St Neots funeral director goes from start-up to best in two months

JUST two months after opening his new business, St Neots undertaker Andrew Hickson has been named one of the UK’s best funeral directors by the Good Funeral Guide.

Mr Hickson, who has than 20 years experience of the profession and claims his company is the only locally-owned funeral director in St Neots, leased and restored Gate Lodge, in Cemetery Road, which is owned by St Neots Town Council and had lain empty and disused for several years.

In its review of Mr Hickson’s Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, the Good Funeral Guide says: “This is a truly independent and personal service. Your call will be answered by Andrew – it’s his business and he will be your contact throughout.”

Charles Cowling, author of the Good Funeral Guide, said: “To almost anyone charged with the task of arranging a funeral, choosing a funeral director can be very difficult, because they all look pretty much the same. But they’re not.

“Some, a precious few, are truly outstanding, and Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services is one of them.”

He added: “The Good Funeral Guide has recommended only those funeral directors who meet the most stringent criteria. Some of them are highly traditional, others decidedly alternative.

“Kingfisher has been chosen because Andrew abides by the highest professional standards, offers all the choices available, provides outstanding personal service, gives clients all the time they need and represents superb value for money.

“For far too long the work of funeral directors like Andrew has gone unrecognised by all but a lucky few. People want to do their very best for their loved ones when they die. They deserve the very best funeral director.”

Mr Hickson responded: “I am immensely proud to have been recognised by the Good Funeral Guide so soon after establishing my business. Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services takes great pride in being the only locally-owned, completely independent Funeral Director in St Neots, focusing entirely on customer service and satisfaction rather than being driven by commercial pressure from company owners in different parts of the country.

“Every funeral is entirely personal, and my pledge is that I will work with my clients to arrange the most satisfying funeral possible, to inform them of all the available options, and to have an open mind to all suggestions.”

St Ives undertaker Dennis Easton, who died some years ago, ran a branch of his business at Cemetery Lodge from 1983 until it was sold, and the premises were later used for community purposes, latterly as a centre for local disabled people.

Mr Hickson has converted the old building into offices and a chapel-of-rest. Being so close to the cemetery means bereaved families can save the cost of vehicles for the cort�ge – though he will hire them in if necessary, along with the drivers who act as bearers.

Eco-friendly cardboard coffins look set to be a speciality.

INFORMATION: Kingfisher Independent Funeral Services, Gate Lodge, Cemetery Road, St Neots, PE19 2BX, telephone 01480 471001, e-mail info@kingfisherfunerals.co.uk; www.kingfisherfunerals.co.uk