About us
A family business, built on a lifetime in the trade
Harrogate Van Centre is run by the Sadler family from Levens Hall Park in Killinghall, just outside Harrogate. This is our story.
Where it started
Paul Sadler started buying and selling cars and vans at 16, and it became his life's work. Trading as Paul Sadler, cars and van specialist, he dealt with many of the main dealers across Harrogate and the wider Yorkshire area, building up a lifetime of experience in the trade.
Joel grew up around the business. He started out cleaning vehicles for his dad, then followed in Paul's footsteps, selling a few cars of his own while he was still young before moving across to vans.
In 2013 a good friend of Paul's was retiring from Harrogate Van Centre. Paul and Joel took the chance to take it on together, and went into partnership.
In memory of Paul
Sadly, we said goodbye to Paul in 2026. Harrogate Van Centre carries on as the family business he helped build, with the same care over every vehicle we sell.
The team
Joel
Director
Joel has been around cars, vans and bikes all his life — cleaning vehicles for his dad, then selling cars of his own before moving across to vans — and took on Harrogate Van Centre with Paul in 2013.
Dan
Director
Paul's younger son, Dan, is a trained technician with a wealth of experience, and checks vehicles over before they go on sale, so you know they've been looked at properly.
Jess
Sales
Jess has joined our sales team, bringing good knowledge of the motor trade, and can help you find the right vehicle and arrange your viewing.
How we do things
Many of our vehicles come from reputable leasing companies — one owner, with service history — and we pick them from the top condition grades. Every one is prepared on our site before it goes on sale, with a 6-month Gold warranty. We'll also make an offer on almost anything you want to sell or part-exchange.
Our sister business
Acklams was started over 60 years ago by Joel's nan and grandad, and it's still family run today, with motorbike sales, parts and servicing alongside Harrogate Van Centre. It was a Yamaha dealer for 50 years, has been a Beta dealer since 2000, and has won a UK dealer award for customer care.
Visit Acklams Beta →Come and meet us
Viewing is by appointment at Levens Hall Park, Killinghall.