BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Long Established Independent Funeral Directors
Ref. CQ196
Asking Price : OIRO GBP 375,000
Location : North Wales/Chester
This business was established by the vendor over 50 years ago and in that time has built up a sterling reputation in the region for providing a comprehensive funeral and undertaking service to clients in a highly personal yet professional manner. It has served the local communities impeccably and the company name is very well known throughout the area.
The business currently operates from three different leasehold properties. Two of the sites are located on the High Street in adjacent towns and are highly visible to the community. These two sites have receptions, offices and beautifully appointed chapels of rest, together with cold store, preparation areas, toilets, kitchen areas and ample staff/customer parking.
The third site is ideally based between the two above High Street locations and also has reception area, chapel of rest and offices, toilets, kitchen etc. This site also has large internal storage facility for the fully owned limousines, hearse and van to be housed, not to mention a mortuary, cold store, preparation area and workshop (for engraving, coffin preparation etc.)
All three properties are located within easy reach of each other. The business has built up an impressive infrastructure over the years so it can provide a complete funeral service to clients and take away much of the stress and worry for what is a difficult experience for most clients families.
The business is well known within the area it serves and enjoys an excellent reputation with local hospitals, town hall and cemeteries. Typically it carries out 100 funerals a year..
The business has been successful for many years mainly as a result of the wonderful level of service that it offers. As an independent, family run business, the personal touch and a friendly, caring attitude are what separate this business from much of the competition.
The business provides all the services that are normally associated with a company of its standing. They will make all necessary arrangements using their excellent relationships to organize all of their client s requirements with the local churches, ministers, cemeteries and cemetery superintendents. All legally required documents are arranged. The business owns several vehicles that provide different options to meet their client s needs, and can hire further vehciles at short notice if need be. Musical requests are taken care of as well as supply of flowers, urns etc. The business will provide order of service booklets. Obituaries and official notices are organised. The business can also provide repatriation services.
This business would be an ideal acquisition for either an existing operator looking to expand or indeed for an investor with no background in this sector to date.
Expansion Potential
The business operates from three properties and this provides plenty of options for new management, with plenty of spare capacity to accommodate growth.
The current owner has actually been with the business since it started over 50 years ago. By his own admission the vendor would agree the business would probably benefit from a new injection of energy and business acumen to increase future revenues. The current pricing policy is due an update which could certainly increase new revenues.
New owners may well find opportunities for future expansion by exercising a more proactive marketing strategy.
The area in which the business operates has seen its population grow over the years. This trend is continuing as the area is benefiting from further development.
Market / Competition / Non-Competition Agreements
This is a business that traditionally has relied on referrals and brand recognition as well as generations of family and friends recommending and using this business’s services. Very little in the way of advertising has been required. Historical advertising in the local press and church magazines has been effective. There is currently no proprietary website. A more up to date approach to marketing would be a positive move and would help the business step up to a new level.