Family-run funeral director Phillip Tom & Sons Ltd has upgraded its fleet of vehicles after receiving financing of more than £170,000 from Lombard.

The Risca-based business has used the funding to purchase two new limousines and a hearse which will help expand its services, create efficiencies and lead to a reduction in running costs.

Phillip Tom & Sons continues to increase its turnover, and while it currently has four members of staff it plans to employ more people as it expands.

In 2015, Lombard partner NatWest provided the company with funding to build new garages and expand its storage facilities.

Owner Stephen Tom celebrated the business’s 25th anniversary in February this year. The company began as a partnership between Stephen’s late father and his mother, with Stephen taking over 15 years ago.

Since then, he has streamlined the business and continues to improve the quality of its services. Stephen prioritises creating a highly personalised offering for his customers, with the aim of supporting them as much as possible as they enter a period of bereavement.

Stephen said: “While our customers are often dealing with very challenging and sometimes tragic circumstances, we hope that in small but significant ways we can make this time easier for them. We are proud of what we do and of the high quality service we provide. Having received funding, we have been able to make the important changes that will make us more efficient as a business and help us strengthen our offering.”

Kerrie Jones, Lombard senior relationship manager, said: “Phillip Tom & Sons offers a unique service that puts customers at the heart of everything they do, and we are proud to have supported Stephen as he improves and expands his business. The company is important to the community and we believe that it will continue to provide the highest standard of funeral care for many years to come.”