Independent funeral directors recognised at annual awards ceremony

A number of businesses and individuals within the funeral industry have picked up commendations at the annual Independent Funeral Director Business Awards.

The awards, which intend to recognise the “outstanding work” of independent funeral directors, were hosted by UK funeral pre-paid plan provider Golden Charter

Having taken place on 2 September 2021, the awards spanned six different categories, including customer service, community engagement, and family business.

While Fife’s Alex Little Funeral Directors picked up the prize for the former two categories, R Locke and Sons won the family business award.

Further firm-wide awards were provided to Mears Family Funerals in the digital innovation category and Gaulds Funeral services in the environmental responsibility category.

Individual employees of the year were also recognised, with Jill Glencross Independent Funeral Directors’ Peter Watson winning the northern prize.

Sue Gibbons of Sue Gibbons Funeral Service picked up the Central employee of the year award, while Matt Watters of Cornwall Funeral Services won the southern category.

Suzanne Grahame, CEO at Golden Charter, said: “The past year has seen independent funeral directors across the UK face incredible challenges with resilience and dedication. We’re delighted to recognise the winners across all categories.

“Funeral directors face continued challenges, from the ongoing impacts of the pandemic that still lie ahead, which makes it all the more important highlight the key workers who truly go above and beyond.”