Starting with just the founders Chris Knowles and Paul Wilkins in 2002, the company has grown to 9 employees with over 6,000 square feet of workshops.
Chris has privately owned and maintained XJ saloons and XJS cars throughout most of his life but his career has been in electronics manufacturing and management. As his 50th birthday approached he decided to change tracks and start a new business.
Paul Wilkins is no longer part of the company.
In 2004, Theresa Knowles joined the company full time and now looks after all the purchasing, production administration and finance. Since then we have taken on four senior mechanics and a workshop manager.
Our engineers all have long experience in classic cars and have become highly proficient in the re-manufacturing of classic Jaguars.
We continue to grow in size and capability, and look forward to working on an increasing variety of cars over the foreseeable future.
Chris Knowles
Managing Director
30 years in UK high technology manufacturing industry has given Chris broad experience both in World Class production techniques and in Business Management. “I believe very strongly in the future of re-manufacturing and our twin goals are to provide an exciting alternative to new luxury cars, and to market the concept successfully.” Chris has also been a classic Jaguar owner and engineer for over 35 years.
Theresa Knowles
Director
Theresa is an expert in manufacturing software systems with long experience in accounting and MRP in many major companies. Theresa looks after all the financial, corporate, stock control, production management, scheduling and much more. She owns a Meteor Red XJS (amongst many other Jaguars) which she drives rather enthusiastically!
- +44 1635 622433
- [email protected]
David McBarnett
Workshop Manager
Dave is our longest-serving employee, starting as a technician in 2010 and graduating through to Workshop Manager. Dave has huge experience in the motor trade, has run his own garage, and now looks after every detail on KWE’s shop floor. Indefatigable and ever-optimistic, Dave is the life and soul of the workshops!
- +44 1635 622436
- [email protected]
Rahul Singh
Sales Executive
Rahul joined KWE in October 2020 as Sales Executive. He has excelled at providing the best and most courteous customer service. His understanding of classic car restoration is comprehensive, and he keeps a very sensible commercial head!
- +44 1635 622434
- [email protected]
Biswa Shah
Classic Car Technician
Biswa, otherwise known as ‘Bish’, joined KWE in June 2015, and is thus our second longest-serving employee. Bish has huge experience now in stripping and re-assembling cars – all done with great enthusiasm. He also owns the largest collection of tools!
Ian Greenway
Classic Car Technician
Ian joined KWE in August 2018, though he had been with us for a shorter stint in earlier years. Ian can mend anything, and has long experience encompassing some of the older cars like E Types we deal with. He deputises for Workshop Manager Dave in his absence.
Luke Dent
Classic Car Technician
Luke is a highly intelligent and adaptable technician and brings a great variety of skills to the job. He joined us in June 2019 and is soaking up knowledge at a ferocious rate!
Mike Widdas
Classic Car Technician
Mike, who joined us in July 2021 is a very experienced car technician with a broad knowledge of vehicle mechanics and great enthusiasm for car restoration. He specialises in metalwork and painting and will be establishing KWE’s venture into in-house body repairs and painting.
Robert Hicks
Apprentice Classic Car Technician
Rob has recently changed his career path from medical to classic car restoration, following his passion. Starting from scratch as an apprentice in June 2021, Rob has learnt the ropes in leaps and bounds and will no doubt progress through the company with ease.
