With a career shaped by compassion and a drive for progress, Jade Wilcox is steering Wilcox Limousines, UK’s oldest funeral vehicle manufacturers into the future.
“I’m Jade Wilcox, MD of Wilcox Limousines, a third-generation family business and one of the UK’s oldest and most trusted funeral vehicle manufacturers.
Outside of work, I’m a mum of three, a nature lover and endlessly curious, whether it’s a quirk of history, a political shift, or how a bridge holds together. I adore the wit and wisdom of Terry Pratchett, collect random facts about the natural world, and find joy in exploring new places. I’m known for being both resilient and just a little bit stubborn — qualities that have served me well in life and in leadership. I love swapping ridiculous stories and laughing, usually with my sister Leila, until my sides ache. And when the music’s right, few things lift the spirit like a good dance.
Before stepping into the world of coachbuilding, I trained as a funeral director and worked as a nurse, experiences that gave me a deep understanding of the compassion and precision our profession demands. Those values guide me every day as I lead Wilcox into the future.
In 2020, I received a government-backed Strategy & Manufacturing Improvement grant to lead a three-year transformation plan.
When Covid hit just months later, it accelerated that journey. We streamlined operations, embraced digital systems and reimagined our product development, culminating in Wilcox winning the British Quality Foundation’s National Transformation Award in 2023.
One of my proudest decisions has been building a strong, balanced leadership team. My sister Leila is now international sales and marketing director, and our cousin Penny leads finance and operations, working alongside her brother Louis, who became sales director after more than a decade driving growth.
That united approach has helped us launch industry-firsts like the Bentley Flying Spur hearse and limousine, and most recently, the Mercedes-Benz W214 range, both engineered with cutting-edge materials and CAD precision.
In 2024, I became the first female president of the Funeral Suppliers’ Association, where I continue to champion progress, collaboration and respect across our sector.
Our company slogan is: ‘A last journey, built with love.’ It’s more than a slogan, it’s the path we live by.”