Our story - M Rushton Funeral Directors
Background
Founded by husband-and-wife team Michael and Michelle Rushton in 2016, M. Rushton Funeral Directors has become a respected and trusted funeral business serving families across Southport.
Michael has spent four decades in the profession, while Michelle has many years’ experience in the funeral and bereavement sector.
Together they have helped thousands of local families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Considerations
Michael and Michelle’s decision to become part of Funeral Partners was driven by their desire to spend more time focusing on their two youngest children, who have special needs, while improving their work-life balance and securing the future of the business they had worked hard to build.
Joining Funeral Partners would allow them to continue doing what they enjoyed most, supporting families, with their same incredible team, while benefiting from the additional resources, expertise and investment available through a larger organisation.
The Logistics
Following the acquisition, Michael and Michelle remained closely involved in the business, ensuring continuity for local families while receiving support across a range of operational and administrative functions.
Michelle said: “We have been extremely busy since acquisition; however, Michael and I are able to do far less hours now.”
Moving Forward
Michelle said: “We were given a hearse, and decoration to the funeral home more in keeping with Funeral Partners, which looks really lovely alongside what we already had. We also have new team members working with us to complement our existing team.”
She added: “There have been changes, like a completely new computer system, and extra support in other areas such as compliance, operational efficiencies, administration and marketing. We are still pleased with our decision.”
Today, the business benefits from specialist support teams covering marketing, HR, finance, compliance, IT and training. This centralised support allows Michael and Michelle to focus more of their time on supporting families and developing their team, while having the reassurance that operational and regulatory requirements are supported by experts.
Dedicated marketing support has helped strengthen the business’s online presence and
visibility within the local community through digital marketing, social media activity, advertising campaigns and website development. The team also benefits from ongoing training and professional development opportunities, helping colleagues build their skills while maintaining the highest standards of service and client care.
The Result
Michael said: “Frankly, when we joined Funeral Partners, they exceeded all our expectations. Everything that was talked about when we were discussing the acquisition came to fruition.”
“I felt the weight lift off my shoulders straight away. I’m genuinely excited about the future of the business and proud that we will continue to be part of it.”
“I can give my entire focus to clients and families who are in need, which is exactly what I have always wanted to do. Regulation and compliance have become a big part of my role over the last few years, but now I’ve got people to support me, I can focus more on the families we care for and get to spend more time with my children.”
Michael and Michelle say the greatest benefit of becoming part of Funeral Partners has been access to the wider support network and resources available across the business. With support from specialist teams and ongoing investment in facilities, technology and people, they have been able to maintain the personal service families value while benefiting from the strength and expertise of a national organisation.
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