Ian Taylor can remember watching his grandfather making coffins by hand for the family funeral firm. Ian now runs two busy funeral companies in the Portsmouth area, and needs a reliable fleet of modern funeral vehicles to help maintain the quality of service they are known for.
Taylor & Wallis is based in Portchester, and Churcher & Tribbeck is based in Gosport. Ian balances his time between the two businesses, serving families in a 30-mile radius which includes Southampton and Portsmouth. When Ian needed a new removal vehicle, he immediately turned to Superior UK Automotive, who have been supplying him with vehicles since 2010.
“I have always admired Mercedes funeral vehicles,” explained Ian. “We have turned to the team at Superior UK many times over the past decade. They have superb vehicles, and really understand what funeral directors need.
“As a funeral director, I pride myself on offering a traditional service with respect and trust at every stage. Superior UK have the same values, and it is always a pleasure to deal with them.”
Ian first came to Superior UK in 2010 when he sent them a Vito to be fitted out with a decking system. Over the years, Kevin Smith of Superior UK stayed in regular contact with Ian – bonding over their mutual enthusiasm for cars, events, and motor-racing.
“I am very much a car person, a member of the GRRC, and a regular spectator at motor racing events at the Circuit,” said Ian. “Kevin has a similar passion for anything with wheels and an engine – we naturally hit it off! This has made a good working relationship even more enjoyable over the years.”
In 2013, Ian upgraded his ceremonial vehicles to a new Binz hearse and limousine. During 2014, Ian asked Superior UK to help with the supply of a new estate removal vehicle.
“Ian wanted something with a good level of specification,” explained Kevin. “He asked us to source something discrete yet functional, and the new Skoda Superb we found ticked all the boxes. The vehicle still serves Ian today.”
Taylor & Wallis’s new Vito removal vehicle is totally bespoke, designed to suit the precise needs of Ian and his team. It makes daily journeys easier, with plenty of storage, a rear loading ramp, and the Superior fixed lower decking system complete with under-deck storage drawers.
“Our new Vito is exactly what we need,” said Ian, “and the latest in a long line of high-quality, modern funeral vehicles from Superior UK.”