£500,000 R&D boost for disability vehicle firm

A BLACK Country firm which converts vehicles to be wheelchair accessible has secured a new £500,000 funding package to support its R&D programme and ambitious plans for international expansion.

Sirus Automotive, based in Wednesbury, was founded in 2004. Since then, it has supported more than 15,000 drivers and passengers to overcome everyday mobility issues by converting and adapting vehicles.

Its compact designs are built for wheelchair users driving from a wheelchair or travelling upfront as a passenger and it also offers adaptations for customers with standard cars.

Sirus Automotive will use the new funding from HSBC UK to support its new R&D programme, including the expansion of its operations in Wednesbury, where the business has built additional office space to accommodate its expanding team.

Over the past year, Sirus has launched a new conversion based on the Ford Grand Tourneo Connect which has led it to set up new distribution contracts in Europe and New Zealand.

Managing director Simon Pearson said: “We have a dedicated R&D team that takes a fresh approach to vehicle conversions. We are passionate about our continual new product development programme which aims to meet our customers’ everyday mobility needs.”

Stephen Peart, Black Country area director for business banking with HSBC UK, added: “HSBC UK is actively supporting UK businesses by connecting them to international opportunities.

“The vehicle mobility market is growing rapidly and Sirus has proved to be at the forefront of innovative designs and solutions for drivers and passengers who are affected by a disability.

“Due to its success in the UK, the business has won distribution contracts for Europe and New Zealand. This is an exciting time for the Sirus team and we wish them the best for the future.”