Reynolds Funeral Services has added a second black metallic Mercedes-Benz Vito from Superior UK Automotive Ltd. It joins a funeral fleet that includes Jaguars and a vintage Daimler hearse.

Founded in 1867 by cabinet maker Samuel Reynolds, the firm is one of West Sussex’s longest-running family businesses. Samuel’s coffin-making skills led him to offer funeral services alongside his furniture shop in Bognor Regis.

Now in its sixth generation, Reynolds remains a family-run business with three funeral branches in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and Chichester. The original furniture shop has grown into the largest in the county, alongside a busy storage facility.

Fifth-generation brothers Dominic, James, Matthew, and Stephen Reynolds now run the business with sixth-generation Freya and Rebecca. Dominic and his daughter Freya manage the furniture side, Matthew is financial director, and James, Stephen, and Stephen’s daughter Rebecca oversee the funeral division.

Rebecca Reynolds joined the funeral business at 18, initially part-time while studying business and finance. Now a full-time funeral director, she says commitment to people and investment in the business are key to its longevity.

“Our family has supported bereaved families for nearly 160 years,” said Rebecca. “Each generation has focused on care and service. We keep investing in staff, facilities, fleet and new technologies to maintain those standards.

“Our new Vito is a great addition to our fleet. Its smart exterior and specialist decking system help us carry out collections safely and efficiently from hospitals, coroners and mortuaries.”

“The Vito is practical, easy to maintain and ideal for our needs — which is why we’ve now got two.”

“We also had an estate vehicle fitted out by Superior,” said Antony. “Their build quality and service were excellent—we wouldn’t go elsewhere for removal vehicles.”

The company recently restored its vintage Daimler hearse—similar to the model used in Princess Diana’s funeral—which remains a popular choice among local families.

“The Daimler gives families a vintage option that people in the community always recognise and admire,” said Rebecca. “Our motto is ‘our family caring for yours,’ and I’m proud to carry that forward contributing to the business’s continued success for many years to come.”