Luggage solution proves major money-spinner for Midland engineer

A PROBLEM fitting luggage into his favourite sports car turned out to be the inspiration for a successful business for a former Midlands engineer.

It was when Rob Hill was about to set out on his honeymoon with his new wife Heather that he really discovered the drawbacks on the Malvern-made Morgan.

When the couple did some research afterwards they found there were no suitcases or travel bags on the market that could fit comfortably into a sports car and they realised there was a gap in the market.

“As every classic car enthusiast will know, it’s not just the issue of making the best use of every available inch of the restricted luggage space in these beautiful cars – it’s the wretched experience of numerous trips outside to where the car is parked (sometimes in the rain and cold) forcing small bags back into the car. It often felt like trying to do a crazy jigsaw puzzle,” said Mr Hill.

An engineer by trade, he decided to solve the luggage problem by designing and making two bespoke, fully-stiffened bags which perfectly fitted the storage area of their car.
 
That was six years ago but the personal solution has turned into a major money-spinner.
Now a fully-fledged company based in Middleton, Hillsalive, is going from strength to strength with a full range of abrasion-resistant luggage that covers 90 different vehicles from Jaguar to Lotus.

The customer-base has grown and the firm is now looking a growth by targeting exports.
It has enlisted the help of UK Trade & Investment, through the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, to help with its plan.

The Hills have taken part in the Passport to Export scheme which has seen them exhibit in Germany, France and Holland and Hillsalive now trades in Australia, South Africa, USA, Canada, Norway and all of Europe.

The international trade team at the chamber are now helping the firm explore the Japanese market.

Mrs Hill said: “UKTI have been tremendously helpful and that has given us the chance to add further agents and distributors across the globe. We are now exporting right around the world.

“We continue to expand our reach and look forward to adding new markets.”

Brian Mountford, of the international trade team at the chamber, said: “It’s great to be able to support a company such as Hillsalive.

“Heather has used Passport to Export, along with other UKTI services, to successfully investigate new markets and increase its export sales. I am pleased that we have been able to assist.

“The product is very exportable and that is proving to be the case with new countries being added to the list all the time.”