Neville Funerals, one of the region’s longest established family run businesses, has undertaken an extensive £500,000 refurbishment of its Hemel Hempstead branch and adjoining property.
Situated in the town centre (75 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead), the new and improved branch now has double the capacity with a new extension housing a second arrangement room and greater back of house storage space. The existing facilities have also been modernised, including a refurbished chapel, redecorated and refloored mortuary, as well as a new bathroom, kitchen, seating area and large office. In addition, the car park has been resurfaced and expanded to provide more parking spaces for clients. All of the work was carried out by Neville Funerals’ sister company, Neville Special Projects.
As a result of extending and improving the facilities at Hemel, Neville Funerals has also appointed a new Funeral Arranger, Debbie Smith. Born and bred in Hemel, Debbie has more than 16 years experience in the funeral industry, most of which has been spent working at Co-op Funeralcare in the town. In 2017 she changed roles to oversee several of the companies London branches and has now returned to her roots as part of the Neville Funerals’ Hemel team.
Debbie commented: “Neville Funerals has always had an excellent reputation within the industry, both for the service it offers and for the way it looks after its employees. I’ve known Pauline, the Branch Co-ordinator for many years and seen how she always goes the extra mile for families. When the opportunity came up to work here I grabbed it! I’m so pleased to be back serving the community in my hometown, and as part of such a wonderful team.”
Charmian Alexander, Neville Funerals’ General Manager added: “This is a significant refurbishment and upgrade for Neville Funerals in Hemel Hempstead, one which will allow us to provide an even better, seamless, modernised and tailored service for our clients in the region, offering high quality and sensitive support through a difficult time. The refreshed and updated facilities will also offer a more productive and attractive working environment for our growing team.
“We’re delighted to welcome Debbie on board to work alongside Pauline. Between them, they have more than 30 years experience in the funeral industry, most of which has been spent in Hemel Hempstead so I think they must know just about everyone in the town! It’s a real dream team and I know that together they will do a fantastic job serving the local community.”
Branch Co-ordinator, Pauline Crumpton, was given the task of officially cutting the ribbon to mark the completion of the refurbishment. She said: “I had deliberately avoided taking a look at the progress of the work so I could see the final space unveiled in all its glory! We’re delighted with the end result; it looks wonderful and really enhanced the facilities we can offer the people of Hemel Hempstead.
“I’m thrilled to have Debbie join the branch, our paths have crossed many times over the years and I know she will be a real asset to the team.”
As well as improving the branch facilities internally, Neville Funerals has also purchased and renovated an adjacent property to improve the overall appeal of the site.