Most Promising New Funeral Business 2017
This category attracted a number of strong entries, with 11 finalists ranging from traditional to more unconventional businesses. The judges believe that it is essential that any future regulation of the funeral industry does not place barriers in the way of newcomers, as it is the emergence of new innovative thinking about how to do […]
Funeral Arranger of the Year 2017
Often the most recognisable face of many funeral businesses, the role of funeral arranger is a critically important one. It is the arranger who builds relationships with families, who becomes the trusted friend and advisor and who ensures that all the details are taken care of. All finalists this year demonstrate outstanding people skills […]
Most Eco-Friendly Funeral Director 2017
The funeral world is not known for being overly environmentally friendly, with large hearses and limousines travelling slowly to the place of committal. It is heartening therefore for there to be entries in this category, albeit with only four finalists. The runner up in this category uses earth friendly coffins only, everyday transport rather than […]
Best Low Cost Funeral Provider 2017
With the issue of funeral poverty (or funeral affordability) very much in the media, providing quality undertaking service at low cost is a goal that many businesses are aspiring to. There were eight finalists in this category, and all provide excellent value for money for their low cost funerals. The runner up has introduced […]
Best Direct Cremation Provider 2017
Direct cremation is a fast-growing area of the funeral sector, and there are many direct cremation companies opening around the UK, with most funeral directors providing direct cremation as an option. The runner up in this category is a quality provider of a direct cremation service, with ongoing telephone support for families. The winner demonstrates […]
Crematorium Attendant of the Year 2017
For such an important role, there were surprisingly few nominations in this category this year, resulting in just three finalists. The judges hope that next year far more celebrants and funeral directors will nominate these unsung heroes who oversee thousands of funerals each year, ensuring that everything goes to plan. Picking a winner from the […]
Best Crematorium in the UK 2017
This category had a good field of entrants this year, with 13 finalists and entries citing facilities, environmental issues, service times, fees, bereavement services, training, events and grounds maintenance. Selecting a winner from among these entries was not easy, and the judges ended up with three deserving runners up which all deserve mention. The winner […]
Best Burial Ground in the UK 2017
This category could so easily be about the best kept lawn cemetery, or the most attractive natural burial ground, but this year the judges were unanimously persuaded by the passion of the manager who entered for the award in choosing the winner. Ultimately, it is the care and dedication of the people involved with a […]
Gravedigger of the Year 2017
The number of entries for this category again was under-representative of the many people who work so hard in this sector. Perhaps this is because of mechanization and use of machinery to prepare the majority of graves and a corresponding perceived lack of craftsmanship and care, but the winner of the award this year […]
Celebrant of the Year 2017
This category attracted the largest number of nominees and entries, resulting in almost 30 finalists. It is also the one the judges find most daunting to decide, as they know how important it is to be recognised for what can often be a very lonely role. Without exception, all finalists in this category are deserving […]
