Future-Proofing Alcocks for Another 160 Years!

Jonathan Alcock and Sons Ltd has cared for generations of local families, continually enhancing and adapting our facilities and services to meet the changing needs of the bereaved and the funeral industry.

Families today rightfully expect more choices in how they say goodbye. This is particularly relevant with the increased exposure, and subsequent popularity, of Direct Cremations.

Whether a family opts for a more formal, traditional service led by a minister or celebrant, a simpler, more personalised gathering, or a Direct Cremation, we will ensure the service is tailored to honour your loved one in the manner you wish. This might include requests such as having funeral staff wear a tie in a favoured colour, a family member leading the service, or having an unattended funeral and a memorial service at a later date.

We believe that a good Funeral Director must adapt to these changing expectations whilst maintaining the highest standards of care and service.

Guiding Our Future Investments

This perspective is shaping our investments for the future of our Funeral Home. From Jonathan’s modest beginnings in the back room of the family drapery store on Cheadle High Street in Stockport to our current location, Brook House – once the family home – we have made substantial changes to ensure we continue providing the best possible service.

Exciting New Developments

We are entering an exciting new phase of development at Jonathan Alcock and Sons Ltd, having recently obtained planning approval for a significant expansion of our premises. The approved plans include a larger Chapel of Rest and dedicated service space. This space will feature mood lighting, music, and facilities for visual tributes, as well as the opportunity for intimate visitations and smaller services – designed to offer families greater flexibility in how they spend time with their loved one. Our new Chapel space will accommodate from four mourners during private visits to approximately 40 mourners for a full service prior to the committal, which can take place on a different day and be unattended. Importantly, whether our families choose a Direct Cremation (attended or unattended) or a traditional funeral, our future facilities will provide even greater scope to meet the changing preferences of bereaved families.

Prioritising Inclusiveness

We are also dedicated to ensuring our new facilities are fully accessible – with a hearing-loop provision, designated disabled parking bays, and wheelchair access. This guarantees that our Funeral Home is welcoming and suitable for everyone.

Consideration of our Impact

Another key consideration has been the sustainability and the environmental impact of our plans. Our Funeral Home is located within a conservation area, and the building we are redeveloping holds historical significance. We have conducted various arboriculture and wildlife assessments, including successfully passing a bat survey! We have adhered to strict planning restrictions regarding which trees can be moved, how many can be relocated, and what types must be replanted to ensure local wildlife has a nutritious food source throughout the seasons.

While we had hoped to install solar panels, restrictions have prevented this; however, we will include electric vehicle charging points and ensure all construction is sympathetic to the surrounding environment.

Key Infrastructure Enhancements

Furthermore, we have carefully reviewed the new UK Funeral Director Code to ensure our efforts align with the latest practices and standards being implemented.

Our new mortuary refrigeration will be a crucial part of the first phase of this project. It will include provisions for bariatric cases and 35 spaces for the deceased. We will have designated, numbered bays with formal identification processes to ensure the safety and dignity of those in our care.

A New Chapter

We eagerly await this exciting chapter for our business as we embark upon these significant changes to our facilities.

With a project of this scale, it is not without its challenges, as we strive to meet the changing needs of future generations of bereaved families and the evolving demands of the funeral profession. Nevertheless, we are committed to creating facilities that are both operationally viable for our team and of the highest quality.