One of the UK’s fastest growing funeral businesses has strengthened its senior management team as it prepares for the next stage in its exciting growth plan.
Funeral Partners Limited (FP) has enjoyed rapid growth in a short period of time and has ambitious plans to accelerate this. It currently employs more than 300 people in 70 locations across the UK serving local communities.
To support further growth, FP has appointed its first Managing Director, John Whigham, reporting to Chief Executive Phillip Greenfield. John’s remit is to build on the excellent progress so far and accelerate the many growth opportunities in the UK market. He brings a wealth of experience in leading customer focused multi-site operations in the UK and international markets, and most recently was a senior executive with Alliance Boots.
Chris Aylward has been appointed as Acquisitions and Property Director signalling FP’s intent to expand the geographical footprint. Chris has considerable experience in acquisitions and property portfolio development.
Claire Billington has joined the team as Head of Human Resources, to lead the people development plan with a clear goal to become the best employer in the profession. Completing the new HR team of four is Maria McGrath in the new role of Learning and Development Manager with an objective to achieve the best possible professional standards in the funeral industry.
Following a review of the field structure, Richard van Nes has moved into the new role of Head of Quality, Standards and Compliance reporting to Rob Marshall, Financial Director. This is a new national role which will ensure the highest operational standards in the profession.
In announcing the new team, CEO Phillip Greenfield reflected on the year of transformation for the business, which has invested in funeral companies across the UK.
He said: We have been investing significantly acquiring funeral businesses, refurbishing existing ones, strengthening HR, training, and improving professional standards in order to build a company with a reputation for absolute reliability, trust and quality. We want to be one of the best places to work providing the finest range and quality of services.
Funeral directors looking to sell turn to us for our deep knowledge of the sector; indeed many of our senior employees were born and raised in family-run funeral businesses themselves. Plus they recognise our commitment to building each business while retaining their identity within their local communities.
Our aim is to create a modern and well-run business built on the foundation of the best traditions of the profession. Above all, FP offers a sensitive but professional service to grieving families and is leading the way in shaping and setting new standards in our industry.
Funeral Partners Limited has established a Head Office at Hare Hatch near Reading which is also used as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for leadership, training and development.
