Local business’ growth leads to relocation
Paul Garner (Left) and James Leighfield
A family-run business which distributes crucial safety equipment to emergency services across Europe has relocated to new premises.
Emergency Vehicle Products Ltd (EVP), which was set up in 2014 by Warwick residents Paul and Sarah Garner, have moved into new premises at Benford Court from their old base at Heathcote Industrial Estate in a move supported by Coventry-based solicitors Band Hatton Button.
EVP help police, fire and ambulance services in major cities such as Berlin, Paris, Athens, Milan and Amsterdam to stay safe and keep up to date with the latest technological advances for their vehicles.
The business acts as the authorised representative on mainland Europe for Whelen Engineering Inc, who are world leaders in designing visual and audio safety equipment.
In addition, EVP offer everything from dashboard cameras, body cameras and trackers to emergency services in some of the biggest cities in the world.
The move to Benford Court comes as the company looks to expand its operation in 2018 by focusing on different markets.
Paul said: "The move is going to make our business much easier to run, Benford Court is a lot more suitable for how our operation is split between admin work and warehouse work than our previous site, so we are looking forward to a happy future here.
"We started out just wanting to be in charge of our own destiny and pay our way but we now employ two other people and supply equipment to emergency service forces in some of Europe's biggest cities.
"In trying to reposition ourselves to cope with any potential wider export decline after Brexit, we are concentrating sales and marketing efforts on the UK market, as well as selling to the general public via our online web shop, so it is a very exciting time for EVP."
James Leighfield is a solicitor in Band Hatton Button's Commercial Property Department who negotiated a lease for EVP to be based at Benford Court.
He added: "EVP are now the chosen UK and European distribution partners for a number of safety equipment manufacturers, so the business needed to secure a more suitable property to aid their continued growth.
"Supporting owner managed businesses is one of our key focuses, so we are thrilled to have provided assistance to EVP with their new lease.
"Through working with Paul and Sarah, it is evident that their hard work and determination to succeed has been the driving force for their success so far. I am sure that 2018 will prove to be a successful year for EVP and we look forward to seeing their progress.
"Commercial property gives a good indication of how businesses in the local area are performing, and we are continuing to see strong demand which is encouraging news for the region."