GRC Funeral Services, an independent firm based in Rochford, Essex, has recently acquired a quality used Binz Mercedes Limousine. This is their third vehicle from Superior UK Automotive Ltd.
Gary R Clugston, a funeral director and celebrant minister with nearly 40 years of experience in the funeral industry, established GRC Funeral Services in 2021 with the support of his wife and co-director, Patricia Clugston. As the business has grown over the past few years, Gary has selected Superior UK as the preferred supplier for his fleet vehicles.
In 2021, he purchased his first vehicle, a brand-new Superior Vito equipped with a custom ‘Rise & Fall’ deck. In 2023, he acquired a pristine, low-mileage used Jaguar XJ limousine. Most recently, in April of this year, he received a stunning used Binz Mercedes limousine.
Gary explains why Superior UK is his’ go-to’ choice for quality new and used funeral vehicles and why quality service matters.
Gary commented, ‘Initially, my focus was to continue providing my services as an independent family funeral director to the communities I serve, with the addition of offering trade hire support of my ceremonial private ambulance. I wanted to ensure the most dignified and professional impression possible. Superior UK has always had a great reputation and offers an excellent selection of removal vehicles; I knew they would build me a bespoke deck to my exact requirements, so they were my first choice.’
He added, “I chose a high-end Superior Vito with a ‘Rise & Fall’ deck. It’s comfortable, stylish, and professional, and it performs beautifully—there’s nothing I can fault. The deck is simply outstanding. It’s practical, durable, and constructed with quality materials that give the interior a hearse-like aesthetic—perfect for the job. On my request, Superior even added stops in the middle of the deck so that a single casket can be placed centrally for direct cremation.”
GRC Funeral Services collaborates with other local funeral directors to offer a full range of funeral services to families primarily across Essex and London, they also cover collections throughout the UK when called upon. From first-call collection and family support to funeral vehicle hire and celebrant services – the firm has built a trusted reputation for excellent care and professionalism.
Gary commented, ‘Small independents should support each other and work together rather than in competition; we work together to provide the best service possible. I loan my vehicles out when extra limousines are required and hire in hearses when needed – it works well as the business is growing.’
He added, ‘Both the Jaguar and the Binz Mercedes limousines from Superior were low-mileage and arrived in pristine condition. Superior is very selective; they only supply the highest-quality used funeral vehicles, and the service is exceptional.’
Before Superior UK’s Jon Helm delivered the vehicles, Gary requested adaptations on each limousine, including full black-out privacy glass, flower rails, a Jaguar leaper badge for the Jaguar XJ and refurbished alloys for the Binz Mercedes. Both vehicles were also fully serviced.
Gary commented, ‘I’m incredibly pleased with the service I’ve received from Jon Helm. He has delivered a first-class experience on each vehicle I’ve purchased, and I wholeheartedly recommend Superior to other funeral directors looking to upgrade their fleet vehicles.’