- Second independent, boutique funeral home set to open in Heathwood, Cardiff, creating rare career opportunities in the funeral industry.
- This announcement comes in light of its celebration at being named as a finalist in four categories at the prestigious Good Funeral Awards
- Local businessman, Director Gareth Coles, promises fair funerals for all
Coles Funeral Directors is a familiar name in Cardiff – particularly in the Roath, Rumney, St Mellons and Marshfield areas where the business first became established and developed a loyal base of customers who – if you check Coles’ Facebook page you’ll see – have nothing but praise for the family-run team.  Regulars on the radio, in local print, and in line for a respected industry award for its weekly funeral blog, this Cardiff business is growing from strength to strength.
Local family-man, Gareth Coles, is the Director of this independent funeral business, and according to the Good Funeral Guide, – he’s like a breath of fresh air in a relatively ‘fusty old industry’. A finalist for this year’s most prestigious award in the death care industry – Funeral Director of the Year 2018 – it seems his customers and peers agree.
In October 2018, he will be opening a second funeral home in Cardiff, to better serve the family’s growing customer base in the North of Cardiff. The old Barclay’s Bank on Heathwood Road, which was once a hub of the community, is finally getting its new lease of life. Currently undergoing a re-fit ‘The Coles Way’, the new funeral home will be a light, airy and inviting space – creating a home away from home for families in the area.
The Good Funeral Guide describes ‘The Coles Way’ as:
One of the best examples of a small funeral directors: Coles is an outward looking, exciting and innovative business – and exceptional service to the bereaved is its sole motivation… Behind the scenes, the systems in place are extensive, worthy of a much bigger organisation in their scope and depth, and illustrating the typical attention to every single detail that makes these funeral directors stand out from all the rest in the area.
Coles Funeral Directors is the only funeral director in Wales to be recommended by the Good Funeral Guide, and the inspectors have been invited to the new home when it is open for business to ensure it meets (and exceeds) the accrediting body’s standards of excellence.
In the meantime Gareth is busy introducing himself to other business owners in the area, as well as recruiting for individuals to join his close-knit team. Gareth explains why joining his business presents a rare opportunity in the funeral industry:
A career in the death industry isn’t for everyone, but it can be incredibly rewarding. We help families through some of their darkest hours – and that is an incredibly important job that demands care, respect and the utmost professionalism. Over the years, larger companies have acquired most of Cardiff’s funeral homes. We’re one of the last remaining independent funeral businesses now. But what our independence gives us is the flexibility to provide the very best, personal and bespoke service we can to the families we work with – at a fair price. We ensure every funeral we provide is the perfect reflection of the life of the deceased and respects their every wish. Whether they want a Requiem Mass or a Direct Transfer. All our customers are equally important to us.
On 15thSeptember, Gareth along with his wife Francesca (Head of Communications) and two colleagues will be attending the Good Funeral Awards ceremony in Bournemouth:Â James Rogers is a finalist for the Funeral Arranger of the Year Awardfor the second year running, whilst Stephen Long is hoping to be named Trainee Funeral Director of the Year. This time next year the company hopes to have even more of their team nominated for the excellent work they do.
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About Coles Funeral Directors:
SAIF accredited, Coles Funeral Directorsis one of the last remaining independent funeral providers in Cardiff and the only funeral business in Wales to be recommended by the Good Funeral Guide. Â The company has won many awards for excellence in funeral planning and innovation in the industry, and was voted Cardiff Business of the Year 2017 by customers.
Delivering traditional religious ceremonies, woodland and eco funerals, and all types of humanist, celebration of life, and direct transfer services – Coles is dedicated to serving Cardiff’s diverse community and ensuring each and every funeral is the perfect reflection of the life of the deceased.
In October 2018 the business is opening it’s second funeral home in on Heathwood Road – the perfect location to better service Coles’ growing customer base in Cardiff North. An employer that is committed to training and professional development, Coles employs more than 20 local people and is currently recruiting to grow its professional team.
Regulated by the National Association of Funeral Directors, Coles rigorously follows their code of conduct demonstrating its commitment to raising standards in the funeral and death care industry in Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Coles Funeral Directors has also signed the Fair Funeral Pledge.
Media Enquiries:
Francesca Coles, Head of Communications
[email protected]
029 2079 7516