FAQs

Yes. We are a local, family-owned, independent Funeral Directors, and have been for over 160 years. We are privately owned and operated, and in no way connected with any other business.

Jonathan Alcock & Sons Ltd was founded in 1863, and it has been the family’s greatest privilege to serve thousands of bereaved families throughout Stockport, Manchester, Cheshire, Tameside, and beyond during that time.

Now in its fifth generation, Sarah Parker, Jonathan’s great-great granddaughter, manages the family firm alongside her mother, Barbara.

In 2005, after many years of collaboration with Keith, the former owner of George Hill Funeral Directors, Alcocks acquired the business upon Keith’s retirement. As a result, we operate under two trading names: George Hill Funeral Directors in Hazel Grove and Jonathan Alcock & Sons (the parent company) in Cheadle. Our qualified and compassionate team provides exceptional care and services across both our funeral homes.

For many decades, we have been entrusted with the care of loved ones during their final farewells, and we pledge to continue this commitment as a family business for many years to come.

You can read more about our history here.

Jonathan Alcock and Sons, based at Brook House features three inviting arranging rooms, two private Chapel of Rests, offices and reception, as well as a modern purpose-built mortuary facility, and a garage for our funeral fleet.

George Hill Funeral Directors is located on Hazel Grove High Street, this Funeral Home offers a welcoming arranging lounge and a peaceful Chapel of Rest. Due to the size of Hills premises, we look after all the preparation of your loved one at our Cheadle Funeral Home, where our primary facilities are located. This ensures your loved one receives the very best care.

Both Funeral Homes provide on-site parking for your convenience.

We serve bereaved families from across Stockport, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Tameside.

In addition, we will travel to anywhere in the UK – if you wish for us to conduct your Funeral, we are ready to provide our services and support wherever it is needed.

For more information please visit our website here.

Yes, we are. We take pride in being members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) and The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), both of which serve as regulatory authorities for the funeral industry. As members, we adhere to their policies and regulations, maintain a strict Code of Practice, and undergo regular unannounced inspections. In early 2026, we were inspected by SAIF and are thrilled to report that we passed with flying colours.

The NAFD also offers a Complaints Process known as NAFD Resolve, providing a complimentary and independent service for dispute resolution.

Additionally, all Funeral Directors are required to comply with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) Regulations. These regulations are designed to protect both families and Funeral Directors from unscrupulous traders. We take great pride in our commitment to transparency, always ensuring that our costs are clear without any hidden fees or unexpected charges. We also have individual members of The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) – John Wild and Scott Atkins – and The British Institute of Funeral Directors (BIFD) – John Wild, Ryan Guerin, and Jimmy Love.

We are proud to be associated with these regulatory bodies and to adhere to their regulations, as we strive to ensure that our service, facilities, and care consistently meet the highest standards.

As a long-standing family business, our commitment to excellence is further reflected in our requirement for all our Funeral Directors to complete a Funeral Directing qualification. John (Head of Operations), Ryan (Acting Head of Business), Sarah (Company Director), and Jimmy (Funeral Director) are all qualified Funeral Directors who have earned the National Diploma in Funeral Directing.

Matt (Funeral Director) is currently pursuing the NAFD Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Directing and is set to qualify later this year.

Freddie (Trainee Funeral Director) completed his Apprenticeship as a Funeral Operative with distinction and is currently undergoing an internal training programme before he proceeds to complete his Diploma in Funeral Directing.

We take immense pride in the skills, experience, and knowledge of our team.

You can learn more about our team here.

The service we provide to bereaved families in Stockport and beyond never stops.

We offer care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including bank holidays and holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year and Easter.

Our out-of-hours and on-call team consists of our dedicated Funeral Directors and Funeral Operatives. This means you will always speak directly with a member of our staff – never a third party.

If your loved one passes away at home or in a care home, outside of office hours, you can call us any time (once the Doctor or Nurse has verified the death) and we will be there for you.

No matter the hour, someone is always available to assist you promptly and with compassion.

You can reach us anytime on 0161 428 2097.

Yes, we can provide an itemised Funeral Estimate for you. It is worth noting that some of the disbursements (third party costs i.e. Cremation/Burial Fees, Floral Tributes, Minister/Celebrant Fees) may require confirmation upon booking.

We take great pride in our commitment to transparency, always being upfront about our costs without any hidden fees or unexpected extras.

Additionally, you will receive a comprehensive set of our Terms and Conditions, details of our Cancellation Policy, and we can share our GDPR Policies upon request.

Yes, we do require a deposit before the day the funeral takes place. The deposit covers the known third-party expenses and disbursements, which includes such things as the Cremation/Burial Fees, Floral Tributes, Minister/Celebrant Fees.

You will receive the complete account balance statement within 7 to 10 days following the funeral. You will then have 30 days in which to settle your account.

Every family we assist is assigned a dedicated Funeral Director from our team, who will support you throughout your journey with us.*

Our Funeral Directors are committed to guiding families throughout the whole funeral planning process. They offer guidance, answer questions, complete paperwork, and make the arrangements, right through to conducting the service on the day. Their priority is to always ensure our families feel fully comfortable with the decisions being made, and confident that the service is a true reflection of their loved one.

*This consistency is maintained unless the Funeral Director is absent due to illness or has pre-approved annual leave.

You can ‘meet’ our team here.

No. Our role, as your Funeral Director, is to create the service that truly honours your loved one. A farewell that reflects their life, passions, and personality.

Your dedicated Funeral Director will work closely with you to gain a deep understanding of your loved one, and your wishes for their funeral – no matter how ‘unusual’ and ‘unconventional’ that may be!

Some creative ideas include:

• Unique hearses such as horse and carriage, three-wheeler, or a black cab
• Our team can wear a specific colour tie or waistcoat
• Live music to enhance the atmosphere
• A dove or butterfly release
• Funeral favours for mourners
• Personalised coffin designs

We aim to be as flexible as possible in what we offer, and we take pride in our ability to fulfill most any and all requests made by the families we serve.

No, you don’t have to. Our Unattended Direct Cremation Funeral, offers a simple, low cost option for those who wish to arrange a cremation without a formal funeral service.

With our Direct Cremations, we guarantee that your loved one is treated with care and dignity, locally at our Funeral Home in Cheadle. You will have the opportunity to visit them in our Chapel of Rest to say your final farewells. Your loved one’s service will be held locally, and they will be transported respectfully in our hearse, accompanied by one of our Funeral Directors.

You can find out more about our Direct Cremation services here.

Yes and yes. Who carries the coffin is at your discretion. We welcome family and friends, with the help and guidance of our team, if that is something you wish to do.

Alternatively, we have a team of pallbearers that can carry the coffin.

Your dedicated Funeral Director will discuss the options with you.

Yes.

We can help you to find the perfect venue and/or caterer for a funeral reception.

Many families hold a wake after their loved ones’ funeral service; this provides a meaningful opportunity to continue celebrating their life and to share precious memories.

We can help to arrange this for you, by working directly with your chosen venue or by arranging for external caterers to provide food to your chosen venue.

For your convenience, you can find a list of recommended wake venues and caterers from other families on our website here.

Yes.

We offer both Unattended Direct Cremations and Attended Directed Cremation Funeral Services.

With our Direct Cremations, we guarantee that your loved one will be treated with care and dignity locally at our Funeral Home in Cheadle. You will have the opportunity to visit them in our Chapel of Rest to say your final farewells.

Your loved one’s service will be held locally, and they will be transported respectfully in our hearse, accompanied by one of our Funeral Directors.

You can find out more about our Direct Cremation services here.

We are an Introducer Appointed Representative of Open Plan Prepaid Funerals Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This means we can introduce you to the trained and experienced team at Open, where they can arrange a meeting with you to discuss your requirements. We can also be present to provide our funeral arranging expertise.

We have also developed a Funeral Wishes Booklet where you can document all the important information your family will need to fulfil your funeral wishes.

You can download Our Funeral Wishes Booklet here or you can call our Funeral Home on 0161 428 2097, and we will gladly send you a copy by post.

For more information about Open Pre-paid Funeral Plans you an visit our website here, or call us on 0161 428 2097 for a brochure.

Yes, you can visit your loved one. We have a Chapel of Rest at both our Funeral Homes, Jonathan Alcock and Sons in Cheadle and George Hill Funeral Directors in Hazel Grove.

Both Chapels provide a dedicated space for you and your family to spend some final precious time with your loved one.

The intimate and quiet rooms offer time for reflection, comfort and the saying of goodbyes.

You are welcome to visit your loved one at our Chapels of Rest by appointment during normal office hours, (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm). If you require a visit outside of office hours, please do speak with your Funeral Director.

If you would be more comfortable you can choose to have the Coffin closed. Your dedicated Funeral Director is available to guide and support you, so please feel free to discuss any uncertainties you may have regarding this decision.

Additionally, our Chapel at our Funeral Home in Cheadle is also available for small, personalised memorial services.

You can learn more about out Chapel of Rest here.

Visiting your loved one in our Chapel of Rest is a deeply personal choice. We understand for many, this may be the first experience of loosing someone, and contemplating a visit. This can feel overwhelming; however, your dedicated Funeral Director is there to guide and support you, so please feel free to discuss any uncertainties you may have regarding this decision.

Our Chapels of Rest, at our Funeral Homes in Cheadle and Hazel Grove, feature soft lighting, scented candles and fresh flowers, and we can play soothing music if you wish. While the term ‘Chapel’ may have religious connotations, our spaces are not associated with any particular religion, and are specifically designed to be peaceful, comforting and welcoming spaces to families of all faiths, religions and cultures.

If you decide to visit your loved one, our specialist team will prepare your loved one as per your wishes. Your loved one will be resting in the Coffin you have selected for them in the Chapel of Rest. You will be escorted to the Chapel by one of our team, where you will have the opportunity to spend time with your loved one, to grieve and to say your final goodbyes.

You also have the option to keep the Coffin closed if you prefer.

You can learn more about out Chapel of Rest here.

The choice of what your loved one should wear is yours. We can dress them in any clothing you provide, whether that’s formal attire, comfy pyjamas, or a summer dress – there are no restrictions. While we do request undergarments where possible shoes are not always neccessary. Alternatively, we can provide a gown for your loved one to wear.

Our specially trained team will dress your loved one with care and respect according to your wishes. Providing a photo can assist us in our preparations, so we can understand how they wear their hair and makeup or facial hair.

We can shave facial hair and paint nails – but we would only ever do this upon your direction. Whatever your request, we will do our utmost to accommodate it.

If your loved one arrives still wearing jewellery, we can either remove it and return it to you or leave it on them.

Additionally, you are welcome to bring jewellery for us to place on your loved one.

Yes, you can place items in the coffin with your loved one. Many families find great comfort in leaving special items and gifts for their loved ones.

You might consider including a heartfelt letter, a card, or cherished photographs and drawings. Some families have added favourite tea bags, soft toys from grandchildren, precious jewellery, a handkerchief held in their hand, or even their beloved chocolates and sweets. These mementos and keepsakes can hold significant meaning and happy memories.

There may be specific customs or cultural and religious reasons for including certain items, and we will always work with families to accommodate these wishes.

Deciding what to include in your loved one’s coffin is a deeply personal choice. We want the families we serve to feel at ease when including items that are meaningful to them and that honour the life of the deceased.

If you prefer not to place the items yourself, we can assist by placing them in the Coffin for you.

Please note that some restrictions apply, particularly for Cremations, so always consult with your Funeral Director before leaving any items in the Coffin.

Yes. We have two qualified Embalmers, who are members of the British Institute of Embalmers (BIE).

Embalming is a temporary preservation process performed to sanitise and restore a deceased person’s appearance for viewings.

While embalming is not mandatory, we will always discuss this option with you. It is typically recommended if you wish to visit your loved one.

Yes. Our team comprises both male and female staff, and we will honour your requests whenever possible. Please speak with your dedicated Funeral Director regarding your wishes.

Yes. We can arrange services for people of any and all faiths and cultures, as well as non-religious services.

We take pride in supporting our diverse communities by offering flexible services to accommodate all requirements, traditions and customs.

We work with local Humanist Celebrants and Celebrants who can conduct non-religious or less religious services. As well as religious leaders from all faiths.

Whatever your needs may be, we will always strive to accommodate them, whereever possible. Please discuss your preferences with your dedicated Funeral Director.

We work with our families to ensure that our funeral services are fully inclusive and accessible. Whether you require a BSL translator, an accessible entrance or vehicle, or any other accommodations, we are here to help.

We believe that everyone deserves a respectful and personalised farewell, which is why we offer a range of options to tailor each service to the unique preferences and cultural traditions of your loved ones. From eco-friendly burials to virtual attendance options, we strive to create a supportive and comforting environment for all.

Please feel free to reach out to us on 0161 428 2097 with any special requests or questions – we’re here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Our care continues long after the Funeral has taken place. We know that your grief doesn’t end, and so nor does our support to you.

Resources for Grief Support

We offer a variety of resources to help you navigate your grief and provide practical support following the funeral.

Our website is a rich source of information about bereavement and grief; you can explore more here.

We provide links to relevant local and national organisations and charities.

Access GriefChat via our website for an online instant live chat with a professional bereavement counsellor.

Through our membership with SAIF, we can connect you with a bereavement specialist.

Support Groups and Memorial Services

We host a monthly Bereavement Support Group on the first Tuesday of each month at Hazel Grove Baptist Church from 10am to 12noon. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you have used our services. More details can be found here.

Each year, we organise two Memorial Services in the Summer and Winter, inviting families we have served to join us in honouring their loved ones. You can learn more about our services here.

We also participate in several Christmas Tree Festivals at local churches across Stockport. Our ‘Remembering Loved One’s’ Christmas Tree will be adorned with the names of those who are no longer with us. Find out more here.

Practical Assistance with Ashes and Gravestones

For practical assistance regarding ashes and gravestones, we can help in the following ways:

• Transferring your loved one’s ashes into a Scatter Tube of your choice – find out more here.
• Sourcing personalised urns and caskets – find out more here.
• Holding ashes until you’re ready to collect them.
• Ordering specialised memorial jewelry and keepsakes – find out more here.
• Arranging a Burial of Ashes (Interment) – find out more here.
• Providing a Customs and Excise Letter for overseas transportation of ashes.
• Offering advice and assistance regarding new or replacement headstones, including inscriptions – find out more here.

We are always here for you. Please contact us at 0161 428 2097 if you need assistance.

Yes. We understand that choosing the final resting place for your loved one can be a very difficult decision. We are here to support you with the next steps, and we recognise that you may need time to make your decision. We can therefore keep your loved one safely at our Funeral Home until you decide.

We can help with;

• Transferring your loved one’s ashes into a Scatter Tube of your choice – find out more here.
• Sourcing personalised urns and caskets – find out more here.
• Holding ashes until you’re ready to collect them.
• Ordering specialised memorial jewelry and keepsakes – find out more here.
• Arranging a Burial of Ashes (Interment) – find out more here.
• Providing a Customs and Excise Letter for overseas transportation of ashes.

We can help you to make arrangements for an Interment of Ashes or guide you through the process, if you prefer to arrange it yourself. Interring your loved one’s ashes is a meaningful alternative to scattering. Many families find comfort in having a permanent resting place for their loved one, allowing them to visit on special occasions and significant anniversaries, or to simply to feel connected to their loved one.

Whatever feels right for you, we can help you to acheive it.

You can read more about the different options here.