Family firm with 178 years’ service to its community

A family firm focused on providing exceptional comfort and support to the bereaved since 1839 has been recognised for its outstanding contribution. Hertfordshire’s J J Burgess & Sons has been an integral part of its community for almost 180 years.

In March, the firm was awarded Best Family Business at the biz4Biz Awards 2017. According to the event organisers, the award is for a “commercial organisation in which decision-making is influenced by multiple generations of a family and who are closely aligned with the company through leadership or ownership”.

Justin Burgess, who now runs the Independent, said: “We were very surprised to even get through to the final and were shocked to win, but it does mean we are doing the right thing.”

The firm’s success was due to a public vote and Justin believes it is the personal touch the community responded to.

“When you call J J Burgess & Sons you deal with us, we don’t have a call centre and we are available any time of the day or night.

“Yes we are a business, but we’re not driven by the monthly sales figures. I love what I do.”

While the funeral directors firm was founded in 1839, the family’s business roots in Hatfield can be traced back to the 1700s when the family were clock makers and timber dealers.

Now in 2017, the firm has six branches and 11 employees, including the invaluable support from Justin’s mother Margaret and brother Jason.

“This award is a baton to pass on to my [three] children if they decide to join the business,” said Justin. “Winning is great but we are continually working hard keep our standards up and are always improving our services.”

At the glittering night of celebration, a total of 12 awards were presented at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire with the event compered by the Rt Hon Michael Portillo.

Adrian Hawkins, Chairman of biz4Biz, said: “A look at the list of our finalists shows just what a tough task our judges had.

“There is so much that we can be proud of and our winners all showed that they just have the edge over their rivals and were able to turn good into excellent.”

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