Why we choose to remain independent: the importance of an independent Funeral Director

A funeral is not just an event, but a deeply personal milestone and a profound moment of letting go. In an era when large national corporations are acquiring more and more locally based funeral homes, we have chosen to remain an independent business.

Remaining independent is not just a business model; it is a deliberate choice that allows us to offer genuinely personalised, flexible, and compassionate care when families need it most.

What is an independent Funeral Director?

To us, being independent means that we are not answerable to distant head offices or driven by standardised processes. Instead, we are free to focus entirely on what matters most: providing a compassionate, personalised, and heartfelt service to you and your family.

Because we are locally owned and managed, every decision is made right here, with the flexibility to listen, support, and tailor every detail to your family’s unique wishes.

How can you tell an independent Funeral Director from one that’s corporate-owned?

Here are some ways to distinguish an independent funeral director from one that is part of a larger corporation or chain:

SAIF membership

Many independent funeral directors, like us, are members of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). This membership is exclusive to independently owned businesses and is a strong indication of quality, requiring adherence to strict codes of conduct, transparency standards, and regular inspections.

The ‘About Us’ page

Independent firms will often share the history behind the business, highlighting their local roots and long-standing connection to the community.

Pricing

Corporate firms often operate with more standardised pricing structures. Independent funeral directors can often offer greater flexibility, particularly when arranging bespoke services tailored to individual needs.

Statutory Disclosure documents

All funeral directors are required to display Standardised Price Lists and disclosure information both in their premises and on their websites, clearly stating who owns the business.

Transparency

An independent funeral director should always be open and clear when answering the simple question: “Who owns this business?”

Hidden corporate ownership

One of the more confusing aspects of the UK funeral industry is that corporate chains often retain the original business name after acquisition.

For example, a branch may still display “J. Smith & Sons” above the door, while the small print on stationery or in the window may state “Part of the Dignity / Co-op / Funeral Partners Group.”

This allows corporate owners to maintain the local identity and trust built over decades. However, following a change in ownership, the level of personalised and flexible service may not always remain the same.

Our history

Here at James Ashton & Son, we have been caring for families across Dundee, Tayside, and St Andrews since 1910, and we are proud to be the largest independent funeral directors in the region.

We understand the emotional challenges that come with planning a funeral, which is why we are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to support families during their time of grief and help arrange a fitting final farewell.

Each family is supported by a dedicated funeral director, who will guide them every step of the way, ensuring every detail is handled with care and creating a service that is both personal and meaningful.

That is the difference you receive with an independent funeral director.

Why choose an independent Funeral Director?

We understand that you have a choice between independent funeral businesses, like ours, and an increasing number of corporate-owned providers. Here is what independence means when choosing a funeral director to guide you through one of life’s most difficult moments:

Dedicated support

In an independent business, the person you speak to on the phone is often the same person who will arrange the funeral and be present on the day. In larger organisations, you may find yourself speaking to different people at different stages.

A personalised approach

Being independent means we are able to take a more personal and flexible approach with every family we support. Rather than relying on fixed packages, we work closely with you to ensure every aspect of the service feels right, with clear guidance and no unnecessary additions.

Freedom to choose

Every life is unique, and a farewell should reflect your loved one’s personality, beliefs, and interests. Our independence gives us the freedom to tailor every detail, creating a service that truly reflects the life being celebrated.

Accountability

When a name and reputation are directly connected to the service provided, accountability becomes personal. Choosing a funeral director is about choosing someone you trust to care for your loved one with dignity and respect.

Longevity

Established in 1910, we have supported generations of families through life’s most difficult moments. Over time, we have built lasting relationships, allowing us to provide a truly personal service and ensuring families know exactly who to turn to, generation after generation.

Local knowledge

Choosing a local funeral director ensures familiarity with regional practices, venues, and regulations. It also allows us to recommend trusted local services, such as florists and caterers, helping to ease the organisational process while supporting the wider community.

Get in touch

Choosing a funeral director is about choosing someone you trust to care for your loved one. As you can see, independence ensures that this trust is met with genuine care, flexibility, and a strong connection to the local community.

In difficult times, having the right support can make all the difference. By choosing an independent funeral director, you are choosing a service built on understanding, compassion, and the ability to truly reflect the life of your loved one.

Whether you are planning ahead or need immediate support, we are always here to talk.

• Call us: speak directly with a member of our experienced team on 01382 452110
• Visit us: you are welcome to speak with us in person at one of our local branches
• Email us: enquiries@jamesashton.co.uk
• Contact page: full details for all offices are available on our contact page
• Facebook: follow or message us on Facebook for updates, information, or to get in touch in a way that feels comfortable for you

There are no obligations and no pressure. Whether you have a specific question or simply want to talk things through, we are always here to support you.