PRESS INFORMATION FROM BINZ UK

Binz Offshore

When Gary and Jai Vaudin of Guernsey-based Argent Funeral Directors set about developing 
their business plan as long ago as 1998,  they envisaged a very different proposal from what 
was then - and still is - the norm for UK funeral directors.

They began by considering factors that might impact on future business, and took into 
account anticipated trends. A move away from the formal black attire of the funeral director 
and the black funeral fleet was expected, together with a shift from traditional solemnity 
towards a celebration of life. So, dialled into the Argent business plan was adoption of a dark 
blue uniform and a silver fleet right from the outset.

As the business developed, the brothers had a keen eye for options that would enhance their 
business position in a highly competitive and very compact market on Guernsey. Which for 
2007 and 2008, included a move to new premises and a new funeral fleet.

The fleet was almost a case of love at first sight. On seeing the Binz three door hearse, the 
short wheelbase version of the iF Design award-winning model, Gary and Jai needed to look 
no further: this was the car to help them take their business to its next level of development. 
Gary Vaudin explained, “The Binz is exactly the image that we want for the business, we have 
taken a silver car, to match the name of the company, and the three door hearse is ideal for 
our narrow island roads with tight bends. The five door vehicle would have looked good but is 
impractical for use on Guernsey.”

Rather curiously, Argent's relocation has attracted a great deal of interest locally as they are 
moving into premises which formerly traded as The Hangman’s Inn, complete with a Gallows 
Marker Stone! The brothers also had to have a garage built for the funeral fleet, including the 
Binz hearse and a Binz Vito private ambulance. The architect was given the specifications of 
the fleet and told simply, to make the garage fit the Binz fleet: A rare occurrence of the buyer 
specifying the garage to fit the fleet (which at the time had yet to be bought).

Peter Smith, Chief Executive of Binz UK, delivered the hearse to Guernsey personally. “Binz 
is delighted to be the fleet of choice for Argent and one of our strengths as a fleet supplier is 
the family nature of our business. We meet and know our clients personally. We give the level 
of service that we expect ourselves. The three door hearse was designed exactly for the 
conditions found in rural and island locations such as the Channel Islands, Eire and the 
remoter areas of the mainland. I felt that a personal delivery was the best way of highlighting 
our commitment to our latest clients in Guernsey and seeing for myself how well the vehicle 
suits the local conditions.” 

Ends

Image caption: "Jai and Gary Vaudin of Argent Funeral Directors, accepting the keys to their 
new Binz three door hearse from Binz CEO Peter Smith"

Editors contact:	Ewan Scott 	Aardvark Associates tel. 01484 864 520 
(mob. 07951 963 433) or 01308 897 911
Company contact:			Binz UK  tel. 0118 975 8999

Please note that this document is for information only and is non-contractual;
both Aardvark Associates and Binz UK - Nilsson Ltd. decline all liability in the case of omissions or errors.