Which? report finds poor practice in funeral homes

There is a new Which? report published today entitled 10 things you should know about funerals.

It reveals that ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ advice was given by an astounding 70% of funeral directors when approached by mystery shoppers.

The report is significant, in that it opens readers’ minds to the operation of funeral homes, drawing their attention in particular to comparing costs between funeral directors, transparency of ownership, the fact that independents may be cheaper, asking for what you want, and requesting price lists.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services is pleased to say that it complies with all the findings of the Which? report.  We openly quote our prices, and include these on our website so that you can price an entire funeral before you make any decisions. Try our estimate generator by clicking here. We have compared the prices of all the funeral directors in St Neots and published these on our website so that you don’t need to. We actively encourage people to talk about funerals before they are required. We proudly declare our independence. We guarantee not to try and sell you anything you don’t want or need, including embalming. Read a testimonial to this effect here. We always talk about the options before making any decisions. We offer a discount for payment in advance of the funeral, so that you don’t have to worry about receiving a nasty surprise a few days afterwards.

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

Business Vision is reason for LBA Award

There’s a large article about Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services winning the Local Business Accelerators Award in The Hunts Post today.

The feature highlights the reasons for being chosen as the winner, particularly focussing on Andrew’s desire for the business to stay small enough for him to be able to oversee every funeral from start to finish.

The judges were also impressed with the innovative plans that the company has as it grows in the future.

It also mentions, of course, Roxie, our lovely labrador, who is shortly to start her training to become a bereavement dog within the business.

Gail Anderson, reporting for the paper said “Setting up a new funeral services business is a brave step. Companies rely on reputation so it can take years to establish a name for oneself. Though judging from the plethora of thank you cards on display in Andrew’s office, clearly he is working fast.”

Kingfisher Indepedent Funeral Services are keen to point out one factual inaccuracy in the article. The company is the only locally-owned, fully independent funeral service in St Neots, but not in Huntingdonshire. There are other independent funeral directors in Huntingdonshire.

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

And the winner is ...

The judges of the Local Business Accelerators Award visited Gate Lodge at the end of last week to present a certificate and take photos for the local press.

We were extremely proud to be judged worthy winners of this award, particularly as Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services is a relatively new business to the area.

The judges said that they liked that fact that we were truly independent, a local business offering a high quality local service, and deserved the benefit that we can derive from the prize on offer.

One of the judges was also highly impressed by Roxie, our bereavement dog in training, and the innovation behind her introduction to the business.

Look out for details in The Hunts Post, and for our prize of three months free advertising!

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 Beautiful, Relaxed Occasion

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services were privileged to host a funeral ceremony at their premises, Gate Lodge, in the heart of St Neots, yesterday.

The ceremony was designed based on the wishes of the deceased, who had specified that something very simple was what she wanted.

Members of the family took part by reading poems. Music chosen by several people was included. Carolanne Gibson, a qualified Civil Funeral Celebrant presided over the event.

Mourners gathered at Gate Lodge about half an hour before the ceremony started. We provided tea, coffee and biscuits to welcome everyone and help them to relax. They were welcome to mingle, to settle in the ceremony room, or to do whatever they wanted.

The informality and simplicity of the ceremony was something that quite simply could not have been achieved at a crematorium.

Several visitors commented that they did not know a funeral could be like this. But they will now tell others. So slowly the word will spread.

After the ceremony, the immediate family had asked if Roxie could be around. I was hesitant about this, as she is still quite lively, but she was absolutely wonderful (despite jumping on a few people!)

Roxie is becoming firmly established as a member of the Kingfisher family. She is adorable, and will shortly start her training to become a bereavement dog available to help all clients who want to meet her.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to be the only locally-owned, fully independent funeral directors in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. We are open to all suggestions, and positively encourage participation in funeral arrangements. 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 2012 Challenge is on!

Over the last couple of months, Roxie and I have been clocking up the miles to kick start the 2012 Challenge, in which I aim to cover 2012 km under my own power (walking, cycling etc) before the start of the olympics in July.

The challenge will be sponsored, and the target is to raise £2012 between now and July. Money raised will be donated directly to Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, Moggerhanger, which provides palliative care to so many local people.

Please visit my fundraising page by clicking here or if you prefer to sponsor me in person, telephone (01480) 471001 or call in at Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX during office hours.

Look out for more details in the local press, and regular updates on this blog.

Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services are proud to support local charities and organisations. We are 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 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.

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.