SAIF Golden Charter

Silletts’ fifth fleet from Superior

Silletts is an independent family funeral director based in Radcliffe, Manchester, with a second branch in Little Lever, Bolton. The firm currently has eight members of the Sillett family working in the business, run by brothers Peter and Paul Sillett and their sons Joseph, Matthew and Adam who represent the fifth and sixth generation of the family.

The history of Silletts dates back to 1875, with brothers Peter and Paul joining the business in the early 1980s. The horses and carriages of the early days were replaced by the firm’s very first fleet of vehicles, classic Austin Princess limousines and hearses, in 1961.

Silletts has since purchased four fleets of Binz Mercedes vehicles as well as a Vito removal vehicle from Superior UK Automotive Ltd and has just taken delivery of its fifth – a stunning new fleet of Pilato Mercedes vehicles, including a Polaris Hearse and two Lyra Limousines.

Paul Sillett explains why, despite being based in the North West – the heart of coach-building country – the family have chosen Berkshire-based Superior UK to supply their fleet vehicles for over two decades.

Paul said: “We have remained loyal customers to Superior UK and the Smith family for a long time now – we originally had Volvos and then moved to Mercedes in 2005 when we bought our first Binz fleet. Our decision to stay with them has been due to the continued quality of the vehicles and the high level of service and commitment we have received.”

He added: “As you would expect, we know all of the coach builders in the industry, and we look at all of them each time we update our fleet. We always go back to Superior because, quite simply, the vehicles are the best out there – each fleet we have has been so good we did not want to change.”

In December 2022, after finalising the details of their exciting new Pilato fleet with Superior’s Northern Sales Manager Greg Platt, Paul and his wife Amanda visited the Pilato factory in Italy to take a look at their vehicles in production.

Paul said: “It was a fantastic trip; we took a tour of the factory and witnessed the impressive technology and expertise that go into building these vehicles.

“We met the Pilato family and it is safe to say that we share solid family values and an ongoing desire to provide excellence to all our customers.”

Silletts’ stunning new Polaris and matching Lyra limousines have been safely delivered and are already making a positive impression on staff and customers. Paul commented, “They certainly turn heads  – we have had some lovely feedback on how imposing and stylish they are – the build quality and finish are excellent and they drive beautifully.”

Paul added: “Our last hearse from Superior was superb – at 13 years old it still ran like a dream, so we part exchanged it. If our new Pilato vehicles are anything like our previous Superior fleets we will be very happy – we feel it is worth paying more for superior quality and a reliable investment.”