Funeral directors celebrate milestone with discount on plans

The basic cost of a funeral has increased by six per cent every year for the past 14 years

J W Peters Funeral Directors is bucking the national trend of rising funeral prices with direct cremations from only £1,350.

And they’re offering a £200 discount on pre-paid funeral plans to mark the milestone anniversary of 100 years in business.

Alex Beal, who runs the company in Bridge Street with his dad Alan after it was passed on from his father, explains that because JW Peters is independent, they are able to control their costs more easily and offer better value.

"For the past century, we have been trusted to serve families throughout Northumberland and offer a professional, sensitive service when they need it most," he explains.

"Funeral arrangements are extremely personal and we want to make sure that everyone can afford to have the service that they would wish for."

Pre-paid funeral plans are a secure way to pay for a funeral director’s services and ensure that, when the time comes, loved ones are not left with a large bill to pay or difficult decisions to make.

According to the Competition and Markets Authority, the basic cost of a funeral has increased by six per cent every year for the past 14 years; fees for cremations alone have risen by 84 per cent in the last decade, and the authority is due to unveil its report into the funeral market this spring.

At J W Peters, the team pledge to keep funerals affordable – and say they won’t be beaten on price, service or quality.

The trusted family-run firm is working with Golden Charter funeral planners to offer Morpeth residents the chance to join the 750,000 people in the UK who have taken out a plan to prepare for their future, much like making a will.

"There are two clear benefits to setting up a pre-paid funeral plan: firstly, you can have peace of mind that your wishes will be fulfilled and your family won't have to worry about arranging the ceremony at such an emotionally difficult time,” adds Alex.

"It also means that there are no financial worries; no matter how much the cost of our services may rise in years to come, neither you nor your loved ones will be asked for a penny more, so you can rest assured that the details are taken care of and so is the cost."

Thanks to their close relationships with the local churches and chapels, the experienced and compassionate team at J W Peters can organise funerals for any denominations, including non-religious funerals.

"We know that arranging a funeral can seem daunting when you are at your lowest, but we are here to guide you through the process with the utmost professionalism," says Alex. “Whether you are looking for something traditional or unique to honour someone you know, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will help in any way that we can.”

For more information, see www.jwpetersfuneraldirectors.co.uk or call 01670 517117.