Major investment announced in Northumberland funeral firms

Parent company William Purves Funeral Directors is bringing its Northern branches under one banner and adding a new funeral hub for the North East

The significant investment will unite five legacy firms – Tom Woodhouse, in Blyth; and Peter Grenfell, in Ashington; Jacob Conroy & Sons, in Morpeth & Guide Post; Alistair Turner, of Alnwick, Amble and Rothbury; and Gary Staker, of Monkseaton and Shiremoor in North Tyneside – under a single brand identity while increasing their capabilities.

North East regional manager Gary Staker said: “Our firms have supported grieving families in the North East for decades, and near on 100 years at some branches. Our coming together only makes us stronger, as we serve local communities shoulder to shoulder under one banner.

“While local people may notice a new name and identity for the five firms, you will see the same friendly faces and can pop in to local branches to make arrangements and discuss plans when restrictions have eased.”

Tim Purves, chairman of William Purves said: “As a fifth-generation family business, William Purves is rooted in local communities. Our North East firms are a key part of our family and this investment brings together five of the industry’s best under one banner and ensures they can deliver the highest quality funeral services, today and tomorrow.”

In addition, Peter Grenfell funeral home in Ashington has undergone a £1.5million refurbishment to develop its facilities and create a new state-of-the-art hub, comprised of a purpose-built funeral home with increased resources. All local branches will benefit from access to the new centralised hub.