Chris Clark, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, comments ‘Recent growth in direct cremation isn’t just a trend – it’s a significant market shift. But while national providers promote it direct to consumers as a low-cost, no-fuss option, I am confident that local funeral directors have the advantage.
You know your community and understand the emotional and cultural weight of a farewell. By adding value with personal touches – such as dressing and viewing options – I believe you can transform a basic direct cremation service into something meaningful. Your long-standing local presence, combined with expert bereavement support, will help families find comfort and closure. Having the right conversation also means that all options can be discussed, which may result in individuals and families realising that a direct cremation isn’t what they want for themselves or their loved one.
Research backs my confidence: 79% of UK adults prefer to meet whoever is handling arrangements in person1. You can use this to your advantage – promote your accessibility, empathy, and the ability to tailor services to individual needs. Whether it’s a simple cremation with added personal touches or a memorial gathering, you can ensure families don’t have to sacrifice care for cost and aren’t left bewildered by a lack of a ‘proper goodbye’. Your trusted local expertise is something that national providers simply can’t match.
Direct Cremation has changed people’s thinking about a funeral, and funeral directors who embrace this shift and articulate the value they bring, will be best positioned to meet these changing expectations and grow their market by providing customer-driven options. You can own the conversation and trust in your brand to ensure your community knows that with you, simplicity still comes with dignity and choice.’
To find out what makes Ecclesiastical Planning Services different, visit www.funeralplans.co.uk/funeral-directors or call 0800 633 5626 to find out about our direct cremation campaign, specially designed by and for independent funeral directors.
Source: 1 OnePoll research of 1,500 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, August 2025.