Vintage car maker gears up for growth

A VINTAGE wedding and hearse manufacturer has received a six-figure funding boost from Greater Manchester’s Business Growth Hub to move to a new site.

The company has relocated from its old base at Hindley to a new unit at Warrington Road in Ince, near Wigan.

The business, founded in 2012 by co-owners Dave Chapman and Stephen Darbyshire, manufactures bespoke wedding cars and specialist hearses sold to wedding organisers and funeral directors across the UK.

It is one of only a handful of vintage car builders in the country, producing around eight new vehicles a year.

Following advice from the Access to Finance team at the  Business Growth Hub, the company has sourced funding with the assistance of an RBS Commercial mortgage.

In addition, Business Growth Hub helped the company secure an additional grant from The Catalyst Growth Fund, a competitive grant scheme safeguarding jobs in the North West.

The company saysnew site will enable the business to raise its profile and attract new customers.
 
Chapman said: “As a new business looking to move location, we needed advice on how to secure the right kind of finance.

“Business Growth Hub lined us up with the correct backing to move to our new site. We now have a proper showroom on a main road and passing trade is already picking up with our brand becoming better known. The future is looking strong for the business and we are reaching our next stage of growth.”

Sarah Brenna, access to finance adviser for Wigan and Salford at Business Growth Hub, added: “We are pleased to provide this unique business with the means to optimise growth through a move to a better placed location.

“The firm now is in position to grow its staff base and show off its bespoke brand in the region. We look forward to working with Dave and Stephen during this exciting time.”