SAIF Golden Charter

Vito ‘bridges the gap’ for Ernest Heal & Sons

Ernest Heal and Sons is an independent family-run firm operating across the Forest of Dean, Monmouth, Herefordshire & the Wye Valley. The business, founded by Ernest Heal in 1929, is now run by third-generation Director Paul Heal, Ernest’s grandson, and Director Neil Williams, who is married to Ernest’s granddaughter Alison Williams.

For almost a century, the Heal family has continued the family tradition of providing dignified, professional support to grieving families, and they are a well-respected and essential part of the communities they serve. The firm now has 38 dedicated staff working across its five branches, including the two original branches of Ernest Heal & Sons, two branches of Gordon Blake Funeral Directors acquired by the Heal family in 2007, and the long-established funeral firm Collier & Brain as the fifth.

The Heal family run a Jaguar fleet of hearses and limousines and has historically used large estate vehicles, a Renault Traffic and then a Ford Transit, as removal vehicles. However, the family have now upgraded to a brand new Superior Vito 116 Premium from Superior UK Automotive Ltd, and they could not be happier with their decision. Director Neil Williams explains why a Superior Vito was a clear choice for the firm.

Neil said: “As the business has grown, the type of removal vehicles we were using were no longer fit for purpose – we wanted our first call vehicle to be aesthetically as non-commercial as possible, reflecting the high standards of care we deliver for families. We were looking to bridge that gap between the practicalities of removal vehicles and the aesthetics of our professional funeral fleet.”

He added: “When we saw the Superior Vito at last year’s NFE show, we knew it was the ideal solution – the safety and comfort of a Mercedes-Benz Vito combined with the beautifully finished Superior ‘Rise&Fall’ decking system.”

The family soon had their order agreed upon and recently took delivery of their very own top-specification Superior Vito with VIP kit and bespoke storage built in for PPE, uniforms, and equipment, allowing the ultimate in professionalism and care.

Neil said: “We couldn’t be happier with our new Vito and the service received from Superior’s Jon Helm – he listened to our requirements, adapted the configuration to suit our needs and delivered a stunning vehicle we are truly proud of.”