The Future of Funeral Industry in the UK Part 1

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Funeral Trends : Longer Waiting Times

The Future of Funeral Industry in the UK

The changes that we’ve seen within the funeral industry, regulation is one of them. We now have regulated funerals and regulated funeral plans. We have changes in the way death is treated in terms of registration. The way in which the hospitals treat the dead. You can’t say, someone dies of old age anymore. There has to be some medical reason for death, no matter how old the person.

So, I call this medicalisation of death. It’s done in layers of bureaucracy, where we are moving towards the medical referee system. So GPs will not be able, without direction from the medical referee, to issue cremation paperwork or issue any form of medical certificate for the cause of death. This is centralising things. And I have to say, despite the messages coming down from the Ministry of Justice, that it will speed things up, I disagree, and I think it is only going to slow things down.

30 years ago, you could have a cremation within ten days. You could have a burial within a week. We are now running at 2 to 3 weeks for a cremation; though you can still have a burial in ten days. But I think cremations will be getting out to four or five weeks before too much longer. Now, is that good?

Are You Looking For a Local funeral director near you in or in the Sevenoaks area?

We are here to help you in your time of need, any time of day or night. 24/7, 7 days-a-week. We are here for you.

We have local funeral homes across west Kent and south east London.

Funeral Directors Sevenoaks

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
156 London Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DJ

Tel: 01732 742400

https://welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Sevenoaks

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Our other funeral homes can be found:

Funeral Directors Swanley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/6cqrE4rVDUKqWJDC8

Funeral Directors Chislehurst & Bromley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
4 Belmont Parade, Green Ln, Chislehurst BR7 6AN

Tel: 020 8467 2222

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Bromley%20And%20Chislehurst

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/y1a1GJWZYDc2fmrN7

Funeral Directors Borough Green

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
43 Western Rd, Borough Green, Sevenoaks TN15 7AN

Tel: 01732 780600

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Borough%20Green

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Funeral Directors Tonbridge

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
164 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1BB

Tel: 01732 617171

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Tonbridge

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/q2hKSMfJypEper2A6

Funeral Directors Swanley

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
31 Station Rd, Swanley BR8 8ES

Tel: 01322 619100

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Swanley

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/6cqrE4rVDUKqWJDC8

Funeral Directors Tunbridge Wells

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
39 Crescent Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 2JZ

Tel: 01892 300330

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/TunbridgeWells

Find us here : https://goo.gl/maps/g3zmhPebA3BhSPGG7

Funeral Directors Orpington & Chelsfield

Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials
9 Windsor Dr, Chelsfield, Orpington BR6 6EY

Tel: 01689 452525

https://www.welhamjones.co.uk/Contact/Orpington%20And%20Chelsfield

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23 Jul 2025

Popular Funeral Cortege Routes in Tonbridge

by Simon Welham

The funeral cortege – the journey that carries the deceased and mourners to the site of the funeral ceremony – has long been seen as a purely functional aspect of the service; a way from get from A to B. However, at Welham Jones, we believe that there are a whole host of opportunities that hide between these two little letters, and that the cortege it is an often-overlooked opportunity for loved ones to reminisce one last time. So, what are the popular sights that bring back memories for Tonbridge locals? and how can you customise your cortege?

16 Jul 2025

What to do if you’re unhappy with your funeral director

by Simon Welham

Planning a funeral, whether for a loved one or for yourself in advance, is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s also one that often has to be made quickly, and during a time of great emotional stress. That’s why it’s so important to feel confident that the funeral director you choose is the right fit for your family. As a family-run, independent funeral director with branches across West Kent and South East London, we understand how crucial trust, transparency and compassion are when supporting someone through loss. Here’s how to make sure you’re in safe hands from the very start.

09 Jul 2025

Meet our Tonbridge funeral arranger

by Simon Welham

As a local, independent, family-run funeral director, we know the importance of putting an empathetic, compassionate face to a name, and being able to build a rapport with your funeral director. This is why it is our pleasure to introduce Tonbridge locals to Rosanna Hayward, our passionate and committed funeral arranger, overseeing our Tonbridge operations.