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Following a round of regional meetings for Independent Funeral Directors, SAIF have reported a growing problem around the country on transparency of ownership issues.

Several specific cases have been reported where major groups have bought out independents, and the original name of the independent has been retained. Whilst there is nothing on the face of it wrong with this, and it is fairly normal practice for the business name to be acquired as part of the goodwill, SAIF is very concerned that the new ownership of the business is not always being made clear to the public. Indeed in some cases it appears that the new owner has actually gone out of their way to mislead the public into thinking they are still dealing with the previous family owner of the business.

We would ask any member of the public who wants an independent funeral director to carry out a funeral to ask some very specific questions about ownership if it is not immediately clear from the premises or paperwork who the ultimate owners of the business are.

If any further assistance is needed to track down a truly independent funeral director contact SAIF Business Centre on 0845 230 6777.

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