“Together we can have strength in numbers”
At the recent SAIF AGM, Paul Stevenson was introduced as the new SAIF Scotland President. In this issue of SAIFInsight, Paul discusses his background and his plans to listen to, support and champion fellow SAIF Scotland members.
Here is Paul’s first report:
“I started working in the profession for an independent funeral director and stayed with that firm for nine years, before setting up my own business.
“Paul Stevenson Funeral Directors Ltd was finally incorporated in October 1994 and based in Ayrshire, with our head office in Saltcoats and a second branch office opened in Largs in 2010.
“I now employ a total of 10 staff, including myself, my wife Fiona and our daughter Katie, who has been working with us full-time for the last four years. Five employees are full-time, three are funeral directors and one of them is also our embalmer, and two employees are part-time.
“I have been a member of SAIF for 22 years. I joined as I wanted to be part of the trade association that supported independent funeral directors.
“Independents carry out nearly two-thirds of funerals in the UK and together we can have strength in numbers to compete with the large corporates.
“The Scottish SAIF Presidency is currently a two-year term so I am really looking forward to campaigning on behalf of my fellow members.
“My immediate plan of action is to focus on the expected regulation and legislation of funeral directors in Scotland. Thankfully, my colleagues Jim Brodie, Joe Murren and Mark Porteous are on hand to provide support and guidance.
“In the long-term, or at least by the end of my term as President, I would like to leave SAIF Scotland in a strong position with more independent members and improving our already exceptionally high standards.
“I intend to visit as many Scottish members as possible for potential executive members – so be prepared.
“As I have said to fellow members before, we will continue working with the Scottish Government, Scottish Inspector of Funeral Directors Natalie McKail and SAIF to help shape the future of our profession.”
If you would like to become a SAIF Executive member or have any questions for Paul, please email and include SAIF Scotland to the subject line.
Paul is Managing Director of Paul Stevenson Funeral Directors Ltd and is well established in the funeral profession, having more than 30 years’ experience. Paul is the new SAIF Scotland President and is also a trustee for The Golden Charter Trust, a member of the SAIFCharter Executive and Chair of the Product Development and Innovation group, as well as a member of the Policing and Compliance committee.
Tags: AGM, Ayrshire, funeral director, Paul Stevenson, President, report, SAIF, Saltcoats, Scotland, Scottish