Celebrating the UK’s independent funeral director businesses

This year’s annual Funeral Planner of the Year Awards are taking place on Saturday 21 September at the luxury Royal Lancaster London, overlooking Hyde Park’s stunning Italian Gardens.

The event, which celebrates the achievements of independent funeral directors throughout the UK, will feature a delicious three course meal and live entertainment.

Earlier in the day, the independent funeral directors making up Golden Charter’s ownership group, SAIFCharter, will gather for their AGM at the hotel.

Firms shortlisted for an award are entitled to four free tickets to the event, while all SAIFCharter and Premier member firms are entitled to two tickets free of charge.

Additional tickets come at the subsidised rate of £75 and include a glass of fizz on arrival, a three course meal with half a bottle of wine, and tea or coffee.

Booking is essential – please click here to register

Rooms are available on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September with the Royal Lancaster London and the Doubletree by Hilton Hyde Park, which is just a short walk away.

Please click through for more information and to book your stay.

Royal Lancaster London 5*

DoubleTree by Hilton Hyde Park 4* – £200 per room per night, B&B (special rate applicable until 22 August 2019)

There are of course numerous other hotels and B&Bs available nearby. We’ve compiled a short guide to these here.


New Funeral Planner of the Year awards categories for 2019

This year’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards will include new categories celebrating independent funeral directors who have excelled in areas such as entrepreneurship, environmentalism and innovation.

In addition to the existing regional, newcomer and national awards, the new categories have been revealed as:

  • Family Business of the Year
  • Young Entrepreneur of the Year
  • Green Responsibility
  • Innovative Business Strategy
  • Best Online Campaign
  • Staff Training & Development

The deadline for applying was Friday 2 August and entries are now being reviewed by a panel relevant to the particular category.