Hillier Funeral Services is a family-run, independent funeral director founded by Harold Hillier in 1923, making it one of the oldest businesses in Swindon. For over a century, four generations of the Hillier family have dedicated themselves to serving the community, expanding and building upon the achievements of each previous generation.
Harold’s son Michael, who has worked in the business since 1944 and turns 98 this March, still conducts the occasional funeral. The popular and well-respected firm is now led by Harold’s grandson, Managing Director Mark Hillier, and great-granddaughter Rebecca. The pair recently took delivery of a brand new emerald green Pilato Mercedes Polaris Hearse and matching Lyra limousine from Superior UK Automotive Ltd.
Rebecca Hillier explains why the firm has made the move from Volvo to Mercedes and how it manages to blend its rich history with a modern approach.
Rebecca commented, ‘Whilst heritage and traditional values remain at the heart of Hilliers, our family embraces change. Our unwavering commitment to excellence means a continual investment in our staff, premises, and funeral fleet. This commitment ensures that our clients receive the highest quality of service.’
Until recently, all of Hilliers’ funeral vehicles were Volvos. Mark Hillier’s relationship with Superior dates back to the 1990s when he purchased his Volvo fleet vehicles from Superior’s previous Managing Director, Peter Smith.
Rebecca commented, ‘We wanted to make a change and upgrade our fleet to something cutting-edge and ahead of the standard industry offering. We returned to Superior and made the move to Mercedes-Benz. We had admired Pilato Mercedes vehicles for some time and knew they would be right for our business. When Superior’s Jon Helm delivered our vehicles, we were thrilled and very impressed with the personal and professional service we received.’
She added, ‘Our new Polaris hearse and Lyra limousine are stunning and beautifully built. The dark emerald green metallic paintwork is unique to us and looks a different shade in various lights – we feel these vehicles allow us to deliver the very best for the families we serve.’
Hillier Funeral Services is currently renovating its fourth funeral home, Lime Kilm House, a beautiful grade II-listed building that used to be a GWR radio station. The firm’s fully renovated head office, Kingshill House, is also a grade II-listed building and an ex-maternity hospital.
The Hillier family’s choice of location demonstrates their respect for the town’s history, while their dedicated staff, newly renovated facilities, and beautiful new Pilato-Mercedes fleet set the standard for the modern funeral director.
Rebecca commented, ‘As one of the few independents left in the area, we are proud of our family’s history and roots. My great-grandfather Harold served in the Royal Flying Corps in World War 1, then set up and grew a successful building firm, building many houses in the area under the government’s short-lived ‘homes built for heroes’ scheme.’
She added, ‘Harold set up Hilliers Funeral Services in 1923 and bought his first motorised hearse in 1933. He served the people of Swindon with care, innovation, and a determination to keep moving forward, and that ethos continues today through our commitment to providing excellent customer service, professional facilities, and a beautiful fleet of vehicles we are proud of.’
