WHO’S WHO
These days it’s hard to know who’s who in the funeral business. The name above the door is certainly no guide. In recent years had you relied on this method of choosing your funeral director, you may have been dealing with a Houston Texas based global giant or Britain’s biggest funeral home operator, the friendly sounding Co-op. Both companies acquired businesses that were once family owned but have perhaps long since ceased to be. Unsurprisingly both keep the same name above the door that’s well known and trusted locally. Some funeral group staff will not willingly make you aware that you’re dealing with a large Group or Plc. Both the Co-op and SCI- Dignity have attracted the attention of the Office of Fair Trading who have been concerned at their dominance in certain areas of Britain. Clients not being easily aware of who actually owns who may be easily confused. In 2006 the Co-op have agreed to sell nearby Woking Funeral Service to avoid becoming locally dominant. Elsewhere in Woking the former SCI business is now part of Dignity, a UK Plc.
Sadly you can’t even assume the funeral director whose name IS in the company name above the door is still or ever was the business owner. In our area some employees/nominal ‘directors’ are in fact little more than employees with little or no say in how the company is actually run. The charges and fees you pay are ultimately decided by distant Directors of what may even be offshore companies owning funeral firms over a wide area. Goddards – Ford Mears are owned by one of the UK’s most profitable car dealers.
HOLMES & SONS is a genuine family owned and run funeral business with qualified expert understanding staff. We guarantee to look after you consistently. Our charges are usually lower than other funeral directors but our service is second to none. Our few employees are properly trained, some holding the coveted ‘Diploma in Funeral Directing’ – the highest qualification available in the industry. Trust us with pre-payment advice, memorials or in time of need. I assure you of our personal attention at any time, day or night. Call us or pop in, you may park alongside our office, the kettle is always on! Should you prefer we are happy to make all arrangements in your home at your convenience. We’re proud of our service, premises, vehicles and our appearance. We’re very proudly independent and nice people too!
David Holmes
Holmes & Sons
Family owned Funeral Directors serving Fleet, Frimley, Farnborough, Aldershot and all surrounding areas
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