Funeral Partners acquires Gibson’s Funeral Services
Since 1860, six generations of the family have served the community, with Matthew Gibson and his sister Victoria being the latest to do so
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Funeral Partners has announced that Gibson’s Funeral Services in County Durham, has joined its network.
The family business dates as far back as 1860, when the business was founded by Joseph Gibson, who moved to Howden-le-Wear in County Durham offering joinery, carpentry, cabinet making and funeral services.
Since then, six generations of the family have served the community, with Matthew Gibson and his sister Victoria being the latest to do so.
Gibson’s Funeral Services still operates from its original premises at Howden-le-Wear, as well as a funeral home in Bishop Auckland and an office in nearby Shildon.
The family believed that now is the right time to seek an acquisition partner, and chose Funeral Partners to secure the company’s future and allow Matthew and Victoria to “continue doing what they love”.
Matthew said: “Things like regulation, the pandemic, tax changes and various other factors have made it more and more difficult for people like us to run businesses independently. We felt Funeral Partners values and behaviours fitted with our way of operating the business and that they would support us to continue in our own style.”
“Our history is a point of pride – it was my father’s business, my grandfather’s business and we have always run it to the best of our abilities. That history and reputation is why we have such a dedicated and loyal following. Even after all this time, we get great satisfaction in the service we provide for our clients.”
He added: “Frankly, that’s part of the reason why we decided to sell the business – so we could access the support Funeral Partners offers in terms of investment, marketing, administration, compliance, HR and more, so we can focus on what we love to do, and what we are best at – helping bereaved families at their time of need.”
Sam Kershaw, chief executive of Funeral Partners, said: “Gibson’s Funeral Service has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and we are deeply honoured they chose Funeral Partners as their acquisition partner.
“We are excited to work with Matthew, Victoria and their team and support them as they continue and grow their incredible legacy. Their dedication ensures that the Gibson family’s tradition of excellent service to the community will continue for generations to come.”
