Funeral director shortlisted for business award

Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors has been shortlisted for a prestigious business award.

The group with eight branches is in line for the Family Business of the Year Award, 2017, in the south west region.

Run by Family Business United, the awards recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms.

In the south west region there are 13 businesses shortlisted, including well-known brands such as Thatchers Cider and St Austell Brewery.

Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, which also runs the award-winning Dorset Funeral Plan, said: “Being a family business is important in our sector.

“When a family loses someone they may prefer to deal with a family business and often our branches have been dealing with the same family for generations.

“All our branches retain their original and historic family names, which are well-known in the towns where they are based.

“Being the fourth generation to run this company, I understand the benefits of what a family business brings.

“We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award, which is a reflection of all the hard work and professionalism shown by all our staff.”

Paul Andrews is founder and managing director of Family Business United, the leading online magazine and resource centre for family firms in the UK.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses – some that have succeeded for numerous generations and continue to thrive, and others that are relatively young but have great values at the heart of what they do.”

The awards process concludes at a gala reception and awards ceremony that takes place in London at the Mayfair Hotel in June.