SAIF independent funeral directors

14/11/2025

It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Mrs Margaret Burgess of J. J. Burgess & Sons last weekend.

Mrs Burgess dedicated more than 60 years to the funeral profession, continuing the family business after the death of her husband in 1987. She led with strength, dignity and quiet determination throughout her long career.

A proud SAIF member since 1989, Mrs Burgess remained an integral part of the Burgess family firm throughout her life. Her professionalism, warmth and unwavering dedication left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of meeting her. Her legacy continues through her son, Justin, and her grandson, Jack — the 6th and 7th generation proprietors.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday 22nd November at 1pm, at St Etheldreda’s Church, Hatfield (AL9 5AL).
All are welcome to attend and pay their respects.

Our thoughts are with the Burgess family, their colleagues and their community at this difficult time.

13/11/2025

A fantastic turnout last night at the SAIF Newcastle meeting, with 33 members and associates filling the room for a lively and positive evening.

We heard an excellent presentation from Catherine Betley on the untold trust points of independent funeral directors—a timely reminder of the strength and value our members bring to families every day.

George Roberts, National Executive Member of SAIF, followed with a really useful session on managing complaints, offering practical insight that resonated with many in the room.

Congratulations to Dawn Laing, winner of the raffle prize, drawn with the help of SAIF’s 1st Vice President, Gary Staker.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such a vibrant and engaging night for SAIF members in Newcastle.

09/11/2025

03/11/2025

In our latest episode of Before You Go, Matt sits down with Ross Hickton, Managing Director of Hickton Family Funeral Directors, 4th-generation Funeral Director, and National President of SAIF.

Together, they discuss what it means to lead a family business through four generations, the evolving landscape of independent funeral care, and Ross’s vision for the future of the profession.

This episode offers an insightful look at leadership, legacy, and the balance between tradition and innovation in one of the UK’s most compassionate sectors.

Listen now on Spotify: https://ow.ly/krf450XkMiZ

29/10/2025

SAIF Statement: Parliamentary Debate on Funeral Regulation

29 October 2025

This week, Parliament held a debate on the regulation and inspection of funeral services across the UK. During the discussion, Simon H***e MP acknowledged the valuable contribution of independent funeral directors and recognised the constructive role that SAIF continues to play in shaping future regulation.

SAIF welcomes the recognition of the professionalism and public service demonstrated daily by independent funeral directors throughout the country. The debate also underlined the complexity of implementing the full recommendations from the Fuller Inquiry — a challenge SAIF has highlighted to Government.

Our position remains clear: regulation must be proportionate, practical, and focused on protecting bereaved families and ensuring minimum standards for the care of the deceased, while supporting the continued success of small, family-run funeral businesses.

SAIF will continue to engage closely with the Ministry of Justice, other Government departments, and key stakeholders within the funeral sector to ensure that the voice of funeral directors is clearly heard and properly represented as the next steps are developed.

🔗 Read the full Hansard debate – 27 October 2025 - https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-10-27/debates/EFE63E8D-F5E8-45C7-A2F4-9649E85CC590/RegulationAndInspectionOfFuneralServices

23/10/2025

SAIF National President Ross Hickton visits East Lothian’s newest crematorium

SAIF National President Ross Hickton visited the impressive new Westerleigh East Lothian Crematorium this week to experience first-hand the next generation of funeral technology — including the fully immersive audio-visual system by Obitus.

This remarkable setup gives families a truly personal experience, allowing music, images, and video to come together in a moving and meaningful way — helping celebrate lives exactly as they were lived.

It’s fantastic to see continued investment in facilities that place family experience, dignity, and choice at the heart of every service.

📍 East Lothian Crematorium
🎥 Powered by Obitus
🤝 In partnership with Westerleigh Crematorium

16/10/2025

Legacy case adjourned.

Former funeral director Robert Bush appeared in Hull Crown Court yesterday charged with 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial, 35 counts of fraud by false representation, one count of fraudulently running a business and another of theft of money from charity collection boxes.

Bush admitted the 36 fraud allegations and pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges. The hearing was adjourned until 5th October 2026, when a trial will take place at Sheffield Crown Court.

We would remind members to refrain from commenting on the case, to avoid the risk of prejudicing proceedings.

https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2025-10-15/funeral-director-admits-fraud-after-bodies-investigation

13/10/2025

🎥 What a day!

Here’s a look back at some of the best moments from our recent SAIF Education Day — a day filled with learning, laughter, and genuine connection.

From inspiring speakers to powerful discussions, it was a celebration of knowledge, community, and the strength of independent funeral professionals across the UK. 💙

A huge thank you to our event partners and sponsors — SAIF Insure, Golden Charter Funeral Plans, Obitus, and the Westerleigh Group — for their continued support in helping us deliver valuable education and inspiration for our members.

Together, we’re shaping the future of the independent funeral profession.

29/09/2025

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Ian Milne of Milne Funeral Services, County Armagh and County Down, Northern Ireland.

Ian’s endless energy, warmth and passion for our profession and wider community touched so many lives. His contribution will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on in the many people and projects he helped to shape.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his sons, Andrew and Stuart, and to all of Ian’s family at this difficult time.

27/09/2025

🎓✨ Education Day Highlight

A big thank you to The Westerleigh Group for sponsoring today’s Education Day and for sharing their insight on “Super Venues” – the future of immersive audio and video experiences in crematoria.

It’s exciting to see how technology can transform the way we celebrate and remember lives.

26/09/2025

⏳ One day to go! ⏳

A big thank you to Golden Charter Funeral Plans for sponsoring SAIF’s Education Day tomorrow. Their continued support for independent funeral directors and commitment to professional development helps make events like this possible.

We’re also looking forward to hearing from Claire Zuurbier, Chair of Golden Charter, who will be speaking on “The Funeral Plan Market: Challenges and Opportunities.”