UK Enterprise Awards 2021

133 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Best Independent Funeral Director (Shropshire): Rhian Greaves From a direct or simple cremation through to coffins, caskets and keepsakes, R. Greaves & Co can help people with every aspect of arranging a loved one’s funeral. Rhian Greaves, winner of Best Independent Funeral Director for Shropshire, provides a brief overview of the company and offers more insight into some of its core values. “Here at R. Greaves & Co, we aim to be as flexible as possible, carrying out specific wishes to ease the painful process of a funeral. In a light, airy, welcoming, and relaxing environment, we offer families a peaceful setting for arranging a loved one’s funeral.” Equally, Rhian’s client approach has enabled her to build a strong reputation. “Having lived and worked in the area for many years, people respect me, and word of mouth has been a major factor. If you look at the reviews I’ve received on my website, many people refer to my friendliness, approachability, and good listening skills and I would argue its these qualities which allow me to stand out from the crowd”. When it comes to recruitment, Rhian chooses people who possess a particular set of skills to ensure the needs of her clients are met, as she points out. “Typically, when hiring staff I look for kindness, a good listener and communicator, compassion, a smile, and the ability to treat families with the respect they deserve”. The impact of COVID-19 on the funeral services sector has been horrendous, however as Rhian elaborates, she has managed to find different ways of working to accommodate the pandemic rules. “Seemingly overnight, everything changed in the way we arrange funerals. No longer face to face, but instead over the phone or via email. Not being able to give families a hug to show our compassion has been heart-breaking. Additionally, some of our older clients haven’t been able to attend due to COVID shielding measures. Despite these restrictions, I have tried my best to give people the funeral they wanted for their loved one”. Finally, Rhian offers us her thoughts on winning Best Independent Funeral Director – Shropshire before sharing some of her plans for the future. “When I heard I had been nominated for this award I was very humbled, but to win it is an amazing achievement for me personally and as a business. Moving forward, I’m currently sourcing a new property to expand into as I’m outgrowing my current premise”. Company: R. Greaves & Co Contact: Rhian Greaves Email: rhian@rgreaves.co.uk Web: www.rgreaves.co.uk Address: 40 High Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DG Phone: 01939 768070 Apr21341 Established in 2015, R. Greaves & Co takes pride in offering families a beautiful farewell to their loved ones in personalised and professional funeral services. Following its well-deserved success in the UK Enterprise Awards 2021, we got in touch with Rhian Greaves to find out more.