Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound and lasting impact on the UK funeral profession, reshaping operational protocols, accelerating regulatory change, and placing unprecedented pressure on funeral directors, crematoria, and bereavement services. Funeral Service Times examines the sector’s response during and after the pandemic, including emergency legislation, PPE and safety guidance, service restrictions, workforce challenges, and lessons learned. Coverage also addresses ongoing implications—from delayed grief and memorialisation trends to future planning for public health crises—supporting professionals in reflecting on and preparing for sector resilience.
-
Oct- 2025 -15 OctoberFuneral Plans
More families turn to GoFundMe amid funeral aid refusals
More bereaved families are turning to online fundraising to cover funeral costs as refusals for Funeral Expenses Payments have risen…
Read More » -
Sep- 2025 -30 SeptemberBusiness
Independents undercut national rivals on funeral plans, report finds
Independent funeral directors have reduced the cost of direct cremations over the past year, even as larger national providers increased…
Read More » -
Aug- 2025 -12 AugustBusiness
CMA finds mixed cost and price trends in the funeral sector
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has reported mixed trends in costs and prices across the funerals sector in its…
Read More » -
Jul- 2025 -8 JulyCurrent Affairs
ICCM urges govt to recognise cemetery and crem staff as key workers
The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) has called on the government to clarify whether cemetery and crematorium staff…
Read More » -
3 JulyPeople
FBCA appoints Westerleigh ambassador as new deputy president
The Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) has announced that it has elected Westerleigh Group ambassador Alan José as…
Read More » -
Jun- 2025 -11 JunePeople
A.W. Lymn appoints new general manager of stonemasonry team
A.W. Lymn The Craftsmen in Stone has announced the appointment of Ryan Marsh to the role of general manager, as…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -30 AprilBusiness
Funeral Partners acquires Gibson’s Funeral Services
Funeral Partners has announced that Gibson’s Funeral Services in County Durham, has joined its network. The family business dates as…
Read More » -
2 AprilFuneral Plans
New death certification reforms cause funeral delays, SAIF finds
Funerals are experiencing “significant” delays in most areas across England and Wales as a result of death certification reforms, according…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryPeople
The Farewell Guide names former Dignity chief exec as new COO
Online funeral comparison platform, The Farewell Guide, has announced the appointment of former Dignity chief executive, Kate Davidson, MBE, as…
Read More » -
7 FebruaryCharity
Vinters Park Crem donates £11,600 to Family Forever JP
Vinters Park Crematorium has made a £11,600 donation to a local Maidstone charity, Family Forever JP, which helps families of…
Read More »