Joseph A. Hey & Son, a respected fourth-generation funeral business in Bradford, has joined Funeral Partners, one of the UK’s largest funeral providers.
Established in 1908 but tracing its funeral directing heritage back to 1856, the firm has served families across Bradford and the surrounding areas for over 120 years.
Current custodians of the business Robert Morphet and his wife Joan (Jo) Hey, who is a direct descendant of founder Joseph A Hey, bring over 40 years of combined experience serving local families.
However, they felt it was time to lighten their daily responsibilities while still preserving the company’s legacy.
With no immediate family to continue the business, they carefully considered how best to protect its future, ultimately choosing Funeral Partners for its commitment to preserving local heritage, protecting staff, and upholding family values.
Robert said: “From very early on, it was evident that Funeral Partners shares our values, and we felt confident they were the right people to entrust our business to.
“The whole team has been incredibly supportive and reassuring from the outset – David McCarthy, Head of Acquisition Integration, and everyone involved guided us through each step, ensuring a smooth transition for us, our colleagues, and our clients.”
He continued: “We know the business is in safe hands and will continue to flourish under the Funeral Partners umbrella, and we look forward to continuing our work here in Bradford, knowing we have a partner fully invested in our community and the teams that serve it.”
Sam Kershaw, CEO of Funeral Partners, also expressed his enthusiasm: “I am proud to announce that Joseph A. Hey & Son has become part of the Funeral Partners family.
“It has a remarkable history and reputation in Bradford, and I am delighted Robert, and his wife, Jo, will continue to run it, supported by their dedicated team. I’ve known Robert for over 30 years, and it’s a pleasure to finally work alongside him.”
Before the acquisition, Funeral Partners recommended increasing staffing to reduce the pressure on Robert and ensure continued high standards of care. An investment plan has also been agreed to refurbish the premises and upgrade the funeral fleet, reflecting the group’s dedication to investing in both people and infrastructure.
While now part of a larger network, the business will retain its name and longstanding presence in the community, with Funeral Partners providing additional support, training, and resources.
This ensures the values that have shaped the company for more than a century remain at its core. As part of the integration, it will also become an authorised representative and seller of Funeral Partners’ regulated Choice Funeral Plan products.
