heart of this Paisley institution is Andy Kyle, a man whose entrepreneurial spirit is matched only by his penchant for playful banter. His wife Lorna, speaking with the fond exasperation that comes from decades of partnership, offers a telling glimpse into the company’s distinctive character: “My husband likes to sell his business based on his sense of humour which he really believes is so funny, but I’m not sure that everybody else does!”
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Since 1989, AK Vehicle Rental has grown to become Paisley’s largest independent vehicle hire company, recently celebrating their 100,000th customer. The business has evolved into a true family enterprise, with son Matthew at the helm alongside his father, and daughter Gillian recently joining the fold. Lorna, herself a successful entrepreneur who once owned two interior design shops, helps steer the ship with a steady hand.
“Matthew and Andy really are just two peas in a pod, they laugh at all of the same things,” observes Lorna. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
This shared sense of humour manifests in their uniquely decorated vans that have become local landmarks – from vans which have been decorated with all the decals upside-down, to ones with little monkeys peeking out from its doors. “I don’t quite understand them at times,” sighs Lorna, “but Matthew and Andy think it’s absolutely hilarious.”
But beneath the jovial exterior lies a bedrock of dedication that has earned the company its sterling reputation. “Andy works seven days a week. He’s in at six o’clock in the morning and only comes home when it’s time for his tea. He says that since he works every day, he never gets the Monday feeling,” Lorna shares. “He’s a very hard-working man. He would never ask someone else to do something he wouldn’t do himself.”
The company’s commitment extends beyond business to deep community involvement, with regular van donations to organisations like St Vincent’s Hospice and the Doddie Weir Foundation, alongside various local charities. Andy’s role as a trustee of the Coming Home Centre for veterans underscores the family’s dedication to giving back.
“I’m very proud of what he’s achieved,” Lorna reflects, her voice softening. “He said to me ages ago, ‘I’ll make this business work because I get up in the morning and I do everything I need to do and I repeat that every day’.” It’s this unwavering commitment, combined with their uniquely personal – and often tongue-in-cheek – approach to customer service that has built their loyal following.
“I think our customers have remained so loyal because they like being insulted!” jokes Lorna, capturing the essence of AK’s unconventional charm. The company’s famous slogan “Fast, Friendly, Cheeky Service” which can be seen on vans of all shapes and sizes across their fleet, perfectly summarises the efficient yet jovial personality, not just of owner Andy, but the business as a whole. “The AK Rentals slogan is just Andy Kyle to a tee,” grins Lorna, “oftentimes our office is more like an episode of Fawlty Towers than a rental service!”
As AK Vehicle Rental look to the future, Andy himself hopes for grandchildren to continue the family tradition, perhaps starting with the time-honoured rite of passage: washing vans on the weekends. Lorna’s sceptical expression suggests this particular dream might need some negotiation, but there’s no doubt that whatever the future holds, it will be approached with the same blend of humour, heart, and hard work that has defined AK Vehicle Rental for over three decades.
AK Vehicle Rental, 19 Underwood Road, Paisley, PA3 1TH, 0141 848 1515, to hire a vehicle, visit their website.