Meet the Makers: Empire Coach Builders

Empire Coachbuilders are a bespoke horsebox manufacturer based in Kidderminster, the West Midlands. Established in 2011 by Kevin Jackson, it's since grown into one of the UK’s leading horsebox manufacturers. For this installment of Meet the Makers, we spoke with their team to learn how Empire began, what drives their designs, and what the future holds.

From Customer to Co-Founder: How Empire Coachbuilders Began

Kevin Jackson has been immersed in horsebox manufacturing since leaving school. After years working at other firms, Kevin decided to strike out on his own. In 2011, he founded Empire Coachbuilders, driven by a vision to build stronger, better horseboxes. A few years later, James Trevatt (now Managing Director) walked through the doors as a customer in need of a horsebox refurbishment. Impressed by the quality of work and sharing Kevin’s passion for horses, James soon became more than a customer; he joined forces with Kevin, and “the rest, as they say, is history.”

What makes this partnership special is the complementary skills Kevin and James bring. Kevin is a talented craftsman with an intuitive understanding of how to manufacture a strong, robust vehicle to safely carry horses. James, coming from an equestrian background, had previously worked in sales for a well-known saddle brand and is an active eventer himself. His firsthand experience with horses and riders’ needs meant he could articulate exactly what a horsebox needs to be. Together, they developed a guiding philosophy known as the “Three S’s” – Strength, Storage, Sophistication. Kevin’s focus on build quality and structural integrity, combined with James’s eye for detail and understanding of equine comfort, made them the perfect team to deliver horseboxes that excel on all three fronts.

A State-of-the-Art Factory Expansion

In 2011, Empire moved into its current purpose-built unit in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, in the heart of the West Midlands. This modern workshop became the home where every Empire horsebox is handcrafted.

By 2020, demand had grown and the company jumped at the opportunity to expand into a second unit. This new facility allowed Empire to bring even more of the build process in-house. They added their own dedicated mechanic bay and a fibreglass fabrication team, making the Empire factory a true one-stop shop for horsebox manufacturing, servicing, and repairs.

Both units were carefully fitted out with all the specialized equipment needed to produce, paint, service, and maintain horseboxes entirely under one roof. This state-of-the-art setup not only increased production capacity but also ensured quality control at every step.

Growing the Empire Team

In its early days, Empire Coachbuilders had a small team; when James first joined forces with Kevin, the entire team consisted of just three people: Kevin himself, plus two employees, Nick and Alan. Nick is a skilled craftsman who remains with the company to this day, while Alan was an integral part of the team until his retirement on health grounds last year.

Fast forward to today, and the Empire family has expanded to 15 members – 12 highly trained professionals in the workshop and 3 staff in the office. This growth in personnel reflects the company’s increasing demand and the broad set of skills required to build top-tier horseboxes.

Kevin and James have cultivated a team that shares their passion and attention to detail. Many on the shop floor are seasoned coachbuilders and engineers, bringing decades of combined experience. The office team handles sales, customer support, and design consultations, often working closely with clients to tailor each build.

Despite expanding in size, Empire maintains a family feel - some of the earliest team members are still crafting horseboxes side by side with new apprentices learning the trade. This blend of experience and fresh talent ensures that as Empire grows, it stays true to its core values and high standards.

Design Philosophy: Strength, Storage, Sophistication

One of the hallmarks of Empire Coachbuilders is their unwavering design philosophy, summed up by what James calls the “Three S’s.” Every horsebox that rolls out of their workshop is built on the principles of Strength, Storage, and Sophistication – the key elements that make Empire’s designs unique and highly sought-after.

• Strength: Empire horseboxes are engineered for maximum durability and safety. The construction uses an innovative double-aluminum technique: a sturdy aluminium plank body structure that is then clad in aluminium sheet. This method is more expensive and labour-intensive than the standard approach, but it provides serious strength and rigidity to the vehicle.

• Storage: A great horsebox isn’t just about moving horses; it must also carry all the gear and supplies that equestrians need. Empire designs with practical storage solutions in mind throughout the vehicle.

• Sophistication: Sophistication at Empire Coachbuilders comes through in the details and finishes that make the horsebox a luxurious home-away-from-home. While strength and practicality are paramount, Empire also believes you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or style.

Continuous Evolution and Innovation

Despite having a successful formula, Empire Coachbuilders continue to innovate. Over the years, the company has evolved by embracing innovation and seeking fresh ideas to improve their builds.

Kevin, James, and the team are constant learners – they actively look beyond the horsebox industry to spark new concepts. Each year, the Empire crew visits major events like the London Boat Show and the Motorhome Show.

Innovation at Empire also comes from listening to their customers. Some of the best ideas start as casual conversations or scribbles. The team loves hearing creative requests from horse owners - whether it’s an extra wash stall for horses, a built-in feed trough system, or a specific configuration of living quarters.

Pride in Craftsmanship and Customer Success

Kevin and James say one of the most rewarding parts of the job is simply spotting an Empire horsebox at a showground or event. It’s a reminder that the vehicles they build are out doing the job they were designed for.

Over the years, Empire Coachbuilders has supplied horseboxes to a wide range of riders, from those heading to local pony club rallies to competitors travelling to major events.

Safety and Comfort as Top Priorities

Safety and comfort for both horses and owners are at the core of every decision Empire makes. The team firmly believes that if you focus on building a strong, practical horsebox, you inherently create a safe and comfortable environment.

Horses traveling in an Empire horsebox benefit from sturdy, non-slip rubber flooring and padded walls that prevent injuries and reduce stress during transit. Empire also pays attention to ventilation and temperature control.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Empire Legacy

As Empire Coachbuilders looks to the future, their goal remains the same as it’s always been: to keep evolving and improving their horseboxes to be the best they can possibly be.

There are several exciting builds underway in the workshop right now – some unique custom projects that will showcase new ideas and features.

Empire is also expanding its presence out in the equestrian world. In 2025, they took a bold step by having a trade stand at Badminton Horse Trials for the first time, bringing an Empire horsebox right into the heart of one of the biggest events on the equestrian calendar.