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Keep up to date with changes in the funeral profession

So many changes happening in the funeral profession and so little time to keep up to date. SAIF Members can stay current by joining one of our regional meetings, providing answers to questions such as: What’s happening with the Competition & Markets Authority Report into the funeral profession? Will there be new regulations I’ll need to follow? […]

Prospective new member in Ipswich, Suffolk.

SAIF has received an application from a prospective associate member based in Ipswich, Suffolk. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Free SAIF webinar on embalming

As part of our ongoing online training programme, we are delighted that Geoff Taylor and Kevin Sinclair of GT Embalming will be presenting our next webinar. The gents will outline what embalming is and when it is needed, to help SAIF members discuss the subject with their clients. Join Geoff and Kevin at 2pm on […]

Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day – 13th June

In the average time it takes to bake a batch of cakes, six people in the UK will develop dementia. It is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales, overtaking both cancer and heart disease. Proceeds from Cupcake Day on Thursday 13th June will help to fund pioneering research, crucial support services […]

Join SAIF at the NFE this weekend

SAIF will be launching the new FuneralAdvice.org website at the NFE. The aim of the site is to provide information about funerals in a non-promotional way which gives the public the knowledge itneeds to make informed choices, in addition to signposting to aftercare andbereavement support groups. Join SAIF at the back of Hall 2 on […]

SAIF Members – need help with statutory sickness payments?

Whether you’re a new or experienced employer, get the latest information on statutory payments with this selection of online support from HMRC. Join their live webinars where you can ask questions using the on-screen text box. They include: Statutory Sick Pay: They will show you what to do when an employee is unable to work due […]

New consumer advice website will help public make better funeral choice

Independent funeral directors across the UK have developed a new consumer advice website to help the public better understand the funeral process and avoid falling victim to rogue operators. FuneralAdvice.org has been created by the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and is in response to consumer research last year by the […]

The CMA is conducting research among SAIF Members

The CMA has contacted SAIF about the next steps in its market investigation into the funeral profession. They are carrying out research among randomly selected SAIF members which could take the form of written or telephone requests for information. Making your views known highlights the voice of the independent funeral director compared against the opinions of […]

SAIF Members free online training

As part of our ongoing online training programme, we are delighted that Geoff Taylor and Kevin Sinclair of GT Embalming will be presenting our next webinar. The gents will outline what embalming is and when it is needed, to help SAIF members discuss the subject with their clients. Join Geoff and Kevin at 2pm on […]

Prospective new associate in Birkenhead.

SAIF has received an application from a prospective associate member based in Birkenhead, Wirral. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Prospective New Member in Devon

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member based in Buckfastleigh, Devon. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Join SAIF on our NFE stand from 7th to 9th June

The National Funeral Exhibition is positioned as one of the top three global exhibitions for the funeral sector and attracts trade visitors from across the world as well as more than 200 exhibitors across a wide range of sectors, including vehicle fleets, coffins and caskets, professional equipment suppliers, printing and stationery companies, online memorial services, […]

Regulation of funeral plans a welcome move

SAIF welcomes the news today that HM Treasury is planning to introduce statutory regulation of the funeral planning market. Our Regulatory Task Group will be preparing a response to the proposals in the coming weeks. We hold the view that regulation – in a form which is easily understandable and set in the right framework […]

Prospective new member in Stoke on Trent

SAIF has received an application from a prospective member based in Burslem, Stoke on Trent. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Scottish Government publishes funeral cost guidance

New guidance to make it easier to plan the cost of funerals, burials and cremations has been published by the Scottish Government. The aim of the guidance is to make clear and consistent information on costs available so that more informed decisions can be made by those planning funerals. Guidance for councils on the charges […]

Prospective new probationary member in Ashington

SAIF has received an application from a prospective probationary member based inAshington, Northumberland Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Kee Cup 25th anniversary at Turnberry

Funeral directors and our trade suppliers gathered together for the 25th anniversary of the Kee Cup, at the Famous Trump Turnberry, one of the Open venues and the number 1 UK rated golf course. The Kee Cup was re-named in 2003 when Gordon Kee, one of the founders of Golden Charter sadly died; it was […]

Ready steady bake for Alzheimer’s Society CupCake Day

In the average time it takes to bake a batch of cakes, six people in the UK will develop dementia. It is now the leading cause of death in England and Wales, overtaking both cancer and heart disease. Proceeds from Cupcake Day on Thursday 13th June will help to fund pioneering research, crucial support services […]

Awards for Scottish SAIF Members

Two independent funeral directors in Fife were recognised for the high quality of their customer service in the recent Retail Business Awards: Alex Little Funeral Directors based in Methil was awarded Fife’s Best Professional Service Provider 2019, while Ian Johnston Funeral Directors was voted best business in Kirkcaldy. The awards are part of Scotland’s Business […]

SAIF welcomes Scotland’s new Guidance on Funeral Costs

By Paul Stevenson, President of Scottish SAIF Following extensive consultation, the Scottish Government has published its Guidance on Funeral Costs, covering transparency of pricing, clarity in estimates and awareness of low-cost funeral options. At Scottish SAIF, we view this as a welcome development and urge our members and the wider funeral profession to study the […]

SAIF Members: need help with Digital Tax for VAT?

Are you ready for Making Tax Digital for VAT? HMRC has a range of products to help you with the changes. Making Tax Digital for VAT: If you’re a VAT-registered business with a taxable turnover above £85,000, find out what’s changing, who’s affected and when. There’s guidance on using software, what records must be kept digitally […]

Prospective new associate member in Cheltenham

SAIF has received an application from a prospective associate member based in Cheltenham,Gloucestershire Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Prospective new member in Daventry, Northants

SAIF has received an application from a prospective full member based in Daventry, Northants. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF Webinar recording available

SAIF Members – if you missed April’s webinar with Dr Sarah Jones, you may watch a recording of the session now. Sarah’s presentation covered Funeral Directing in 2020 and discussed the changes happening in the funeral profession. In particular, Sarah and the online attendees talked about the personal touch of funeral directors to allow the […]

Mental Health Awareness Week 2019

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week 2019 will take place from Monday 13 to Sunday 19 May 2019. The theme for 2019 is Body Image – how we think and feel about our bodies. Since the first Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has raised awareness of […]

Funeral payment expenses update for SAIF Members

At SAIF’s recent AGM weekend, Angela Kidd, DWP Social Fund Policy Lead, gave an update presentation which covered: Children’s Funeral Fund for England What funeral payment expenses cover Who is eligible SAIF Members may login to the Members’ area then use this link to read the DWP update. If you have any problems logging in, […]

Save time at SAIF’s regional meetings in Bridgwater and Pencoed

Need to keep up to date with issues affecting the way you run your funeral business? What’s happening with the Competition & Markets Authority Report into the funeral profession? Will there be new regulations I’ll need to follow? How can I better support my clients who aren’t coping with their bereavement? How will medical examiners affect me? […]

Dying Matters Week 2019

Every year in May, Dying Matters and their coalition members host an Awareness Week, which gives an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda. In 2019, the week will run from 13th to the 19th of May and the theme is Are We Ready? […]

Prospective new associate member in Sedgley

  SAIF has received an application from a prospective associate member based in Sedgley, West Midlands. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Dementia Action Week is 20-26 May

News from Alzheimer’s Society: Many of us worry about ‘saying the wrong thing’ to someone with dementia, yet a friendly face or listening ear can make the world of difference. This Dementia Action Week, we’re encouraging everyone to take action by starting a conversation; whether it’s calling a relative with dementia or visiting a neighbour, […]

Free webinar for SAIF Members – 15th May

Government regulation changes affecting the funeral profession Is  your knowledge of government changes a bit blurry? If you’re confused about all of the changes affecting the funeral profession, join our webinar where SAIF’s Government Liaison Officer, Paul Allcock, will provide an update on all issues connected with government changes including: Competition & Markets Authority report […]

Golf afternoon at Pencoed for SAIF Members

Paul Firth, Golden Charter’s Area Business Manager for South Wales, has organised a golf afternoon open to all SAIF Members at the beautiful course of St Mary’s Hotel. Date: 22nd May 2019 at 12 pm Venue: St Mary’s Hotel, St Mary’s Hill, Pencoed, CF35 5EA Tee-offs will be at around 12 noon and the cost of £16.25 […]

Take care when posting photos on social media

SAIF thanks our PR Consultant Mark Binnersley for this month’s blog: In this age of social media saturation, many organisations and individuals understandably feel the need to share content everyday. However, it’s really important to take care each time we post something online. It’s easy to find tales online of funeral directors, as well as […]

SAIF National President names Charity of the Year

SAIF’s new National President, Jim Auld, announced at the AGM weekend that he will be supporting Breast Cancer Care during his year in office. We hope that you’ll be able to help Jim in his efforts.

Enhanced protection for clients of SAIF Members

We only have one chance to get a funeral right. But on the rare occasion when things do go wrong, it’s important that families have access to a system of redress they can trust. Any complaint made against a SAIF member is taken extremely seriously, both by the member and by the Society. Thankfully, bereaved […]

SAIF welcomes new member Alex Little Funeral Directors

Alex Little Funeral Directors is a family-owned and run business working in Lower Methil, Fife. Alex is an experienced, fully qualified funeral director who started his own business in 2016. Alex is highly respected in the community and prides himself in providing a professional, reliable and dedicated service to all. He says, “We believe that […]

Civil Ceremonies rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted

SAIF Associate Member, Civil Ceremonies, has been rated by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’ in all five performance categories observed. The organisation offers a nationwide service to train and develop celebrants to carry out a range of ceremonies across the UK. It is the only provider of such training in the UK that offers funding for the […]

Prospective new member in Tiptree.

SAIF has received an application from a prospective funeral director based in Tiptree, Essex. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Photos from SAIF AGM Weekend

SAIF Members may view a small selection of photos from the weekend of March 29th to 31st. You’ll need to: login to the Members’ area click this link

Save time by joining us at a SAIF meeting near you.

Need to keep up to date with issues affecting the way you run your funeral business? What’s happening with the Competition & Markets Authority Report into the funeral profession? Will there be new regulations I’ll need to follow? How can I better support my clients who aren’t coping with their bereavement? How will medical examiners affect me? […]

Amazing fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital

A grand Valentine’s ball was the finale of an amazing fundraising year which saw the West family raise a staggering £135,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Alun Tucker chose to support the challenge during his year as SAIF National President in 2018/19. The West family set a target of £100,000 as the condition which affected […]

Prospective new associate member in Weston-super-Mare

SAIF has received an application from a prospective associate member based in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Cremation forms updated for SAIF Scotland Members

SAIF Scotland Members may login to the Members’ area to view guidance notes and download the latest cremation forms from the Scottish Government. Login here then Click here to access the Scotland specific information If you have any problems logging into the Members’ area, contact SAIF Business Centre on 01279 726777.

Webinar sessions from HMRC for small businesses

As the new tax year begins, keep yourself up to date with webinars, online guides and videos delivered by HMRC. Here are a couple of the live webinars coming up. You can ask questions through the on-screen text box. Employers – what’s new for 2019-20? This popular webinar gives an overview of the updates to […]

Prospective new member in Bradford

SAIF has received applications from a prospective funeral director based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

SAIF v Associates golfing challenge

This year sees the 25th anniversary of the SAIF Funeral Directors versus trade suppliers golfing challenge plus the 25th birthday of SAIFInsure, established at the event. There is no doubt that SAIFInsure has and continues to benefit funeral directors with excellent cover at very competitive costs. Originally the SAIFInsure Cup, the name was changed in […]

Prospective new member in Port Talbot

SAIF has received an application from a prospective funeral director based in Port Talbot, Wales. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Free webinar for SAIF Members – 10th April

Funeral Directing in 2020 – the personal touch In this webinar session, Sarah Jones will host a discussion about how the funeral profession is changing and how independent funeral directors can best serve the needs of clients wishing to embrace those changes. The session will focus on: the drivers to change in the profession how […]

Scam warning: claims Nottinghamshire County Council

SAIF Business Centre heard from two funeral director members recently who have received a phone call from a Christopher Sheppard claiming to be a bailiff from Nottinghamshire County Council. The man stated that the companies needed to pay over £4,000 in relation to an advertising bill otherwise they would be served with  a writ. The […]

Funeral directing in 2020 – a webinar for SAIF Members

Funeral directing in 2020 – The personal touch – 2pm on Wednesday 10th April. In this webinar session, Sarah Jones will host a discussion about how the funeral profession is changing and how independent funeral directors can best serve the needs of clients wishing to embrace those changes. The session will focus on: the drivers […]

Save time at SAIF’s regional meetings

Need to keep up to date with issues affecting the way you run your funeral business? What’s happening with the Competition & Markets Authority Report into the funeral profession? Will there be new regulations I’ll need to follow? How can I better support my clients who aren’t coping with their bereavement? How will medical examiners affect me? […]

Prospective new members in Solihull and Haydock.

SAIF has received an application from a prospective funeral director based in Haydock and an asscoiate member in Solihull. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Need to understand digital marketing?

Ever wondered what Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) or Pay per click (PPC) advertising means? SAIF’s Communications Toolkit unlocks the mysteries of digital marketing for SAIF members. It starts with a description of what digital marketing is and continues to explain website marketing, SEO, PPC, content marketing and social media marketing. Members may download the toolkit […]

Prospective new member in Aylesbury

SAIF has received applications from a prospective funeral director based in Aylesbury. Please log onto the members area and visit the ‘membership pending’ page to see further details.

Marvellous weekend in Maldon with SAIF

SAIF thanks all Members and Associates who joined us for a fabulous weekend at the Five Lakes Resort. Special thanks to Alun Tucker F.SAIF for his past year as National President and a warm welcome to incoming National President Jim Auld of James Auld Funeral Directors in Helensburgh.

SAIF AGM Banquet Weekend

SAIF wishes Members and Associates a safe and enjoyable weekend at the Five Lakes Resort at Maldon, near Colchester. We look forward to seeing you there!

CMA launches funeral market investigation

Today, the Competition and Markets Authority has made the announcement our profession has been patiently waiting for. It is to proceed with a market investigation. The decision comes as no surprise, given the concerns outlined in the CMA’s interim report on the funeral market last November. Many family-run funeral firms across the UK will welcome […]