SAIF independent funeral directors

14/08/2025

Wolverhampton Council's plans for a fat tax on burial plots have caused alarm among SAIF members in the Black Country. We've highlighted this issue with the BBC, resulting in a investigation into how 20% higher burial fees for obese people would discriminate against those who require larger graves. We are also concerned about plans by Wolverhampton Council to create a separate area for bariatric burials in its Danescourt Cemetery. This could force families to exhume graves to reunite loved ones - something that would cause a huge amount of distress.
Ross Hickton

The move at a Wolverhampton cemetery is due to high obesity rates, a council says.

11/08/2025

Welcome to our newest member Calder Moore Funeral Directors Ltd serving families in Stewarton, East Ayrshire
Learn more: www.caldermoorefuneraldirectors.co.uk

07/08/2025

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have published their annual report of the funeral sector.

SAIF warmly welcomes this latest Funerals Market Review from the CMA, which rightly confirms that no further transparency measures are necessary and that no new market investigation, particularly into price controls, will be launched at this time.

Taken together with the existing Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021, this outcome reflects that the current “sunlight remedies” are effective in ensuring families receive clear, comparable information when they need it most.

However, while transparency has improved, the call for a regulatory framework for funeral services in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland remains both timely and crucial. SAIF continues to champion the establishment of a statutory co-regulator inspection and registration regime. It should safeguard quality, dignity and standards across the sector, while remaining fair, practical and proportionate.

We reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with government and industry stakeholders to co-develop a model that delivers meaningful protection to bereaved families, preserves the highest standards of care, and supports independent funeral directors in delivering compassionate, trusted service.

SAIF stands ready to support this next phase—working closely, constructively, and proactively to shape an effective and sustainable regulatory framework.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6893220c039176aec5e8962b/Funerals_market_review.pdf

25/07/2025

Congratulations to John Adams for his incredible work bringing grief education into the classroom. 🌱

As featured by the BBC, John has successfully campaigned for schools to introduce lessons that help children understand bereavement and loss in a healthy, age-appropriate way.

This is a compassionate and forward-thinking step—helping to ensure that young people are better equipped to cope with one of life’s most difficult experiences. John’s dedication is helping to break the silence around grief and build emotional resilience in future generations.

A powerful achievement with real, lasting impact. Well done, John. 👏

The Department for Education has included grief education in its new statutory guidance.

19/07/2025

Trevor Hickton Memorial Walk – Update 🥾🌳

The team are making great progress on the led by SAIF President Ross Hickton of Hickton Family Funeral Directors.

Today’s route is a physically and emotionally significant one, uniting funeral professionals from across the UK to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

A huge thank you to those taking part, including SAIF members:

🔹 George Locke – R Locke and Son
🔹 Brian Hart – SAIF Insure
🔹 John Timmins – JW Marsh
🔹 Gary Staker – William Purves Funeral Directors
🔹 Luke Allum – Luke Allum Funeral Directors
🔹 Daniel Ginder – M. K. Ginder & Sons Funeral Directors
🔹 Carl Bewick – Trident Marketing Anglia
🔹 Brian Stock – West & Coe Funeral Directors

Their determination, camaraderie and commitment to the cause is inspiring. Rest stops may be few, but spirits remain high!

https://www.justgiving.com/page/saif2025?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

19/07/2025

🚶‍♂️ The Trevor Hickton Memorial Walk Begins! 🚶‍♀️

This morning, an incredible group of walkers set off on the Trevor Hickton Memorial Walk to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

Together, they’re raising awareness and vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK, the charity chosen by SAIF National President Ross Hickton for his presidential year.

You can show your support by donating here:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/saif2025?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

We’re proud to see so many SAIF members and supporters taking part in this powerful tribute. Wishing the team strong legs, good weather and great memories as they walk in Trevor’s name. 💙

15/07/2025

SAIF welcomes Fuller Inquiry Report, advocates for proportionate and aligned regulation across UK funeral profession
https://saif.org.uk/news/saif-welcomes-fuller-inquiry-report-advocates-for-proportionate-and-aligned-regulation-across-uk-funeral-profession/

14/07/2025

💙 SAIF President’s Charity 2025: The Trevor Hickton Memorial Walk 💙

This year, SAIF is proud to support Prostate Cancer UK as the President’s chosen charity — a cause close to many hearts, and one that honours the memory of the late Trevor Hickton, a true gentleman and champion of independent funeral service.

The Trevor Hickton Memorial Walk is raising vital funds to help fight the most common cancer in men, and we’re asking our members, colleagues, and friends to show their support.

Every donation helps fund lifesaving research and support for families affected by prostate cancer.

👉 Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/saif2025

Let’s walk in memory, with purpose, and towards a better future for men’s health.

11/07/2025

🎙️ SAIF Interview: Oliver Towner – From Acting to Independent Funerals 🎙️

In our latest Exec interview we sit down with Oliver Towner, National Executive member and Chair of the SAIF Environmental Group, to hear his unique story — from a career in acting to joining his family’s 150-year-old funeral business.

Oliver shares how his journey shaped his perspective on modern funeral service, and why understanding today’s consumer — especially around environmental choices — is more important than ever.

01/07/2025

🚨 Cyber Attacks Are on the Rise – Is Your Business Protected? 🛡️

From ransomware to sophisticated hacking tactics, cyber threats are increasingly targeting high street businesses – and the funeral profession is not immune.

Join us today at 3pm for an essential webinar with Cyber Specialists Grant Packham and Ben Ryder from Associate Member SGC Consulting.

They’ll cover:
🔍 Common misconceptions about cyber security
⚠️ How to spot potential threats
💻 Steps to protect your IT systems

📅 Tuesday 1st July | 3:00 PM
🎟️ Open to all SAIF Members and Associates

👉 Register here: https://saif.clickmeeting.com/saif-webinar-010725-cyber-security/register

📧 Once registered, you’ll receive your joining link by email.

Don’t miss this opportunity to protect your business.

25/06/2025

📣 Positive progress in Northern Ireland!

SAIF was proud to take part in the inaugural meeting of the newly convened All-Party Group (APG) for Funerals and Bereavement at the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday.

This important milestone follows close cooperation between SAIF and the NAFD to secure the required number of MLAs to support the establishment of the group — a great example of what’s possible when the profession works together on shared goals.

Bringing together a dynamic mix of funeral directors, embalmers, and Members of the Legislative Assembly, the group tackled key sector issues including:
⚖️ CMA non-compliance
🚕 The review of taxi licensing legislation
🏛️ Ongoing delays to two new chapels of rest at Roselawn Crematorium
📜 The Co-regulator proposal and promoting the views of NI funeral directors in its development

It was a productive and collaborative session, with clear action points agreed. We’re encouraged by this first step and look forward to the next meeting in early Autumn.

💬 Stay tuned to our channels for updates as we continue to champion the voice of independent funeral professionals across the UK.