Hillier Funeral Service is a family-run, independent funeral director founded by Harold Hillier in 1923. It is one of the oldest businesses in Swindon and one of the few independents left in the area. 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.
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 bespoke-built Superior ‘Lusso’ Vito, adding another Mercedes-Benz to work alongside their stunning emerald green Polaris hearse and Lyra limousine delivered by Superior UK earlier this year.
Rebecca Hillier explains why the future-focused firm is moving from Volvos to Mercedes and from estate vehicles to bespoke Vito removal vehicles.
Rebecca commented, ‘Our family’s commitment to excellence means we continually look to invest in our staff, premises, and funeral fleet. With people getting larger and taller, removals using our Volvo estate vehicles were becoming more difficult, especially from family homes. ‘
She added, ‘We feel the Superior ‘Lusso’, which we now refer to as our ‘executive removal vehicle’, creates a professional and reassuring first impression. The hearse-like bespoke deck and interior look beautiful when lit up, especially at night, and we get positive feedback from both our operatives and the families we serve.’
The Hiller family’s connection to Superior UK goes back to the 1990s, when Mark Hillier purchased Volvo fleet vehicles from Superior’s previous Managing Director, Peter Smith. Decades later, Superior UK is proud to be the trusted supplier of Hillier’s fleet vehicles under the management of Peter’s son, MD Kevin Smith, as the family gradually upgrades their fleet to Mercedes-Benz.
Rebecca commented, ‘Our new cutting-edge Mercedes vehicles are just stunning. They truly set the standard and allow us to deliver the very best to the families we serve. The quality of the vehicles and the standard of service we receive from Superior is always first-class.’
In addition to a growing fleet of new Mercedes vehicles, significant investment in the firm’s facilities continues. Renovations on Hillier Funeral Services’ fourth funeral home, Lime Kiln House, a beautiful grade II-listed building, are almost complete. The branch, which includes a 100-seater funeral service room, is due to open in early 2026.