Neville Funerals has appointed Lee Pedley to the role of General Manager, to oversee operations across all of its locations.
Lee joins us with 19 years’ experience in the funeral industry. He originally began as a Funeral Service Operator and then continued to build his career in the sector until he reached the level of Care Logistics Manager with Coop Funeralcare for the Berkshire region, overseeing 28 funeral homes and operational teams.
The appointment follows the further expansion of Neville Funerals with the launch of its ninth branch in Dunstable earlier this year and following a difficult operational period throughout the lockdown months – which saw the teams at the business working as front-line staff and under intense pressures. Lee will work alongside the Board of Directors to support the company across all its branches. Lee commented: “Neville Funerals is extremely well-known in the industry with an exemplary reputation for customer service and with close supportive links with all its local communities. I consider myself fortunate to be offered the role.
“I also believe that there’s a real advantage to moving to a privately owned, independent firm that has such focus on the communities it serves, and which can be very flexible and adaptable to local needs – rather than be driven by numbers. Neville Funerals excels at working with its individual clients and offering support for important local charities and organisations that provide essential services. It’s in this arena that the business stands apart and stands by its core principles and will continue to grow as a result. It’s exciting to now be part of that story.
“Of course, the whole funeral industry is on the cusp on the introduction of new legislation that is far reaching and could be complex to navigate. But we have to take such changes as a positive opportunity to offer a better service to all our clients and I’m keen to be involved with that from the start and add value to the process where I can.
“We have to be constantly reviewing how funeral choices are evolving, often far beyond what is considered to be traditional, with the increasing popularity of eco and direct funerals and a move away from faith-based ceremonies. We have to be on the front foot when it comes to consumer choice but always ensuring that we offer our customers the best balance of value and service.”
“At Neville Funerals I have been offered the opportunity to play a vital role in influencing all these key areas and ultimately help steer the business forward and help manage a team of highly skilled people who are as equally passionate about what they do. Quite frankly I could not be more proud or eager to take on the role.
Vicky Trumper, Director of Neville Funerals comments: “We have built our reputation on trust and recommendation, care and support and it’s the skills and expertise of our team members that continue to uphold those standards. Lee’s views and values very much align with our own and the experience and drive that he will bring to the General Manager role will be invaluable. He will undoubtedly be a real asset for the business.”