Gibson's Funeral Services Story
Background
Founded in 1860 by Joseph Gibson in Howden-le-Wear, Gibson’s Funeral Services has been supporting families across County Durham for more than 160 years. Remaining within the same family throughout its history, the business is now led by sixth-generation siblings Matthew and Victoria Gibson.
Operating from its original premises in Crook, Howden-le-Wear, alongside locations in Bishop Auckland and Shildon, the business has earned a reputation for providing personal, compassionate care and has become a trusted part of the communities it serves.
For Matthew and Victoria, preserving that legacy while ensuring the long-term future of the business was a key consideration.
Considerations
Like many independent funeral directors, Gibson’s Funeral Services was facing increasing regulatory and administrative demands. While remaining committed to supporting bereaved families, the family recognised that changes across the profession were making it more challenging to manage every aspect of the business independently.
Matthew explained: “Things like regulation, the pandemic, tax changes and other factors had made it more difficult for people like us to run businesses independently. Regulation will only increase and become more complex.”
Any future partner would need to respect the heritage of the business, share the family’s values and allow Gibson’s Funeral Services to continue serving the community in the same way it always had.
The Logistics
After carefully considering their options, Matthew and Victoria chose to join Funeral Partners in October 2024.
Throughout the process, maintaining continuity for colleagues and the families they serve remained a priority. Matthew and Victoria continued to lead the business, ensuring the same high standards, personal approach and commitment to families remained at the heart of everything they do.
The transition also brought access to support functions including HR, payroll and compliance, helping to reduce the administrative burden on the family.
Matthew said: “Having central support and someone to receive advice and guidance from on HR, payroll and compliance matters, knowing it will be right, means we can focus on what we love to do and what we are best at, helping bereaved families at their time of need.”
Moving Forward
Since joining Funeral Partners, Matthew and Victoria have continued to lead the business while benefiting from additional support that allows them to focus more of their time on serving local families.
Dedicated marketing support has helped strengthen the business’s visibility within the local community through digital marketing, social media activity, advertising campaigns and website development. The team has also benefited from ongoing training and professional development opportunities, helping colleagues develop their skills while maintaining the highest standards of service and client care.
Matthew said: “Victoria and I are still running the business, but free from the burden of some of the administration, we have more time to maintain the high standards of our funerals. It still feels like our family business with the same values and levels of service.”
The Result
Joining Funeral Partners has enabled Gibson’s Funeral Services to retain its identity, heritage and family-focused approach while benefiting from the support of a larger organisation.
More than 160 years after it was founded, the business continues to serve families under the same trusted name and with the same commitment to exceptional care.
Matthew said: “Our history is a point of pride. It was my father’s business, my grandfather’s business and we have always run it to the best of our abilities. That history and reputation is why we have such a dedicated and loyal following and why Victoria and I are still here for our community.”
Today, Gibson’s Funeral Services remains firmly rooted in the communities it serves, with the support, resources and expertise needed to continue providing exceptional care for generations to come.
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