Neville Funerals – one of the region’s longest-established family-run businesses – has been named Community Business of the Year 2025 at this year’s Community Interest Luton Awards, recognising its outstanding commitment to local people and causes.
Part of the Neville Trust Group of Companies, Neville Funerals impressed judges with its growing programme of free bereavement support groups, Talking Elephants, and its unwavering dedication to volunteering and charity throughout the year – including substantial hours of staff volunteering time logged across the region in 2025, its 150th anniversary year.
Vicky Trumper, Director and fifth-generation Neville family member, commented: “We’re delighted to have won the Community Business of the Year award, an accolade that perfectly showcases the wonderful work of our team across our communities. I am incredibly proud of the impressive work our funeral teams provide and their commitment to going the extra mile to support those experiencing the loss of a loved one.”
At the heart of Neville Funerals’ community work is its ‘Talking Elephants’ bereavement support groups, which offer a free, friendly and informal setting for those who are grieving to connect with others. Since launching in 2015, the initiative has continued to grow – with 96 sessions already delivered across the region this year, supporting hundreds of people.
Importantly, every Talking Elephants session is led and staffed entirely by Neville Funerals’ own team members, who give their time voluntarily alongside their professional roles. The sessions quite simply wouldn’t happen without them.
“We created Talking Elephants to offer something meaningful where bereavement services were lacking – and the impact has been humbling,” Vicky added. “It’s a safe space for people to talk and listen, and to know they’re not alone.”
In 2025, the firm has gone even further as part of the Neville Trust’s 150th anniversary celebrations, pledging 150 days of staff volunteering across local communities. From knitting for neonatal units to helping children learn to cook and read, the Neville Funerals team has demonstrated its commitment to doing good in hands-on ways.
This year also saw staff raise vital funds for the Trust’s Charities of the Year – including Dementia UK, Mind Bedfordshire, Keech Hospice Care and Schoolreaders – helping extend their reach and support to those most in need.
Vicky continued: “It is incredibly special that we have won this local award in such an important year for us. Charity fundraising and community support have always been at the heart of our business, so we feel truly honoured to accept such an important award in our milestone year. I’d like to thank each of our Neville Funerals team members for their continued hard work helping those facing a bereavement and for those who dedicate their time to providing our valuable Talking Elephants sessions.”