We Are Direct Cremations launches West Midlands service

We Are Direct Cremations has launched in the West Midlands, offering families the chance to be present at direct cremations.

The specialist funeral service, owned and operated by the Lymn Rose family, will provide relatives with the date of its direct cremations at Hammerwich Crematorium in Burntwood, Staffordshire and allow them to visit the site.

The fully-online company said that this “transparent and personal approach” separates it from other direct cremation providers. 

The business said it established itself for people who want a simple farewell ceremony, time to organise a separate gathering or more affordable options, adding it intends to be cost-effective while meeting “the standards expected from one of the UK’s longest-established family funeral directors”. 

For a fixed price of £1,050, We Are Direct Cremations is offering the completion of all necessary paperwork, collection from a hospital or mortuary, provision of a coffin, care until the day of the funeral, transportation to the crematorium, the cremation itself and either the scattering of ashes in the peaceful memorial garden or preparation for collection by the family.

The company said there are additional costs for picking up the deceased from a private residence or nursing home, removal of hazardous implants and delivery of ashes.

The Lymn Rose family acquired We Are Direct Cremations with Hammerwich Crematorium last year. The company said it has spent the last 12 months developing its eight-acre cemetery and crematorium, which is said is “a modern facility set within beautiful landscaped grounds”.

The family has more than 110 years of funeral experience. It serves primarily Birmingham and the broader Midlands area, but is available nationwide.

Pete Clarson, director at We Are Direct Cremations, said: “We know that the way in which people are making choices about their own and their family members’ funerals has changed more in the last decade than it has in centuries, with the rise of direct cremations. 

“As experts in funerals, we see that this option is in fact exactly what some people want and what is right for them or their loved one, and so we wanted to ensure we offered it to our customers who requested it. Crucially, we will ensure every direct cremation we provide is done properly, with care and consideration.”

He added: “Many direct cremation providers are anonymous and, with respect, very new to our industry. With We Are Direct Cremations, each and every cremation we organise is arranged by those who know every law, every requirement and every exception and do their job with utmost compassion. We really are offering a caring alternative to the faceless online direct cremations that have become so commonplace.”