Vehicle conversions company buys premises with bank support

Pick Up Systems' Burnley base

A Burnley automotive business, which works with the emergency services, has secured a six-figure funding package from HSBC UK to buy the rented premises it operates from as part of its ambitious growth plans for 2021.

Pickup Systems, which was established in 2007 and specialises in vehicle conversions, has received funding from HSBC UK to acquire two 24,000 sq ft units which it previously rented.

The premises will continue to be used for vehicle conversions to support major utility companies and the emergency services, along with designing and manufacturing bespoke vehicle bodies for its customers across the UK.

Pickup Systems has experienced significant growth in recent years.

This development will support the business in reducing its fixed costs and strengthen its ambitious expansion strategy for 2021.

Pickup Systems currently employs 34 members of staff and will be looking to expand the team throughout the year to support continued growth.

Founder, John McGauley, said: “In September 2014, we moved into our premises which has allowed us to grow the business by over 200% in the last three years.

“The backing from HSBC UK has ensured that we are now in a position to reduce our fixed costs going forwards and focus our efforts on bringing in new business and more employees.”

James Toppin, relationship manager for HSBC UK, Business Banking, said: “It’s exciting to be supporting the Pickup Systems team as they bolster their expansion plans as part of a continued growth strategy for the year ahead.”

Pickup Systems is a conversion partner of many major manufacturers, including Toyota, Mercedes and Isuzu, which enables the company to provide a one-stop vehicle fit-out facility for any fleet at its Burnley site.

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