Rising Star Edward goes from new starter to Funeral Director in less than 12 months in Peterborough

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 13/07/2018


A rising star at Central England Co-op Funeralcare has spoken about how he has become a Funeral Director in less than 12 months.

Edward Pearson only joined the Society last June as a Funeral Services Assistant but after Senior Funeral Directors soon spotted his potential, work ethic and enthusiasm he was supported in the process of taking on a senior role.

After helping launch a new Funeral Arrangement Office in Eye, Edward now oversees Funeral Homes in Werrington, Crowland and Deeping – going from Funeral Services Assistant to Funeral Director in just 19 weeks.

The 33-year-old, who lives in Newborough, said: “I first came into contact with Central England Co-op Funeralcare after my nan passed away and we were supported by staff at A Coley & Son, in Crowland.

“A few years later I wanted to start a career where I could give something back and after being helped so much during our time of need, I knew supporting other families when planning a funeral was the job for me.

“I took on the role of Funeral Services Assistant and I have never looked back since. I worked hard to get to know and understand the job as I wanted to make a difference and eventually progress.

“I was soon asked to become a Funeral Arranger and jumped at the chance.

“Then I was asked if I would consider being the Funeral Director of our new Funeral Home in Eye and I knew I had to say yes to develop my career, but most importantly provide the best service possible to our families.

“This meant that I went from new starter to Funeral Director in just 19 weeks. I have since moved and I am now the Funeral Director at homes in Werrington, Crowland and Deeping.”

When asked about what he loves most about the job, Edward said: “I enjoy all parts of it. I work with brilliant colleagues and also find it a privilege to be entrusted with caring for a lost loved one. I see this as a great honour and something that allows me and my colleagues to make a real difference for everyone.”

Edward said his goals in the future include continuing to progress within the Society.

He added: “I cannot see me working anywhere else or doing anything different.”

Outside of work Edward enjoys spending time with his parents, his two dogs Chumley and Barry and sports including badminton and Formula One.

Senior Funeral Director Niki Roberts said: “Ever since Edward joined Central England Co-op and was made a Funeral Director he has continued to grow and develop.

“His standards are impeccable and I am very proud to have Edward as part of my team and look forward to seeing his career grow and develop as he helps families in their times of need.”

 

Notes to editors

Picture caption: Funeral Director Edward Pearson has enjoyed a rise through the ranks during his 12 months at Central England Co-op Funeralcare.

About Central England Co-operative

 

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property.

 

The company’s funeral business consists of over 120 funeral homes across 16 counties, 10 florists, masonry production and administration, Bretby Crematorium and Terry Smiths coffin factory.

 

Central England Co-operative has more than 430 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. 

 

The Society has an ambitious food store and funeral home development programme for 2018.

 

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

 

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

 

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, @mycooplife and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

 

Rob Smyth at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140

 

Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop