Joseph A. Hey and Son joins Funeral Partners network
Robert Morphet and his wife, Joan Hey, the current custodians of the business, said they decided to step back from daily responsibilities while preserving the firm’s legacy
Funeral Partners has announced that Joseph A. Hey and Son, a fourth-generation funeral business based in Bradford, has joined its national network.
The company, founded in 1908 and tracing its heritage to 1856, has served families in Bradford and surrounding areas for more than 120 years.
Robert Morphet and his wife, Joan Hey, the current custodians of the business, said they decided to step back from daily responsibilities while preserving the firm’s legacy. Hey is a direct descendant of founder Joseph Hey.
With no immediate family to take over, they chose Funeral Partners, citing its “commitment to preserving local heritage, protecting staff, and upholding family values”.
Before the acquisition, Funeral Partners recommended increasing staffing levels to ease pressure on the owners and maintain care standards. An investment plan to refurbish the premises and upgrade the fleet has also been agreed.
The business will keep its name and presence in the community, with Funeral Partners providing additional support, training, and resources. It will also become an authorised representative and seller of Funeral Partners’ regulated Choice Funeral Plan products.
Morphet said: “From very early on, it was evident that Funeral Partners shares our values, and we felt confident they were the right people to entrust our business to.
“The whole team has been incredibly supportive and reassuring from the outset. David McCarthy, head of acquisition integration, and everyone involved guided us through each step, ensuring a smooth transition for us, our colleagues, and our clients.”
He added: “We know the business is in safe hands and will continue to flourish under the Funeral Partners umbrella, and we look forward to continuing our work here in Bradford, knowing we have a partner fully invested in our community and the teams that serve it.”
Sam Kershaw, chief executive of Funeral Partners, said: “I am proud to announce that Joseph A. Hey and Son has become part of the Funeral Partners family.
“It has a remarkable history and reputation in Bradford, and I am delighted Robert and his wife, Jo, will continue to run it, supported by their dedicated team. I’ve known Robert for over 30 years, and it’s a pleasure to finally work alongside him.”
