UK Enterprise Awards 2021

164 | UK Enterprise Awards 2021 Apr21652 Most Caring Family-Run Funeral Director - London Three generations running the same firm is admirable in any company, but it is particularly poignant when it comes to funeral directors. We speak to Michael Tiney, owner of Southall Funeral Service, about what makes them the most caring and compassionate company in the community. Suffering a bereavement is a difficult time. It was no different back in 1982, when Southall Funeral Service opened as a small, family-run funeral directors based in West London. After supplying funeral vehicles to the funeral profession in the area since 1968, John and Jennifer Tiney opened Southall Funeral Service in October 1982 to serve the local community of Southall and the surrounding areas, offering a personal 24-hour service. In February 1996, John and Jennifer’s son, Michael, joined the business, while their son, David, joined in April 2004. Then, in 2017, Michael’s son, Ben, joined too, to carry on the tradition of being a family Run Company and making it a third-generation family-run funeral directors. Though John Tiney sadly passed away in 2007, Southall Funeral Service is still run with the same high standards, compassion, attention to detail, caring, respectful all the things that John showed everyone. It is important to Michael to remain a family-run operation as many local firms in the Southall area have been owned by the same family for several generations and will have built up a reputation for their services as well as for the high standards they offer – and Southall Funeral Services is no different. The personal attention to detail and the sheer dedication and pride that the firm offers in its service makes an obvious difference when compared to larger, brand- named funeral directors. “Independent family-owned companies carry out the majority of funerals in the UK,” explains Michael. “The combination of many years of expertise and being focused on their local community means that local firms can deliver a truly personal service appropriate to your needs.” Southall Funeral Service is proud to be associated with S.A.I.F (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors) and adheres to the Code of Practice, meaning standards are inspected rigorously to ensure that they are maintained. In February 2012, Southall Funeral Service took delivery of a new fleet of vehicles based on the new Jaguar XJ design, to ensure that they could continue to provide a Bespoke Service, as they have done for three generations now. “We intend to continue providing a modern service based on traditional values,” says Michael. “We look after everything because with 120 years of experience within our company, support the bereaved through our caring, respectful, compassionate and professional service. “Allow our family to look after your family in your time of need.” Contact: Michael Tiney Company: Southall Funeral Service Web Address: www.southallfuneral.co.uk