SAIF Golden Charter

A night at the museum

Golden Charter’s Funeral Planner of the Year Awards took place on Saturday evening at the spectacular National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Over 400 people attended and enjoyed Scottish entertainment provided by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and host Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce.

The big winners on the night were Your Choice Funerals and John Fraser & Son who scooped the national awards. All 40 of this year’s winners are listed in this month’s issue.

Golden Charter’s Malcolm Flanders said: “Congratulations to all of the winners. The AGM made Independents’ challenges clear, and we know pre-need competition has heated up, so even to be nominated for an award at this time shows the incredible work you do for your families.”

Scottish sensations

Every song heard during the night had a Scottish connection, and that took in everything from traditional ballads over dinner to pop and dance hits when each winner was announced. Then there were the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

“The most famous bagpipe band on the planet” brought their “bagrock” fusion of pop and traditional music to the evening’s after-dinner entertainment. They followed a more traditional piper who welcomed guests at the beginning of the evening.

Alongside a meal of Scottish food, the night’s entertainment gave guests an Edinburgh-inspired experience throughout.

Your response

Survey responses came in from more than half of the funeral director businesses who came along to the Awards.

The night’s entertainment, with its nod to Golden Charter’s “Scottish heritage”, was the clear winner, rated excellent by 87%. Hot on its heels were ratings for the venue itself, which 85% of funeral directors called excellent.

Overall, almost 90% of funeral directors called the night’s event “good” or “excellent”, with the majority of respondents giving it the highest possible rating.

London calling

Next year’s SAIFCharter AGM is set for London, and there will be another unique awards ceremony to follow.

Every Independent who exclusively sells through Golden Charter can qualify for the awards; speak to your local Golden Charter representative to see how you can get involved.