Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020

49 | Greater London Awards 2020 Sep201137 Independent Funeral Directors of the Year – London & Home Counties With two decades of experience in the funeral industry, they specialise in funeral arrangements for families in London, Hertfordshire, and Essex. Led by Principal Funeral Director, Angela Bailey, the company was founded in 2019. After experiencing an unexpected loss in the family at the end of 2018, Angela sought to assist other families in finding a compassionate funeral service that did not include extortionate costs. The company offers several options for both funerals and cremations. Whether families choose a simple, yet dignified service, or a more elaborate ceremony, Austin, Davis & Son provide fair and transparent pricing throughout. The family team are dedicated to maintaining integrity and focus on delivering a meaningful send-off that remains affordable. Starting from the lowest price possible, families are then given the choice to add on as they prefer. There is no obligation to do so and every service is treated with utmost respect. If researched, it does not take long to find out that this is not the case for every funeral director. When asked about what sets Austin, Davis & Son apart from the crowd, Angela commented that, “Funeral poverty is very real in the UK - we have witnessed this first-hand and will always go the extra mile to find ways to help those struggling financially. In exceptional circumstances we have waived our fees altogether to ensure that a person can have their funeral.” Angela believes that although they are a business with costs to cover, families in need should know that help is available. Austin, Davis & Son are signees of the Fair Funerals Pledge, a movement that aims to address funeral poverty. Every funeral director involved must commit to providing the most cost- effective service options. In just under two years, Austin, Davis & Son have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about their services. Many family members have described the atmosphere of the funeral home as like walking into an actual home. This homely feeling is something that Austin, Davis & Son have worked incredibly hard to achieve. Testimonials for the funeral home speak volumes about the extent they go to so that families feel cared for and looked after during such a traumatic time. Past clients comment that their religious beliefs are profoundly respected, and everything is conducted in accordance with the appropriate customs. Austin, Davis & Son strive to cater to the needs of any family. In fact, they are one of the only funeral directors in London to offer direct burials, which for some may be the most affordable solution that aligns with their beliefs. For many, cremation is not an option, whether it is because of religious or cultural beliefs, or just personal preference. Direct burial may be the only way a low-income family can ensure that their loved one is buried as they wished. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, direct cremations are also becoming more popular. Firstly, a direct cremation is the most cost- effective means for a funeral to be conducted. Cremations themselves are unattended by mourners and therefore exclude ceremony costs. Additionally, alongside the rise in concerns about social distancing, many families are choosing to hold more private ceremonies once the deceased’s remains have been returned to them. Adapting to no-contact funeral arrangements has not been easy for funeral directors or the families they care for. However, with the use of technology it has been possible. Austin, Davis & Son have been organising funeral arrangements online and over the phone, using electronic methods to deal with legal forms. This is quickly becoming the standard in response to the pandemic. In the short amount of time the business has been running, Austin, Davis & Son have already managed to make a significant impact on so many families’ lives. Such a knowledgeable and compassionate service is something that is hard to find and the team plan to expand their service area over the next year with the introduction of another funeral home. Wherever Austin, Davis & Son offer their services next, they are sure to form the same lasting relationships that they have with their current clients. Contact: Angela Bailey Company: Austin, Davis & Son Web Address: www.austindavisandson.co.uk When a loved one has passed away, families need a funeral director who can help lift the burden of such an extremely tough time. As a family-run business, Austin, Davis & Son understand the importance of providing dignified and affordable care.