Funeral Service Times August 2017 March 2019 | Page 6

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DISPATCHES
Funerals market study
‘Northern Ireland’s most
qualified funeral director’ updated
reprimanded by ASA
The CMA launched
The advertising
regulator found that
Stephen McCosh had
been ‘unable to show
that their competitors
did not hold the same
level of qualifications
as Stephen McCosh’
A Northern Irish
funeral director has
been reprimanded by the ASA after calling himself “Northern Ireland’s
most qualified funeral director”, despite the regulator finding that he
was “unable to show that their competitors did not hold the same
level of qualifications”.
Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors, used a regional press advert
which displayed the post-nominal letters “Dip.F.D. Dip.F.S. M.B.I.F.D”
followed by text which claimed McCosh was “Northern Ireland’s
most qualified funeral director”. Funeral direction chain, Dignity
Funerals challenged that the statement was “misleading and could be
substantiated”.
McCosh said that in the funeral industry there were two formally
recognised qualifications – the Diploma in Funeral Services (Dip.F.S.)
certified by the British Institute of Funeral Directors, and the Diploma
in Funeral Directors (Dip.F.D.) certified by the National Association of
Funeral Directors.
Community-focused west
Yorkshire funeral firm joins
Funeral Partners
Melia Powell Funeral Service was established by former policeman
Brian Langford in 2013
Keighley-based Melia Powell Funeral Service has pledged to
continue building on its “strong roots in the local community” after
becoming part of Funeral Partners.
The business, established by former policeman Brian Langford
in 2013, has built a reputation for high quality care and service in
Keighley and the neighbouring Bradford and Skipton areas. Langford
added his mother’s maiden name ‘Melia’ to the business name to
represent the strong family values he was brought up with which he
set out to bring to the funeral home.
He said: “I worked closely with a variety of funeral directors
during my 31 years in the police service. Early in my career I was
involved in liaison after the tragic Bradford City stadium fire and I
saw the important role played by funeral directors. When I retired, I
wanted to give something back to the community by providing the
very best quality funeral care at an affordable price.”
Langford recruited Paul Cook, who has trained and progressed
to the role of
funeral director
and Luke Riley
Berry, who
joined as an
apprentice at
16 before also
progressing to
funeral director.
MARCH 2019
its inquiry into the
rising cost of funerals
in June
The Competitions
and Markets Authority
(CMA) has published
its responses from
professionals in the
funeral trade, as part
of its inquiry into the market.
National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
(SAIF), Quaker Social Action, Beyond and Ian Hazel Funerals were
among the businesses and associations which submitted evidence
to the CMA.
In a statement to Funeral Service Times, SAIF said the
regulator’s research of 18 independent funeral directors was not a
“representative sample” and said it hoped the CMA would address
this.
Terry Tennens, chief Executive of SAIF, said: “The CMA’s interim
report was a wake-up call for the funeral profession and we’ve
given a full response, which takes into account views from across
the UK. There is much in the report with which we agree, such
as the need for a review of funeral service pricing and price
standardisation, in addition to the acknowledgment of high
satisfaction levels of clients of independent funeral directors.
Daniel Robinson & Sons
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Operations Manager
Our progressive and growing family business is seeking to recruit an Oper-
ations Manager to work across our ten funeral homes. We are seeking to
appoint an ambitious individual who will add value and energy to our team,
the ideal candidate will have…
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A proven track record in the service industry
Staff management experience
Operational/Logistical experience
Adesire to drive excellence in service
Experience in recruitment, HR and staff training/development
A good business acumen
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
The ability to communicate effectively at all levels
Problem solving skills
A good level of education and the ability to learn new skills quickly
Experience of working within the funeral industry
would be preferred but is not essential.
We offer an excellent salary and remuneration package, including pension,
family healthcare, company bonus scheme and death in service insurance.
Accommodation may be available and the package
could also include relocation expenses and a company car.
To apply for this position please send a letter outlining
your experience and identifying
why you believe that you would be suitable for the role,
together with your C.V. to
S Payne, Daniel Robinson & Sons, 79/81 South Street,
Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 3AL
www.drobinson.co.uk
www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk