New funerall director appionted

NEW FUNERAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Leading South West funeral venue Bristol Memorial Woodlands has appointed Steve Begbie-Dilks as a new funeral director. Steve, 58, has 12 years’ experience in the funeral industry having spent the majority of his career in newspaper print production working for the Bristol Evening Post and Daily Mail.

Since joining another local funeral firm in 2009 Steve has turned his hand to everything from working in the mortuary to driving hearses.

His new role at Bristol Memorial Woodlands in Alveston will see him supporting families as they plan their loved one’s funeral and ensuring the day runs smoothly from start to finish. Steve, from Coalpit Heath, said: “I am relishing my new role with Bristol Memorial Woodlands. Coming into the funeral business later in life happened by accident when I took up a position in-between jobs. I ended up staying and working on the operations side of the firm for over a decade.

“Now as a funeral director at Bristol Memorial Woodlands I can say I’ve had a whole new lease of life and I’m thoroughly enjoying working for such a wonderful organisation, where attention to detail and the best interests of the families we care for are always top priority. “It’s an honour to support and comfort families during such a sad and difficult time in their lives. Helping people remember and pay tribute to their loved ones is so important and we try to make the process as easy and pleasant as it can possibly be. “I treat everyone with care and professionalism and always remind customers that they have plenty of time and choice when planning their special occasion.” Steve joins existing Memorial Woodlands funeral director Scott Walker. The woodlands is a 100-acre site just north of Bristol where families can hold a funeral followed by a burial and tree planting at the picturesque site, which is held in trust for future generations. Whole morning or afternoon services and celebrations are available for less than the average price of a cremation and there is the added benefit of burials being more environmentally friendly. Chris Baker, founder of Bristol Memorial Woodlands, said: “We are delighted to have Steve join our team here. Already we can see the way he puts families at ease and goes above and beyond to make each experience personal.”

Outside of work Steve is a qualified UEFA football coach running a successful local Under 16s team. For more information about Bristol Memorial Woodlands visit www.memorialwoodlands.com

ONE-STOP BUSINESS HUB WITH LOCAL PARTNERS

Accountancy firm Haines Watts has launched a region-wide partnership with local business services providers to launch a one-stop business services hub for growing SMEs.

The Bristol office of Haines Watts, which nationwide is the 15th largest accountancy firm in the UK, has teamed up with a selection of business coaching, HR, legal and other firms.

Together, the companies will operate under the one banner of Haines Watts Employer Services, aiming to support local smaller businesses going through times of growth and change, in a concept being rolled out by Haines Watts’ offices across the South West.

Alongside payroll and benefits advice, legal advice and HR support, Haines Watts Employer Services will also offer employee share scheme design and implementation, coaching and masterclasses in executive leadership and management. They will also conduct comprehensive employee engagement research and surveys.

Matthew Bracher, managing director at Haines Watts Bristol, said “Any business looking to expand or diversify will need initial and ongoing legal advice, as well as support around the people in the business.

“Clearly both of these functions also bring financial implications into consideration. So, we’ve recognised the appeal of offering all these services to growing SMEs under one umbrella for a while and it’s great to be able launch this new service.” “Collaboration and umbrella working is becoming increasing popular in the business services sector and Executive Edge is a good fit with the vision that Haines Watts Employer Services is aiming to achieve.

“Business coaching is highly relevant as our economy pivots and we adapt and innovate to keep up with the challenges posed by the Covid crisis.

“This new relationship is a great example of how we are looking to broaden the services we offer our clients, who increasingly look to one supplier for a range of business functions.”

Mr Bracher said: “We’ve been considering this as an option at Haines Watts for some time, as when planning for growth in business there is often crossover in these key areas of accountancy, HR and legal support.

“All of our carefully-chosen partners match our standards of quality and customer service and we are pleased to be working with them.

“A changing business landscape, with an economy hit by Covid and with the challenges of Brexit, offers many smaller businesses a great opportunity to pivot and grow. I believe there is great potential for this holistic service and I am looking forward to seeing Haines Watts Employer Services develop.

“It’s also pleasing to see the concept rolled out across the South West, as we look to increase our presence in the region’s thriving SME community.”

Among the partners in the Bristol area are business coaching firm Executive Edge, owned by director Bev Couzens. She said: “We are pleased to develop this relationship with Haines Watts. 32