Recent data reveals significant growth in the UK’s funeral sector with a 28% rise in funeral directors.
- An ageing population, with nearly one in five over 65, contributes to the growing demand for funeral services.
- The increase from 4,015 to 5,125 directors in a decade highlights this expanding industry.
- Despite growth, a lack of statutory regulation means anyone can become a funeral director.
- Voluntary memberships exist, yet some firms operate without any oversight.
The United Kingdom’s funeral industry has seen considerable growth over the past decade, marked by a 28% increase in the number of funeral directors. This expansion is closely linked to the ageing population, where one in five individuals in England and Wales are aged 65 or over, escalating the demand for funeral services. This demographic shift, with a 20% increase in the over-65 age group, underscores the necessity for more funeral establishments.
Between 2014 and 2024, the number of funeral directors rose from 4,015 to 5,125, a clear reflection of the demand for such services. This significant rise is also mirrored in popular British media, with soap operas like Coronation Street and Eastenders incorporating funeral directors as notable characters.
Despite the sector’s growth, there is currently no statutory regulation governing who can become a funeral director in the UK. As Andrew Judd, CEO of The National Association of Funeral Directors, notes, “At the moment anyone can set up as a funeral director, I think that’s one of the reasons that there are so many, there are no barriers to entry.” This lack of mandatory scrutiny allows individuals to start a business and operate outside formal oversight.
While individuals can voluntarily join the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), this is not a requirement. Consequently, some firms opt not to participate in these industry bodies and operate without the benefits of such affiliations.
The UK’s funeral industry continues to grow robustly despite the absence of statutory regulations, driven by an ageing population and increasing service demand.
