Richard Marsh founded Burnham Funeral Services, Somerset, in 1991 to give his hometown a family-run funeral directors. Now, 29 years later, he has joined Funeral Partners amid the COVID-19 outbreak to secure the future for his family working in the business.
Burnham Funeral Services quickly gained loyal customers after its foundation by getting involved with the community, helped by Richard’s established reputation. Today, this includes sponsoring sports clubs and other charitable organisations.
Richard moved to Southampton for a change of lifestyle, continuing to commute to Burnham and its sister branch in Highbridge. However, management pressures started setting in, and he sought the flexibility to be involved with the business but focus on serving families without the day-to-day administration.
Richard wanted to protect the future of his daughter Danielle and sister Michelle working in Burnham Funeral Services along with a fantastic team and was reassured by Funeral Partners’ operational model.
He said: “Funeral Partners come across as very family orientated. In fact, upon meeting CEO Sam Kershaw he said ‘Welcome to the family’.
“Everything is business as usual and even better for Burnham Funeral Services going forwards with Funeral Partners, we are planning property investments such as changes to the mortuary and new offices.”
Richard praises the support he’s received from Funeral Partners while joining the network during the COVID-19 outbreak.
He said: “They have been excellent and always at the end of the phone during the coronavirus outbreak. We’re given daily updates and feel supported all the way through.”
Pete Dearing, Regional Development Director of Funeral Partners South, said: “Richard has built the business from the ground up with very high standards and is professional at what he does. We will continue the excellent reputation and standards together.
“Somerset is a new area for Funeral Partners and we look forward to serving more communities in the South West with Burnham Funeral Services.”
Sam Kershaw, CEO of Funeral Partners, added: “Burnham Funeral Services has played a vital role in continuing to serve families and the community with professionalism and care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to grow the business with planned investments and by working closely with Richard, who we are delighted is staying on as a business consultant.”
For more information about Burnham Funeral Services, which serves the communities of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge, see https://www.burnhamfuneralservicesltd.co.uk/
Any Funeral Directors considering selling their businesses should contact Chief Executive Officer Sam Kershaw on 07834 531822 or email: sam.kershaw@funeralpartners.co.uk
