1Director’s Post

🔍 I spend a lot of time researching markets as part of my daily routine because understanding industry shifts is key to staying ahead and helping businesses innovate. And one market that’s undergone significant transformation in recent years is the UK funeral industry. 🏴⚰️ The landscape has long been steeped in tradition, but it’s changing rapidly. From personalized ceremonies to digital memorials, families are seeking more customized experiences to honor their loved ones. 💐 👉 What’s Driving the Change? Shift in Preferences: A growing number of people are opting for non-traditional funerals that reflect personal values, from woodland burials to direct cremations.🌳 Transparency & Affordability: With the CMA’s increased scrutiny and a demand for greater pricing transparency, families want to know exactly what they’re paying for—and why. 🔍 Embracing Technology: Digital tributes, live-streamed services using providers like Foveo Memorial Services Inc., and even virtual reality memorials are gaining traction, connecting distant loved ones and making ceremonies more accessible. 📱🌐 Focus on Sustainability: Eco-friendly options such as biodegradable coffins and natural burials are no longer niche but a preferred choice for environmentally conscious families. 🌿 One standout in this tech-driven transformation is Membrance.co.uk. Their innovative digital tribute platform allows families to create and share beautiful, lasting memorials that celebrate the life and legacy of their loved ones. To stay ahead of the curve, Membrance is set to launch a SaaS edition of their platform soon, specifically designed to assist funeral homes and the bereaved in navigating this evolving market. This new offering will empower funeral homes with the tools they need to seamlessly integrate digital tributes into their services, providing families with a meaningful and lasting way to remember their loved ones. 💻🌟 💼 We will be working closely with Membrance to help more funeral homes demo the SaaS model and bring it to perfection. By collaborating with leading industry players, we’re ensuring that the platform not only meets the needs of funeral homes but exceeds the expectations of families seeking personalized and innovative memorial solutions. This partnership is paving the way for a tech-driven, compassionate future for the UK funeral industry. 💡 Opportunities Ahead Funeral directors and service providers who embrace these shifts—especially digital innovations like those from Membrance—will not only meet the changing needs of their communities but also pave the way for a more compassionate, transparent, and innovative industry. 🔗 If you're in the funeral business or considering your options, how are you adapting to these changes? Let's connect and discuss. 💬 #funeralhomemarketinggroup #membrance #marketresearch #personalizedservices

Precoa is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Everplans. Together, Precoa and Everplans will provide families across the country with easy, secure, and accessible ways to prepare for the unexpected as part of Precoa’s mission to create the highest quality preneed experiences for families, advance funeral planners, and funeral homes. “Our first twenty years at Precoa have brought incredible innovations like the Funeral Planning Center, digital marketing, and the unique data and technology that powers it all behind the scenes,” said Tyler Anderson, senior vice president of Business Development. “Today, our pace of innovation is rapidly accelerating. We’re building new ways to reach families, and our acquisition of Everplans enables us to take another huge leap forward in helping our partners meet the demand of tomorrow’s customers.” Founded in 2012 by Abby Schneiderman and Adam Seifer, Everplans helps people manage, organize, securely store, and share critical information with the people in their lives who may need it during an emergency or in the event of a death. More than 30 million people have utilized Everplans’ robust content library and tools, consisting of thousands of articles and checklists that cover a broad range of topics related to end-of-life and legacy planning. Michael Hornibrook, president and CEO of Precoa, looks forward to the innovations and enhanced experiences to come. “Anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows the emotional toll of planning a funeral while trying to navigate finances and affairs,” said Hornibrook. “We believe that by planning for the inevitable, you make a challenging time a little easier so that you can focus on connection and healing. Together with Everplans’ technology and their roadmap, we can help families across the country be better prepared for life’s most difficult moments.” “We have always been committed to helping as many people as possible plan for the unexpected,” said Abby Schneiderman, co-founder of Everplans. “Joining forces with Precoa enables us to bring our platform to an even larger audience.” "It’s an undeniably unique platform in the funeral profession," said Anderson. "This comes as we've already started laying the groundwork for an innovative tech ecosystem that will drive the future of ProActive Preneed, and we can’t wait to see the impact it will have on our funeral home partners and families" Learn more about Everplans: https://www.everplans.com

❓ How have prepaid funeral providers' offerings and journeys changed in light of regulation? - Some providers have reduced the number of products they offer. Dignity, meanwhile, has shifted to a modular product where customers can create their own plans. - Pure Cremation has moved to phone-based journeys. While these journeys have some advantages, they do lack transparency since the headline price is not available on the provider’s website. - Providers like Affordable Funerals and Golden Leaves make good use of tables with ticks and crosses. These tables are especially useful for informing customers of the limitations of products. What can be done to improve transparency? - Fees: Not all fees, such as doctors' or ministers' fees, are guaranteed. There can be a misunderstanding where customers believe there is no more left for their family to pay once they have purchased their plan. Providers must explain third-party cost allowances to ensure customers are aware their families might still incur additional expenses. - Cancellation Terms: Cancellation terms need to be more prominently displayed. They are often buried in the terms and conditions or FAQs, making them hard to find. Some cancellation fees can reach as high as £395, creating a significant barrier for customers wishing to leave. Additionally, for those who pay by instalments, some providers offer no refunds after 12 months. These conditions should be clearly communicated to customers prior to purchase. - Regional Pricing: One final thing for provides to consider is regional pricing. The majority of products on the market have one price for all customers regardless of where in the country they live, despite there being large variance in funeral costs across parts of the UK. It’s hard for funeral plan providers with one nationwide price to justify they are offering fair value for customers purchasing products in cheaper areas like Northern Ireland. To improve customer outcomes and offer fair value providers should consider introducing regional pricing models. By addressing these issues, providers can help customers make informed decisions and increase confidence in their chosen funeral plans. Read Harry Ashton's full analysis on our blog here: https://lnkd.in/gcsEQrtC

In my latest blog, I take a look at the evolving prepaid funerals market over the past year. Discover what they’re excelling at and where improvements are still needed, especially in the context of the consumer duty regulations

https://lnkd.in/d-DrCRV2 What specific qualities are you looking for in a coffin that aren't being met? But they don't have the coffin that my 'Mother' would have wanted It's completely understandable to want something that reflects your mother's wishes and personality. The right time to express your concerns is during a consultation, ideally when discussing options. You can say something like, “I don’t feel these coffins truly represent what my mother would have wanted.” This opens up a dialogue for them to show you alternatives that might be more fitting. Even then, they still don't have anything I like If none of the options resonate with you, it’s perfectly okay to let the funeral director know. You might say something like, “I appreciate your suggestions, but I’m not seeing anything that feels right for my mother.” They can often help you explore custom options or suggest alternatives that align more closely with what you have in mind. It’s important that you feel good about the choices you’re making. .What should I do to find a suitable coffin, consider these steps: Research: Look online for coffin options and styles that reflect your mother’s personality. Websites of funeral homes or specialized retailers can provide inspiration. Visit Multiple Funeral Homes: If possible, visit different funeral homes to see their selections. Each may have unique options. Ask About Custom Options: Some funeral homes allow for customization. You could design something that truly represents her. Consider Personal Touches: Think about adding personal elements, like her favorite colors or materials. Consult with Family: Talk to family members to gather ideas and ensure that everyone’s sentiments are considered. Check Online Retailers: Some websites specialize in coffins and may offer more variety than local funeral homes. Budget Considerations: Determine your budget ahead of time to narrow down your options while still considering what feels right. Taking your time to find something meaningful is important.

Behind the Scenes: My Experience in the Funeral Industry. It's week five at Lady Anne Funerals, and I’m reflecting on the incredible journey so far. Each day brings new challenges, but also deep fulfillment as we support families during difficult times. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned: 1. You Get What You Pay For: It is fascinating to observe the shift in how families approach funeral services. Many are now actively seeking quotes before making decisions. Back in the day, this was not the norm. Families would often rely on their local funeral homes. My colleagues have assured me that this trend is increasingly common, highlighting a more competitive landscape. Understanding these changes has been crucial for our ongoing growth and ability to thoughtfully and transparently meet families' needs. 2. Choice of Service: No Service, No Attendance (NSNA) can be the right choice for families. However, it is important to consider the realities of using larger online companies that offer services at a low cost. Visit https://lnkd.in/gqfHMUbY for more information. 3. Navigating a Competitive Market: As a 100% Australian-owned and independent company, we must work diligently to better position ourselves within a monopolised industry. I’ve been analysing current trends and collaborating with marketing to review and Reduce Cremation Prices, ensuring we remain relevant and accessible. 4. Contact Us Before You Need Us: At Lady Anne Funerals, clients can prearrange and prepay for their funeral, ensuring their farewell is tailored to their wishes. This thoughtful planning offers families peace of mind during a difficult time, allowing them to focus on healing without added stress. 5. Where Every Family is Special: My colleagues' compassion and dedication inspire me to grow personally and professionally. From planning services to celebrating lives, every moment reinforces our impact on those saying goodbye. 6. Proud partner with the National Funeral Directors Association of Australia (NFDA): Lastly, I am excited to work with the NFDA and other funeral homes to develop and introduce Industry legislation, Australian Standards and policies to reduce unethical competition and identify emerging pathways for success.

Everyone needs a Michelle! I saw with my own father-in-law’s end of life, the incredible burden that falls on the eldest daughter in the family, often balancing a multitude of career, care and family obligations. Any responsible and market competitive employer today, serious about meaningful workplace “inclusion” is starting their benefit plan design with this pragmatic help, at its’ core. The rest are simply showing “faux” interest and comfortable living in the dark ages. Thankfully close to 1.7 million U.K. employees and families in 18 months are the beneficiaries of enlightened employers. In which group does your employer sit? Is that who you want to be associated with? #employer #employeebenefits #DEI #ESG #insurance

It may come as no surprise to learn that half of people find organising a funeral “incredibly stressful”.*   So, supporting employees through one the hardest and most stressful moments in their life seems like a no-brainer. But, what do you say, and how do you support your employees?     Employees told us that when asked what information or support they would have found most valuable during this time:   - 23% said they wished they’d known the deceased’s wishes  - 21% said they wished they’d had a better understanding of what needed to be done    - 18% wanted support to understand the steps involved in planning a funeral   A funeral concierge can provide the support employees are looking for – not just in helping organise the funeral, but also in addressing the gaps in knowledge and planning.     But what is a funeral concierge? Michelle from Everest is here to explain more...    *Source: The Last Word, MetLife, 2023 #funeralplanning #employeebenefits

https://lnkd.in/dP3DvsNW Funeral planning is an inevitable part of life, but it's often shrouded in complexity and discomfort. Many conversations around this topic gloss over the practical realities and emotional nuances involved in saying a meaningful goodbye. At Newrest Funerals, we believe in simplifying this process and offering clarity and support when it's most needed. Most recently, we've encountered numerous families that express concerns over the high costs and inflexible nature of traditional funeral services. It's a conversation that's becoming increasingly familiar, and it makes me think back to one particular experience early in my career. I remember meeting a family who was not only dealing with the sudden loss of a loved one but was also stressed about how they would afford a respectful farewell. The tension was palpable when discussing options, which frankly, were priced way beyond their means. This experience left a strong impression on me and shaped our mission: to ensure no one should have to compromise on commemorating a life due to cost. We decided to prioritize transparency and affordability. For instance, we offer a straightforward pricing structure without hidden charges and multiple funeral service options, catering to various beliefs, traditions, and budgets. These efforts aim to remove any additional burdens during these emotionally taxing times. Reflecting on national trends: 🔹 Direct cremation is chosen by 25% more families than a decade ago. 🔹 There's a 60% rise in families requesting personalized memorial services. 🔹 Digital memorial options have grown in popularity, evident in a 40% uptake. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent a fundamental shift towards personalization and simplicity in funeral services. It's about providing choices that respect the deceased and meet the family's emotional and financial needs. Want to learn more about how we can assist you in planning a dignified, stress-free farewell? We're available 24/7 to help you make arrangements during this difficult time. For more information or to discuss your requirements, please reach out to us via phone at Available 24/7 - 0800 111 4971 or [email protected]. ❓ How do you feel about the evolving trends in funeral services? ❓ Are there particular services you wish to see that would help ease the planning process? Let's open up this conversation, not just for those planning a service now but to help others prepare for the future. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in our continuous effort to improve and adapt our services. #NewrestFunerals #directcremation #FuneralCare #UKFunerals #GriefSupport #FuneralPlanning

Now this is ridiculous: with all the safeguards that have cost so much money, how can this happen? https://lnkd.in/gT8tm2wN Wrote to Hon. Michael Kerzner, MPP for York, and Solicitor General for Ontario. Will post his response. "Michael, this is very frightening, I was told Ontario safeguards its residents against losing pre-paid funeral monies: if Ontario is not regularly keeping tabs on the money at banks/investment firms, what assurance is it then maintaining?! What is all this then - a waste of money for all the infrastructure and employee costs, all these years? "The BAO is under the FBCSA “The Bereavement Authority of Ontario was established as a Delegated Administrative Authority (DAA) on January 16, 2016, under the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act, 1996. The BAO administers provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (FBCSA) which is consumer protection legislation respecting funerals, burials, cremations and related services within the province of Ontario." "The FBCSA received Royal Assent in the Ontario Legislature on December 13, 2002. In February 2011, the FBCSA was proclaimed into force to take effect July 1, 2012. The FBCSA consolidates and modernizes two statutes, the Cemeteries Act (Revised) and the Board of Funeral Services Act (formerly titled the Funeral Directors and Establishments Act). The FBCSA provides the framework for the regulation of the bereavement sector.” Michele Mark | Compliance Officer, Bereavement Authority of Ontario |100 Sheppard Av. East, Suite 505 Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6N5 Toll-Free: 1.844.493.6356 | T: 647-483-2645 | F: 647-748-2645.""