Business Details
Emergency
services
Trusted Independent Funeral Services in Southend-on-Sea
F P Guiver & Sons has served families in Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas since 1900, establishing itself as one of the region's longest-standing independent funeral directors. Our family-owned business combines generations of expertise with a commitment to adapting to modern needs, operating from our original Southchurch Road premises since the late 1920s and expanding to additional offices in Eastwood and Rochford. We specialise in creating personalised funeral arrangements for all religious denominations and non-religious ceremonies, supported by our membership in both the National Association of Funeral Directors and the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.Our team holds formal qualifications in funeral directing and maintains strict adherence to professional codes of practice while offering Golden Charter Funeral Plans for pre-arranged services. With over a century of local experience, we provide comprehensive bereavement support and maintain 24/7 availability to assist families during difficult times.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Coffin Selection
Bereavement Support
Repatriation Services
Funeral Stationery
Memorial Assistance
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
Chapel of Rest
Hearse Hire
Details
- Year established: 1900
Highlights and features
- Family-owned funeral directors serving the local community since 1900
- Fully qualified funeral directors with formal industry qualifications
- Multiple branch locations covering Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas
- Members of leading funeral industry professional associations
- Offering Golden Charter Funeral Plans with FCA regulation
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Funeral Directors
- National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors
- Financial Conduct Authority
What people say
Professional assistance
Tender care
Handled smoothly
Sympathy and dignity
Outstanding professionalism
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We create bespoke funeral arrangements tailored to individual wishes and cultural requirements. Our qualified funeral directors guide families through every decision, from venue selection to officiant coordination. With three branch locations and 24/7 availability, we provide compassionate support for traditional religious services, non-religious ceremonies, and unique personal tributes.
Direct Cremation
Our direct cremation service offers a dignified, cost-effective option without traditional funeral ceremonies. We handle all administrative requirements, provide a basic cremation coffin, and arrange transportation within 10 miles. Families may choose between unwitnessed cremation or limited attendance at our chapel of rest with professional support throughout the process.
Bereavement Support
We provide ongoing emotional support through regular bereavement group meetings led by trained professionals. Our free support services help individuals process loss and connect with others experiencing similar grief. The program complements our funeral services by offering continued care beyond the initial bereavement period through both in-person and virtual sessions.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
Golden Charter Funeral Plans allow individuals to pre-arrange and pre-pay for their funeral services. These FCA-regulated plans lock in current prices and guarantee specific service elements. We help clients document personal wishes and ensure financial security for families, with flexible options available for both simple and traditional funeral arrangements.
Repatriation Services
We manage the complex logistics of repatriating deceased individuals across international borders. Our service includes documentation preparation, transportation coordination, and compliance with destination country requirements. With experience handling repatriations worldwide, we provide compassionate guidance to families navigating the challenges of overseas funeral arrangements and repatriation logistics.
People
Craig Reynolds
Company Director
With funeral industry experience since 1986, Craig holds a Diploma in Funeral Directing and has managed the Southchurch Road office since 2005. He became a company director in 2006 and maintains active community involvement through the Rotary Club of Rochford and Essex Freemasonry.
Neil McDonald
General Manager
Joining in 2005, Neil progressed through various roles to become General Manager at Southchurch Road. A local resident with extensive funeral service experience, he combines professional expertise with personal understanding of local traditions while supporting Southend United football club.
Steve Banks
Assistant Manager
Having joined in 2011, Steve serves as assistant manager at Southchurch after gaining experience across all operational roles. He combines local knowledge with funeral service expertise while maintaining active involvement in church activities and amateur dramatics.
Matthew Higginson
Funeral Arranger
A 2023 addition to the team, Matt brings prior experience from another local funeral director. He completed formal funeral arrangement qualifications and now serves permanently at the Eastwood branch, balancing work with family life and various sporting activities.
Dawn Silk
Bereavement Support Coordinator
Since joining in 2015, Dawn has transitioned from dental nursing to funeral services, now leading bereavement support group meetings. She combines professional funeral service experience with personal understanding of grief while maintaining active fitness and family commitments.
Questions
What areas do you cover for funeral services?
We serve Eastwood, Hockley, Leigh on Sea, Rayleigh, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Southend-on-Sea, Thorpe Bay, Westcliff-on-Sea, and Rochford from our three branch locations.
Do you offer pre-paid funeral plans?
Yes, we offer Golden Charter Funeral Plans regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, allowing advance payment and arrangement of funeral services at current prices.
What payment options are available?
We require 50% payment before the funeral with the balance due 30 days post-service. Special arrangements can be made for third-party payments from financial institutions or solicitors.
Are your services available outside normal hours?
Yes, we provide 24/7 availability for bereavement support and emergency arrangements with additional charges applying for out-of-hours services beyond 20-mile radius.
What types of coffins do you offer?
We provide traditional coffins, American caskets, and alternative options including willow, seagrass, and custom designs reflecting personal hobbies or interests.
Do you offer bereavement support after funerals?
Yes, we provide free bereavement support group meetings led by trained professionals to help individuals process grief and connect with others experiencing similar loss.
