Miniature Marvels

Diecast models of trucks used to be collected by children, but the models Search Impex sell are anything but toys – and there is no shortage of haulage companies and adult collectors willing to snap them up.

- Dan Parton

Step into Search Impex’s office in Breaston, Derbyshire and you enter an Aladdin’s cave for any collector of model trucks – indeed, anyone with an interest in trucks at all. The walls are covered in cabinets full of all the models Search Impex has produced in the 24 years the company has been in business.

It makes for an impressive sight: hundreds of model trucks, in a variety of scales, representing a who’s who of the British haulage industry. Some are instantly recognisable; others bring back memories of companies and liveries that have disappeared from our roads.

All the models on display have, over the years, been commissioned through Search Impex by haulage companies keen to have their trucks and liveries replicated in model form, mostly to be used for corporate marketing and promotional purposes. Model trucks are regularly given to key clients.

“In years past, people used to give out bottles of drink and suchlike – gifts that did not particularly relate to their business. Now, many companies, especially hauliers, prefer to give out something that is more representative of them, and much more permanent,” says Brenda Newsome, who, along with husband Jim, runs Search Impex.

Jim adds: “As a promotional item, a model vehicle is effective because people tend to put it on display – it’s like a business card that sits out in your customer’s office.”