BIRMINGHAM, England, September 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Birmingham-based funeral directors 'A Natural Undertaking' scoop the Modern Funeral Director of the Year Award 2016
Birmingham residents, Carrie Weekes and Fran Glover, created 'A Natural Undertaking' because they felt that the more traditional funeral and memorial approaches didn't reflect the individual qualities of the deceased.
And just two years after setting up they have been recognised nationally at the Good Funeral Awards in London.
Their business serves to disrupt the pattern of 'conveyor belt' funerals and memorials by offering a wide range of bespoke, personalised options to mourners. Greater involvement and creative input is encouraged - if families and friends want it - as Carrie and Fran believe that choice and the power to take control are important when final farewells are being said.
"Society has changed and we're all savvy consumers nowadays', explains Fran. 'We demand and research products and services online which reflect our individuality and add value. And yet on the whole, the funeral industry didn't seem to be acknowledging any of this when we set up in 2014."
Carrie adds, "We simply want to make sure that people are aware of their choices -whether they're simple, green, modern or traditional. We want people to know that their goodbyes can be personal and can reflect their individuality - and that they don't have to cost the earth".
In declaring A Natural Undertaking as winners of the Modern Funeral Director of the Year 2016 the judges said: "Carrie and Fran are outstanding examples of a new wave of breath-of-fresh-air funeral business owners - what the Good Funeral Guide terms as 'artisan' funeral directors. Some call them alternative funeral directors. Typically they reject what they regard as the arcane traditions and mystique of funeral service, presenting themselves as people first, funeral directors second."
Both Carrie and Fran are delighted to have received this accolade, which comes hot on the heels of their award for 'Green Funeral Director of the Year' in 2015.
Speaking of their delight at winning, Fran said, "We know that a large number of families and people we work with nominated us for this award, but having seen the long list of amazing nominees in the category we still can't quite believe we've won. We're absolutely thrilled."
Carrie added: "Receiving this award is an amazing recognition that we are achieving what we set out to do".
Paula Hudson whose uncle died earlier this year said about A Natural Undertaking: "With their warm support they became my trusted and valuable friends. We discarded the 'rule book' and thought about the person who counted... My once vibrant, gorgeous, wonderful - and completely modern - uncle. His funeral was all about him and everything was perfect thanks to their vision and ability to offer a bespoke service."
For more information about A Natural Undertaking, please visit http://www.anaturalundertaking.co.uk or call +44 (0121) 444 0437.
More information on the Good Funeral Awards can be found at goodfuneralawards.co.uk
Notes for editors
High res Photos can be found via the link: http://www.anaturalundertaking.co.uk/press-page-2016/
Accompanying photos have been approved for usage by families and images 0019 and 5819 should be credited to Rob Farrell of http://www.funeral-photographer.co.uk
Media Contacts: Fran Glover / Carrie Weekes +44- (0121)-444-0437 info@anaturalundertaking.co.uk
