National Association of Funeral Directors

National Association of Funeral Directors The voice of the profession The NAFD is the voice of the funeral profession.

We are proud to represent the views and interests of funeral directors from the smallest independent to the largest national provider. Our goal is to support our members in caring for the bereaved and the deceased in their care, as well as amplifying our members' voices to ensure that the funeral sector is front and centre in the media and in all of the UK’s Parliaments and Assemblies. The NAFD is the largest trade association for the UK funeral sector with around 4,000 funeral homes represented alongside hundreds of funeral sector suppliers and international funeral firms. The size and diversity of our membership gives us the authority to represent the sector’s views to the highest levels of Government as well as the media and general public.

NAFD representatives from Northern Ireland are meeting Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today to discuss our case for...
28/11/2025

NAFD representatives from Northern Ireland are meeting Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins today to discuss our case for changes to taxi legislation. The NAFD has been working hard to encourage separating funeral limousines from general taxi regulations as we feel they are onerous, disproportionate and do not benefit bereaved people.

Funeral limousines are not for-hire taxis and so should not be subject to the same tough regulations that are having a huge effect on our ability to provide limousines for bereaved people. We believe Northern Ireland should create parity with the rest of the UK, which does not place heavy restrictions on funeral limousines.

Funeral business in Northern Ireland – have your say now by completing the Northern Ireland Executive survey on how the regulations affect your business, live until December 5th.

Click here - tinyurl.com/NI-direct-review

Today’s Budget statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Government’s plans to tackle the cost of living cris...
26/11/2025

Today’s Budget statement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out the Government’s plans to tackle the cost of living crisis, increase tax revenues, reduce NHS waiting lists and cut national debt. These decisions affect households, high-street businesses and the wider economy.

Businesses are continuing to absorb rising costs, particularly fuel, staffing and wages. The April increase in minimum wage adds further pressure during what remains a very challenging period. The OBR now predicts 1.5% UK growth this year (up from 1%) and inflation easing back to the 2% target by 2027.

Minimum wages will rise across all age groups, with the National Living Wage reaching £12.71 for over 21s. The Youth Employment Guarantee will provide paid placements to young people unemployed for 18 months or more, and apprenticeships for under-25s will be fully funded for SMEs.

Tax thresholds for NI and income tax will remain frozen until after 2028, while taxes on savings and investments will rise. Benefits including PIP, DLA and Carer’s Allowance will increase by 3.8%, and the state pension will rise by 4.8%. The two-child benefit cap will be scrapped from April.

Electric vehicles will face mileage-based road tax from 2028, while fuel duty remains frozen until September 2026.

This is a demanding time for the sector, and NAFD will continue supporting members of all sizes. Full sector impact and reaction will feature in next month’s FDM.

We were delighted to hear NAFD Past President and our Welsh President Philip Blatchly on BBC Radio Wales Drive earlier t...
21/11/2025

We were delighted to hear NAFD Past President and our Welsh President Philip Blatchly on BBC Radio Wales Drive earlier this afternoon, speaking about the vital work carried out by funeral directors during the Covid pandemic, offering important insight into the challenges faced by the profession during an unprecedented time. His contribution followed the publication of the Covid Inquiry’s second report issued on the 20th November.

Our sincere thanks go to Phil for representing the sector and share his experience so clearly and professionally.

If you’d like to listen, you can find Phil’s segment https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002m7w7? at the 33 minute mark.

November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith continuing his international and UK engagement, celebrating industry milestones...
17/11/2025

November saw NAFD President Darryl Smith continuing his international and UK engagement, celebrating industry milestones and strengthening global connections.

28 Oct–1 Nov: The NAFD proudly exhibited at the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. Over three busy days, Darryl and a team of dedicated volunteers connected with overseas members and engaged with colleagues from the NFDA, building valuable international relationships and interest for NFE.

7 Nov: Toronto, Canada: Darryl also visited Arbor Memorial, where he was welcomed by Steven Reynolds for a tour of two of their impressive facilities. He appreciated the opportunity to meet Vince Farano and Andrew Hopper and exchange insights on funeral service practice.

8 Nov: Darryl was honoured to join the celebration of G. Saville & Son’s 150th anniversary. This remarkable milestone reflects generations of service to the local community and he extends thanks to London Association President Adrian Saville for the invitation.

Today, we pause to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service. At 11am we’ll stand together with peop...
11/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember and honour all those who gave their lives in service.

At 11am we’ll stand together with people across the nation for the two-minute silence.

We set sail once more this month to fly the NAFD flag overseas, proudly exhibiting at the NFDA International Convention ...
06/11/2025

We set sail once more this month to fly the NAFD flag overseas, proudly exhibiting at the NFDA International Convention & Expo in Chicago. It was a fantastic three days spent connecting with our overseas members, potential new ones and our valued friends at the NFDA.

With a team of dedicated volunteers helping to champion the NAFD, we forged meaningful connections with funeral professionals from around the world. The pace of international collaboration continues to build, driven by our growing presence at global events and the shared ambition to strengthen ties ahead of NFE 2026.

Another proud moment for the NAFD this weekend.Following CEO Andrew Judd’s appearance on BBC Breakfast yesterday, Past P...
02/11/2025

Another proud moment for the NAFD this weekend.

Following CEO Andrew Judd’s appearance on BBC Breakfast yesterday, Past President John Adams features on BBC Songs of Praise today, exploring faith, grief and bereavement with Christians in the Midlands.

This episode includes a visit to a bereavement friendly church, highlighting how compassion and community can make a difference.

*Tune in to BBC1 at 13:15 to watch.*

We’re proud to see NAFD voices continuing to contribute to national conversations about care and support in bereavement.

This morning, NAFD CEO Andrew Judd appeared on BBC Breakfast TV to discuss drivers cutting into funeral cortèges.Andrew ...
01/11/2025

This morning, NAFD CEO Andrew Judd appeared on BBC Breakfast TV to discuss drivers cutting into funeral cortèges.

Andrew explained that while funerals have changed over 120 years, respect and dignity for the deceased never age. He reminded viewers that a cortège marks the final journey a person will ever take, and urged drivers to take a few moments to show empathy for grieving families.

He welcomed the chance to work with the Department for Transport so learner drivers understand why a procession moves slowly and that slowing down out of safety and respect, makes a real difference.

Andrew also noted that many motorists don’t realise they’re cutting into a cortège, and that plumes or flags, supplied by NAFD members, help identify these as special vehicles with a special purpose.

Watch the interview on BBC Breakfast (8:15am–8:25am) via https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer or catch the replay once uploaded.

Our CEO, Andrew Judd, will be appearing on the BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:10am.He will be discussing the import...
31/10/2025

Our CEO, Andrew Judd, will be appearing on the BBC Breakfast tomorrow morning at 8:10am.

He will be discussing the important issue of funeral corteges and the lack of respect being shown by some drivers.

Andrew will be live from BBC Quay House, where he is due to arrive by 7:25am.

We encourage everyone to tune in and listen to the discussion.

If you’re unable to tune in, further information and a summary will be shared after the programme.

Have your say in FDM’s December feature on 'legacy giving', honouring lives with donation. A special opportunity for sup...
30/10/2025

Have your say in FDM’s December feature on 'legacy giving', honouring lives with donation.

A special opportunity for suppliers who provide online fundraising services and support, as well as 'legacy giving' opportunities with leading charities.

NAFD members contribute FREE!
Contact Su at editor@nafd.org.uk for further information.

Deadline for submissions: 5 November.

The NAFD was proud to exhibit at Funermostra 2025 in Valencia, spending three days connecting with international colleag...
29/10/2025

The NAFD was proud to exhibit at Funermostra 2025 in Valencia, spending three days connecting with international colleagues and sharing insights from the UK funeral profession.

It was a pleasure to meet so many of our international peers and even bump into some of our membership from back home who had also made the trip.

Our stand drew strong interest for the National Funeral Exhibition (NFE), and we’re also delighted to be onboarding new overseas members.

Events like Funermostra strengthen global ties, inspire collaboration and help showcase the excellence of UK funeral service on the international stage.

Here’s to NFE 2026 and the connections that continue to grow!

Only 24hrs left to book our Historic 2 day event! Swipe to view our agenda  > Early bird may be over, but student and gr...
27/10/2025

Only 24hrs left to book our Historic 2 day event!

Swipe to view our agenda >

Early bird may be over, but student and group discounts remain heavily reduced.

Join us for a remarkable two-day CPD experience at the historic Bletchley Park (10–11 November 2025).
Walk in the footsteps of Britain’s wartime codebreakers with an exclusive tour, explore our profession’s story and hear from inspiring speakers who bridge history with innovation.
Gain CPD credits, sharpen your skills in AI and cyber security and connect with peers in an unforgettable setting.

BOOK HERE: tinyurl.com/final-bookings

Address

618 Warwick Road
Solihull
B911AA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441217111343

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