A HOBBY which evolved into a specialist automotive engineering firm with global appeal is gearing up to double in size.

ProSpeed which produces bespoke products for Land Rover Discoveries is creating six new jobs with plans to double its 15-strong team over the next 12 months following a £200,000 investment.

The development follows a huge increase in orders from across Europe as its reputation grows for Land Rover Discovery accessories and specially-designed six-wheel Hi-Lux chassis for emergency vehicles.

To help fulfil the orders, ProSpeed has arranged a £200k working capital injection from Reward Finance Group.

Founder Olly Marshall started the business at 21 in 2003 repairing rally cars. This quickly evolved into him building and selling them; providing support at races; and eventually racing them.

With his specialist knowledge and expertise, Olly saw an opportunity to build a better range of off-road accessories for Discoveries, such as low-profile roof racks and underbody protection.

Demand quickly grew for this new service which was launched in 2010, resulting in ProSpeed significantly expanding its manufacturing capacity, product range and global distribution network.

In 2016 the company converted four panel vans to replace articulated lorries with a more cost-effective and compact option for live broadcasts, at a cost of £1.4m each.

They have also designed, developed, and manufactured ten six-wheel Hi-Lux chassis for vehicles such as military ambulances, cherry pickers, fire and rescue vehicles, which were delivered in 2020. Orders have since come from customers in the UK, Poland, and the Czech Republic for 14 more fire engines for delivery this year, and 25 in 2022.

Olly said: “With all that has been happening, we count ourselves to be very lucky. We have some great opportunities on the horizon with the 6x6 vehicles, the Discovery accessories, and some other spin-off projects that have come about from our growing reputation, including electric vehicles.

“We are thankful to Reward for providing the financial support to allow us to commit to these opportunities. We are small but very innovative and enjoy a fantastic global reach into the special vehicles industry. To be able to discuss our future and opportunities face-to-face with someone who can ‘look into the whites of your eyes and make a real life, informed judgement has meant we have been able to propel ourselves further than we otherwise would have had the ability to do.”

Alan Sanderson, of Reward, added: This is a truly inspirational success story. What started as a hobby for Olly has developed into a world-beating company staffed by a team of innovative and highly skilled automotive engineers."