Thank you to everyone who visited the SAIF stand at the National Funeral Exhibition 2026 from 11-13 June. It was a valuable opportunity to meet members, associate members and colleagues from across the profession, and to speak with both existing and prospective members about the work taking place across SAIF and the wider profession,

This year’s exhibition gave us the opportunity to showcase several areas of the organisation, including SAIF Insure, the Independent Funeral Directors College (IFD) and SAIF Women in Business. We were also pleased to speak with members about the challenges and opportunities facing independent funeral directors and the important role they continue to play within their local communities.

HandledWithCare at NFE

A key focus of this year’s stand was SAIF’s national public awareness campaign, #HandledWithCare. Throughout the exhibition, visitors explored the campaign space, watched the campaign showreel and learned more about the ongoing work to support informed funeral choice and raise awareness of the value of independent funeral directors.

Since launching earlier this year, the campaign has helped encourage wider conversations around funeral choice, grief and meaningful farewells, while reinforcing the importance of clear information and trusted local support for families.

We would also like to thank the many members, partners and supporters who continue to help strengthen and share the campaign across their communities.

Photography taken at NFE with verbal consent for online and marketing use

Supporting Parkinson’s UK

Throughout the exhibition, visitors enjoyed coffee from our barista station and cookies in support of Parkinson’s UK, chosen by SAIF National President Gary Staker as his Charity of the Year for 2026. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who donated, we were pleased to raise more than £500 through online and cash donations during the three-day event.

The President’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Thank you to everyone who has already registered their interest in taking part in The President’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

Running from 20 July to 16 August 2026, the campaign invites SAIF members and associate members to bring their communities together over coffee in support of Parkinson’s UK. Members can host locally, encourage donations through the fundraising page or take part online. If you would like to host a coffee morning, please email info@saif.org.uk

Thank you to our members, associate members and partners

We would like to thank all of our members, associate members and commercial partners for their continued support throughout the exhibition and across the wider SAIF community. NFE provided a valuable opportunity to meet in person, visit stands, strengthen relationships and discuss shared opportunities across the profession.
Your support helps SAIF continue delivering guidance, representation and campaigns that benefit independent funeral directors, the families they serve and the wider profession.

During the exhibition, SAIF was also proud to receive a Trusted Supplier Bronze Award at the Greener Globe Funeral Awards, presented to Administration Manager Claire Day.

We were delighted to welcome SAIF Executive Members on Friday, alongside SAIF National President Gary Staker and First Vice President Simon Helliar-Moore, who spent time meeting members and visiting stands throughout the event.

If you would like a copy of your photograph taken at NFE, please email marketing@saif.org.uk.