The Call to Market

As a new business, at Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services we are working hard at marketing ourselves to the community.

Barely a day goes by without some company or other telephoning, claiming they can increase traffic to our website, or wanting us to advertise in their new brochure, or even, as some do, guaranteeing that work will increase if they are contracted to do our marketing. Surprisingly, when they’re asked to put that in writing, they are not quite so forthcoming with their claims.

Yesterday, I was called to remove a gentleman whose GP had certified his death and had already completed the cremation paperwork and left this with him.

The paperwork had the large stamp of another Funeral Director very clearly on the front page. Two chances of being called then, once by the GP, and once by the next-of-kin. But not a lot of scope for the client to make any informed decisions.

Clever marketing, or just a wee bit cheeky?

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Changing the way we price Pre-Need Funerals

We had feedback from a few clients about the way that Pre-Paid funerals are priced in the area, and that they would find it much easier if an inclusive price was quoted.

It is quite difficult to do this, because everyone's wishes are slightly different. Crematoria charge varying fees, Religious and Secular officiants are paid differently, the requirements of burial and cremation are different.

However, we believe in listening to our clients, so we have updated the prices of our pre-need funerals to give inclusive costs for both an Eco-Friendly, Economical Funeral, and a Traditional Funeral.

Details of the specifications and prices can be found here.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Our New Website Goes Live

After much work, our new website (this website) is now up and running. Please do look around it.

We now offer an Online Tribute service, which we will set up for you free of charge once we are appointed as your Funeral Directors. You will have access to this web page at all times, and can share it via Facebook and Twitter, and via e-mail. Friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances can add their own tributes to your page to create a lasting memory.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services continues to provide an unparalleled service to the communities of St Neots and the surrounding areas. We are very proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in the town, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee gives you complete peace of mind. Read some of our testimonials here to give you an idea of the level of service we provide.

We are the only Funeral Directors in the local area to be recommended by The Good Funeral Guide, The Best of St Neots, and The Natural Death Centre. For more information on any of our services, please do not hesitate to call us on (01480) 471001, or use any of the other methods of contact detailed here.

Kingfisher Funerals Shortlisted for Local Business Award

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are extremely proud and pleased to have been shortlisted for the Local Business Accelerators competition.

The shortlist of four local businesses has been announced today in The Hunts Post, and includes two businesses from St Neots and two from Huntingdon.

"The nationwide campaign, which was launched in October by regional and national newspapers across the country and backed by Prime Minister David Cameron and Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden, will see 1500 firms receive £15million of free advertising to help boost their businesses in 2012."

Andy Veale, Editor of The Hunts Post, said "The range of businesses that have entered the Local Business Accelerators competition has been impressive ... there is a large and diverse range of fledgling companies in Huntingdonshire. Now we have the shortlist, the even more difficult task begins of finding an overall winner - a business that will thrive with the added benefit of free advertising and expert advice."

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Local Headlines - Funeral Boss's Offer to Families

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services have made it into the local paper again this week.

The article details the Ceremony Room we have available for funerals and receptions.

Using this ceremony room enables clients to hold the funeral they want or need, in the centre of St Neots, without the need for travelling to Bedford or Cambridge Crematorium.

The room seats up to 30 mourners, and funerals can be completely personalised by way of religious or non-religious content, music, readings and poetry. You can even decorate the room if you like - balloons and flowers have been used to date!

By removing the need to travel, we are also reducing the costs associated with a funeral. You don't require a hearse or limousines, so you don't pay for them. We now offer a fully inclusive low cost funeral in St Neots for £1995.00, and this includes cremation at Cambridge or burial in St Neots Cemetery. Full details of inclusions can be found here.

You are also able to feel more relaxed in this setting. No clock-watching. No having to clear the chapel to make room for the next funeral. No feeling of being on a production line.

If you would like to find out more about this facility, please contact us via this link, or call us on (01480) 471001. You can also visit our new website here.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Help with Funeral Costs

They say you learn something every day!

It was brought to my attention yesterday that a £2000 one-off, lump-sum, tax-free payment may be available if your husband, wife or civil partner has died, and you are under state pension age, or your partner was not entitled to Category A state retirement benefit when he or she died.

This is called the Bereavement Payment, and only has a few criteria attached to it.

Full details can be found by following this link

A big thank you to the client who told me about this. In many years of arranging funerals, I have not heard about this before. I shall certainly make sure that any future client who may be entitled to this is told about it.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

A Funeral Ceremony in Central St Neots

We are very pleased and proud that our Ceremony Room in St Neots is attracting increasing interest from the local community.

The benefits of using the room within Gate Lodge are immense.

The funeral ceremony can be held in a relaxed and informal atmosphere, with no time restraints. No clock watching. Space to share memories. The ability to decorate the room as you wish and make the ceremony totally personal.

It's much cheaper too! You don't need to use expensive vehicles, so you save the cost of these. We don't need to provide bearers, so this cost is negated as well. There is no need to travel out of St Neots at all. You hold the full ceremony at Gate Lodge, in a peaceful and relaxed setting.

And it's much greener. You don't have to make the journey to Bedford or Cambridge, which cuts out all those unneccesary miles. We don't have to use very uneconomical large vehicles, so everyone is a winner.

Our Ceremony Room can seat up to 30 people, making it ideal for a small, personal gathering.

A complete funeral at Gate Lodge, including external fees (disbursements) for burial or cremation costs just £1995. Feedback from clients who have used our facilities has been very positive.

If you would like more information please contact us on (01480) 471001 or use our online contact form.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Pride of Place at Tesco for Christmas

Twelve of The Best of St Neots businesses have sponsored the huge billboard at Tesco St Neots for the six weeks running up to Christmas. Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services takes its place amongst other exceptional businesses in the town.

The billboard is huge, and the quality is excellent. It's very difficult to miss!

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Funeral Director wins Top Listing

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are in The St Neots News and Crier this week.

We are immensely proud to have been recommended in The Natural Death Handbook which is being published later this month.

The Natural Death Centre (NDC) is a charity which gives advice on bereavement, funerals and consumer rights, and inclusion in their handbook is a real privilege.

Our inclusions in The Good Funeral Guide and on The Best of St Neots are now complemented by the NDC recommendation, giving us both local and national recognition as Funeral Directors.

The entirely personal, non-commercial approach we have to the profession is becoming known, and it is our privilege to help and guide our clients through the difficult times they encounter. Every funeral we arrange is unique. We do not sell packages, we listen to our clients' requirements and tailor our service to their needs.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

The Average Cost of Funerals

There have been a couple of reports published recently, regarding the average cost of funerals.

An average has, by definition, to take in national highs and lows, regional fluctuations, and, of course, Corporates and Independents.

The price of Corporates versus Independents has been discussed elsewhere on this blog (Independents are almost always cheaper) - but the average cost of a funeral also raises significant differences.

Ipsos MORI figures quoted by SAIF in February 2010 showed that the average overall cost for a funeral was £2648. This includes a cremation, transportation, a hearse, one limousine, viewing of the deceased and the simplest available coffin, but excludes floral tributes and newspaper notices.

The BBC, in September 2011, quoted a Sun Life Direct Survey saying that "... the average cost of a cremation in the UK was £2720."

The discrepancy between the two figures quoted above can be explained by the year-and-a-bit difference between the research.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are very proud to publish our figures for the end of our first year of serving the communities of St Neots and the surrounding areas. These figures show that for the same service, our average charge was £2508, some £212 less than the national average, and £130 less than the regional average of £2638.

The actual average cost of a funeral arranged was significantly lower than this at £2262, because many clients do not need, and therefore are not charged for limousines, and because we are very willing to reduce our fees significantly when only a very basic service is required. This does not mean that our standard of care differs at all, it is simply reflective of our outgoings. We feel this is the fairest way to set our charges.

Couple this with our 100% client-satisfaction rate (read some of our testimonials by clicking here) and our unique guarantee of complete personal attention, and the reason for our increasing reputation, despite being such a new business, becomes clear.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Funeral Directors Collecting for The Poppy Appeal

Congratulations to Nigel and Andrea of T L Cobbold Funeral Directors, St Neots, for stepping into co-ordinate this year's Poppy Appeal Collection in St Neots.

The Hunts Post reports how the former organiser, Viv O'Neill, had to step aside recently, and that the town was in danger of losing its collection (which raised over £18,000 last year) unless new support was found.

Nigel and Andrea agreed to oversee the St Neots appeal, to ensure that the vital fundraising for the Royal British Legion was not lost this year.

Well done to both Nigel and Andrea. It is great to see community spirit from Funeral Directors, and your hard work in helping will surely be a huge boost for the appeal.

Two-Page Article in PE19 Magazine

This article has been published in PE19 Magazine this month. PE19 is a locally-owned community magazine which promotes local businesses like Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services.

The skydive raised £1500 for two local good causes, St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow project.

As a locally-owned, community-minded business we are proud to support local charities.

Please give your support to PE19 Magazine, and use the local businesses who advertise in the publication.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

A Guide to Choosing A Funeral Director

In the past, it would have been considered very difficult to ‘shop around’ for a Funeral Director. The very thought of comparing the services of one against another would have been seen as pointless, because everyone did pretty much the same, and charged about the same.

These days, the reverse is true.

With the advent of the internet, and greater customer scrutiny in all walks of life, funerals are no exception. Standards of service differ greatly, as do charges levied by different companies.

Unlike the big supermarket versus the corner shop, reverse economics seem to work in this sector, and the small independent Funeral Directors frequently have much lower prices than the large corporate companies (click here for the source and full report).

So, before choosing a Funeral Director, make sure you know who you are dealing with. Look for the word Independent in the name. Many companies trade under the names of old-established businesses, so ask if they are owned by someone else. Would you rather deal with a locally-owned business or a nationally-owned one?

Ask for a quote and insist that this is accurate. Beware of companies which quote you for a simple service then try and upsell elements such as coffins and vehicles.

Ask anything you want to. You need to be certain that you will have full control over the arrangements. Funeral Directors work for (and are employed by) you. If a company can’t or won’t adapt to something you want, go elsewhere.

Ask if the same person will deal with everything from start to finish. In general, the smaller the business, the more likely this is. It is quite disconcerting when a stranger turns up on your doorstep on the day of the funeral asking who the next-of-kin is. Make sure you will have met this person, and preferably dealt with him or her throughout.

But above all, talk to your intended Funeral Director and make sure you are happy with him or her as a person. No-one can be expected to get on with everyone. A funeral is such a personal event, you need to make sure you are totally comfortable with the person who will be helping and guiding you.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and by The Natural Death Centre, and we are the only funeral directors to feature on The Best of St Neots. For more information or if you require any help, please telephone us on (01480) 471001 or e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk.

Kingfisher Funerals - One Year On

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are very, very proud to have completed our first year serving the communities of St Neots and the surrounding area. The business officially opened on 1st October 2010, and since then we have slowly established our name through our client-orientated approach to our sensitive profession.

Being completely independent of any other company gives us a huge advantage. We are able to be totally flexible in every aspect of arranging funerals and memorials for our clients. Whether it is a traditional funeral, a modern, eco-friendly funeral, or the most simple of services that our client is seeking, we can provide this with our unique personal guarantee.

Our client testimonials can be seen here. The continual message we receive is that clients appreciate the relaxed, non-commercial, non-pushy and open approach we have.

S and L of St Neots said "You couldn't wish for a better person to deal with such a painful situation. We felt at ease with Andrew's professional, respectful and approachable manner. He let us plan the funeral ... and guided us where needed. A true gentleman, very considerate, thoroughly recommended."

SS of Sawtry said "There was absolutely no pressure to go for expensive options. In fact [Andrew] recommended some of the least expensive. Andrew so obviously cares about what he does and the people he does it for. Thoroughly recommended."

M D'C said "Your attention to detail made sure everything was perfect for us. It takes a very special kind of person to go that extra mile, and you did much more than that for our family. You are a truly dedicated professional offering a first class personal service. We have no hesitation in highly recommending you, and wish you and your business every success."

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, completely independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and on The Best of St Neots.

Front Page of Lovely Moon

St Neots' Premier Publication Lovely Moon carries a picture of the recent skydive on its front page this month.

The following article also appears in conjunction with the photograph:

"Fear of heights didn't stop St Neots independent funeral director Andrew Hickson taking to the skies to raise money for charity.

"Andrew, of Kingfisher Funerals, overcame his vertigo to leap out of a plane 12,000ft over Chatteris airfield for a tandem skydive with instructor Mike Rust.

"His sponsored 35-second 140mph freefall raised £1500 to be divided equally between Sue Ryder St John's Hospice and the Little Paxton Church For Tomorrow project - and since Andrew paid the bill out of his own pocket, every penny of the sponsorship will go to the two causes."

As the only locally-owned and completely independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, we are very proud to support local charities and appeals. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011, on The Best of St Neots, and by The Natural Death Centre for our individual and personal approach to arranging funerals. For more details please visit our website or telephone (01480) 471001.

If you've ever wondered why we do this job, read on ...

The following is an extract from a testimonial card received this morning:

Dear Andrew
We would like to thank you for the compassion and understanding you have shown to our family over the last months. Your attention to detail made sure everything was perfect for us, allowing us to reflect on our memories. It takes a very special kind of person to go that extra mile and you did much more than that for our family. Nothing was too much trouble. Your kindness and thoughtfulness is something we will always remember. You are a truly dedicated professional offering a first class personal service. We have no hesitation in highly recommending you, and wish you every success.

A card like this means so much to us, re-inforcing the message that we are doing things properly and thoughfully, and that our small size is our greatest asset.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, completely independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and on The Best of St Neots.

What exactly does a Funeral Director do?

Traditionally, a Funeral Director would be charged with taking on the complete responsibility for arranging and conducting a funeral.

Our society, unlike many others, tends to shy away from the reality of death. It is the one and only certainty we all face, and yet we find it difficult to talk about it, perhaps because it scares us, or perhaps because we would rather not think about it.

This suited old-time undertakers very well. They became the experts in doing things how they wanted to do them. They created packages for people to chose from. Simple, standard, elaborate? Tick the box and we’ll do the rest. Many businesses still operate like this, some very successfully.

Times are changing though as we become more demanding, and the concept of a package funeral is being challenged daily. The bereaved want more input into the design of the ceremony, more choices, more flexibility.

I see the emerging role of the Funeral Director as a co-ordinator, an organiser, a confidante and a friend. Someone we can turn to for advice and help, but not necessarily hand everything over to.

Of course, changes don’t happen overnight, and many people still want the traditional funeral, and I am more than happy to take on that role, but even then I will try and involve people in ways that perhaps they hadn’t considered possible.

Feedback from clients is that they find this approach refreshing and hugely rewarding. It is for me too. The more you get involved, the more you will ultimately gain from the whole experience.

Talk to me, ask questions, challenge anything you want. Discussing a funeral in advance is becoming widely acceptable. Have a look at my website http://www.kingfisherfunerals.co.uk/ for some ideas, or ask me to help you plan something entirely unique.

Call me on (01480) 471001 or e-mail me info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk in complete confidence if I can be of any assistance to you. I guarantee complete openness and I absolutely promise that I won’t try to sell you anything.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, completely independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and on The Best of St Neots.

Local Recognition Again

The St Neots News and Crier carries photographs and a report on the presentation of cheques for the funds raised from the Charity Sky Dive recently undertaken this week.

Thank you so much to everyone who sponsored me in this daredevil feat! A magnificent £1500 was raised, and shared between St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Project.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned and fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide and on The Best of St Neots. Please do not hesitate to call us on (01480) 471001 or contact us online if we can be of any assistance, or you would like further information or advice about any of our services.

Presentation to Little Paxton Church

Yesterday, the second cheque presentation took place after the weekly service at Little Paxton Church. Another cheque for £750 was given to help the Church For Tomorrow Appeal, which is raising funds to refurbish the Church, its bells and the ringing tower.

The picture shows Andrew with The Revd Annette Reed, surrounded by members of the congregation, and the cheque for the funds raised from the Skydive which took place a few weeks ago.

Annette said "Andrew's skydive is by far the craziest way that someone has raised funds for our Church For Tomorrow Project. I didn't believe him when he said he was going to do it, but having seen the photos we all think he has been very brave. The whole congregation at Little Paxton is very grateful for Andrew's effort, which really does prove that money can fall out of the sky!"

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned and fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended on The Best of St Neots and in The Good Funeral Guide. To contact us please click here or telephone (01480) 471001.

A Very Proud Moment...

Today I have been to Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, to present a cheque for £750 to the fundraising team. This money is 50% of the total raised from completing the Sky Dive in July - the other 50% will be donated to the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow project (presentation on Sunday!)

St John's carry out such important work in palliative care provision, and it is a privilege to support them in this way. A huge thank you must go to everyone who sponsored me. Every penny really does count, and nothing at all was taken from the sponsorship money to fund the Sky Dive.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned and fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and we are very pleased to raise funds for local charities and appeals. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide and on The Best of St Neots. To contact us please click here or telephone (01480) 471001.

Roxie came too ... and insisted on being photographed!

Charity Sky Dive Raises £1500

The Charity Sky Dive which Andrew completed on 5th July 2011 has raised a magnificent £1500. This will be divided equally between St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, our local palliative care provider, and The Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Project, which is raising money to refurbish the bells and the interior of the beautiful old building in the centre of the village.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported this event, which was funded personally by Andrew, so had no overhead costs at all, meaning that every penny raised will be used directly for its intended use.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally owned and fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We support local charities and businesses as part of the community in which we live and work. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide and on The Best of St Neots. To contact us please click here

St Neots in Bloom - Silver Award

We were very proud to receive a certificate from St Neots in Bloom yesterday - we won a Silver Award for our floral display in the 2011 Commercial Frontage Awards. We take great pride in providing a welcoming atmosphere to clients who visit us to make funeral arrangements or for any other reason. To be recognised by the St Neots in Bloom judges for this effort is fantastic.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Call us on (01480) 471001, or visit our website here.

We are recommended on The Best of St Neots and in The Good Funeral Guide 2011.

SKYDIIIIIIIIVE

The Charity SkyDive eventually took place on Tuesday 5th July 2011. Fantastic and exhilarating it was, climbing to 10,000 feet then freefalling through the air for 35 seconds before opening a parachute and gliding gently back to terra firma. The views from the top were amazing, and the feeling of accelerating and putting all your faith in a piece of material was something that I guess has to be experienced to be believed.

The full set of photographs can be accessed by clicking here.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored this event. I will post the final amount collected as soon as it has all been received. It will then be passed on in its entirety to St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, and The Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Project.

Please do not wear black ...

 

How many times have we seen this in an obituary announcement in recent years? Funeral customs are changing rapidly, and people are moving away from the traditional black of mourning, to requesting that bright clothing is worn to reflect, perhaps, the colourful nature of the person who has died.

Funeral Directors on the whole though, would rather use black. We don't do change. Not the majority of us anyway.

At Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services we are constantly looking for ways to make the whole funeral experience more personal, and we have just secured the use of a white hearse, pictured above, if this is to your taste. We completely understand that some (even most) people will not like this, so we are still happy to provide the more traditional vehicles, but should you like the idea of something a little bit different, just ask. We love the challenge of doing something different. We love working with you to create something really personal.

Telephone us on (01480) 471001, call in to see us at Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2BX, or click here to contact us electronically.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide 2011 and The Best of St Neots

"They're on Targets!"

I sat with a client earlier this week, arranging his wife's funeral. We built up a rapport during our short time together, and as part of making the arrangements I gave the gentleman an estimate of the funeral expenses, as always. He was pleasantly surprised, I'm pleased to say.

I asked him if he minded telling me why he had chosen Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services as his Funeral Directors. He liked the fact that we were completely independent. He liked the fact that we weren't part of a chain. He liked that fact that we didn't trade under the name of an old business in the town.

But most of all, and this surprised even me, he liked the fact that we weren't on targets. He couldn't understand how a Funeral Director could be "on targets" - so I told him. You remember when we talked about a coffin? I suggested the cheapest in the range because it's for cremation? You remember when we mentioned Service Sheets? You said you weren't keen, so no more was said?

A couple of years ago, I applied for a job as a manager with one of my local competitors. The job description had the word "target" in it, and I knew straight away that the job was not for me. I didn't even go to the interview.

This is what distinguishes the small Independent Funeral Directors from the Corporate ones, and word is obviously getting out. Of course, the Corporates like to call it 'Added Value' to their clients, but in reality, it is 'Added Income' to their Directors.

They incentivise their managers with targets, so of course these managers have to ensure their staff are pushing services which may be unnecessary or extravagant.

It saddens me that clients have experiences where they feel they are forced to spend more than they need to, and that a funeral is seen simply as a commercial transaction rather than the emotional journey of which it should be part. Yes, I'm in business, so of course there is a commercial element to what I do, but I certainly don't believe in upselling at any time, and a recent testimonial concluded "Andrew provided exactly the type of personal service I was seeking. There was absolutely no pressure to go for expensive options. In fact, he recommended some of the least expensive!"

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Service are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and we feel very privileged that word is getting round the town. We are recommended in The Good Funeral Guide and on The Best of St Neots.

Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX. Tel (01480) 471001 or click here to contact us by e-mail

SkyDive on Saturday!

The Charity SkyDive is just a few days away now, and the nerves are beginning to show, particularly when people tell me stories of parachutes failing to open (thanks Gordon!)

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me so far. There is still time to do so, and all sponsorship is very gratefully received. Simply click here to fill in an online pledge, telephone me on (01480) 471001, call into the office at Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX, or send an e-mail to info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk

All donations go directly to St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Appeal. There are no administration fees at all, so every penny really does count.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Pre-Arranging your Funeral - you know it makes sense

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services have sponsored a feature in the Hunts Post this week, encouraging the community to think about pre-arranging funerals.

The more thought that is put into arranging our own funerals, the more we can relax, safe in the knowledge that our wishes will be carried out when we die, and our families will not have to make quick decisions, sometimes based on emotion rather than reality.

Our pre-paid funeral plans allow the funeral to be paid for at today's price, and the price of funerals is increasing far above the rate of inflation. Once paid in full, we guarantee that there will be nothing further to pay at the time of need, so you can rest assured that your family will not be under any financial pressure when you die.

For more information about pre-need funerals, or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us by whichever method suits you best. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, Cambridgeshire, PE19 2BX. Tel. (01480) 471001

Front Page News

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, have hit the front page of the St Neots News & Crier this week.

On Saturday 18th June 2011, Andrew Hickson, director of the Company, will SkyDive from an aeroplane to raise funds for St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Appeal.

Please support this event by sponsoring Andrew. Every penny really does count.

Fill in the online sponsor form here, call in to Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX, or telephone (01480) 471001 to make a pledge.

Read the full article published in the newspaper here.

Thank you for your support.

Please Sponsor Kingfisher's SkyDive

Andrew Hickson, director of Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services will be taking the plunge quite literally on Saturday 18th June 2011 when he hopes to complete a SkyDive in aid of two local good causes.

He expects to 'exit' the aeroplane at between 12 and 14,000 feet, free-fall for about 25 seconds, then open a parachute to bring him safely back to terra firma.

The SkyDive is being made to raise funds for St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Appeal.

If you would like to sponsor the event, please contact Andrew on (01480) 471001 during office hours, by e-mail at any time at info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk or by filling in the online sponsor form here.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Now officially The Best of St Neots

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to have been recognised as part of The Best of St Neots, trusted and recommended local businesses in the town.

Our reputation as a caring, professional and unique company in the town is growing, because we are locally-owned, fully independent, not part of any chain, and therefore able to devote all our time to providing exceptional and personal service.

Read testimonials we have received from our clients here or to contact us please click here.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Director in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

The PlungerTaker!*

Saturday 18th June is the day that I shall quietly make my way into an aeroplane and climb to about 12000 feet. Then, with no fear whatsoever, I shall exit the aircraft through a door on the side, strapped to someone who has done it before, and hope very much that the parachute opens. But not immediately. 30 seconds of freefall comes first, during which speeds of 140mph should be reached in a downward direction, and then the parachute should open to slow us down and bring us safely back to terra firma.

So, I'm looking for sponsorship please. All, and I mean all of the proceeds (I'm funding this myself) will be divided between St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Project. St John's Hospice is the local palliative care provider for the region, and is well known for the wonderful care its staff provide to both patients and their relatives. The Church for Tomorrow Project aims to raise £350,000 to refurbish St James' Church, its bells, clock, pews and vestry area so that the Church can appeal to a wider community of all ages.

To sponsor me, please either call me during office hours on (01480) 471001, e-mail me at info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk, or fill in the online sponsor form which allows you to state whether you wish and are able to Gift Aid your donation.

We can really make a difference here, so thank you in advance for your generous donations.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to support local charities and appeals. We are the only locally-owned and fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots.


*Thanks for Charles Cowling for his excellent use of words, which far exceeds my previous humble offering.

Kingfisher Dives for Charities

It's booked! In June I will jump out of an aeroplane to benefit St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, and the Little Paxton Church for Tomorrow Appeal.

More details to follow early next week ... after I've had the weekend to consider what I've let myself in for.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, proud to support local charities and appeals, proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Director in St Neots.

Three More Testimonials!

Last Thursday I expressed surprise and appreciation at receiving two testimonials on one day. Maybe it's the long weekend that's helped spread things out, but this morning, three more testimonials have arrived in the post. Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services continues to grow its reputation within the community of St Neots.

"Just a quick note to say Thank You for ensuring that our mother's funeral went according to plan, and for recommending the vicar who was perfect"

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for arranging the ceremony and interpreting our requirements perfectly."

"We would like to thank you very much indeed for your very great help and kindness to us at the time of the death of our father. We were very conscious of the dignity and respect accorded to him and to us throughout. Everything went well on the day, and we could not have asked for more. With our warmest thanks to you for helping us through this sad time."

Read these and more testimonials on our website here or click here for our contact details.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Director in St Neots

Two New Testimonials in One Day

Anyone who has ever received a glowing testimonial will know just how good it makes them feel. So imagine how my emotions are this morning, when I've received not one, but two!

They are both from people whom Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services have helped to renovate memorials in local Churchyards.

The first reads "I must congratulate you on an excellent job, it really does look a treat. I will have no hesitation in recommending you and your services to family and friends. Once again, thank you for all you have done."

And the second "The grave looks just like new. It will now be a welcoming sight to anyone attending or visiting the church. Thanks for all you have done, it is greatly appreciated."

Read more testimonials here

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire

The First Six Months

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services has been open for six months now, and is already establishing a reputation for providing high quality personal service, having a completely open and transparent pricing policy, and delivering on the mission statement "to work with our clients to arrange the most satisfying funeral possible. To inform clients of all options available and to have an open mind to all suggestions."

We are proud to be the only locally-owned, completely independent Funeral Directors in St Neots and we are therefore able to offer a unique and completely personal service, guaranteed.

A recent testimonial from a client reads "I was fortunate to find Kingfisher Funeral Services. Andrew Hickson provided exactly the type of personal service I was seeking. There was absolutely no pressure to go for expensive options. In fact, he recommended some of the least expensive! Andrew so obviously cares about what he does and the people he does it for."

If we can be of any assistance to you, please do not hestiate to contact us on (01480) 471001, by email info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk or using the contact form on our website.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, the only locally-owned, fully independent Funeral Directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

The Sign Writing is Finished

This morning Nikki has been signwriting the Mondeo, and what a fantastic job she has done! The brief was that the lettering needed to be discreet yet still work as an advertisement, and I think Nikki has captured that perfectly. Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services

Online Payments Now Live

Our account limit has at long last been lifted, and we are now able to accept payment for funerals and memorials online. Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services believe that we are the first Funeral Director in the country to enable this facility. You can now price a funeral, using our Online Estimate Generator and follow through the procedure to make the payment online, putting you in complete control of the buying process.

Work in Progress at Gate Lodge

My weekend was spent pressure-washing the patio at Gate Lodge, the home of Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services - a very long, dirty and thankless task! However, when the sun came out and shone on it today, it really made the work feel worthwhile. About a third of the patio area is done - here's a photo which shows the 'before and after' look.  

Add a Casket to your Basket

The following article was published in The Cambridge News at the end of last week.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to publish our prices online, and to allow our clients complete control over the budget for a funeral, putting them in control. We hide nothing, and guarantee not to pressurise you into buying anything you do not want.

Kingfisher Makes Local Headlines

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services have made the local press this week, with the launch of our Online Estimate Generator which allows you to price a funeral on the internet, putting the client in complete control of the costs. Watch the video here

More Options Added to Estimate Generator

Thanks to those who offered suggestions for improving the innovative Online Estimate Generator pioneered by Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services in the last week. More options have been added, and will continue to be added. We have also added a pledge to our policy, that if it is legal and possible,  we will help you to achieve it. You will never hear us say or imply that something is too much work, and we won't charge you extra to make it happen either.

Try our Online Estimate Generator, add elements, take them away, amend and adjust everything until you have the perfect funeral at the cost that you choose.