up close & personal

SIMON THOMAS IS ONE of the most well known funeral directors in Redditch. He began his career after the death of his Grandma, when his fascination with the whole funeral process began.

He started a Youth Training Scheme at a local funeral directors at 16 and worked for a number of companies before deciding that by the time he was 30 he would go it alone.

He swore to provide the best service possible to anyone who chose to put their trust in him and to help organise a perfect last goodbye for their loved-one.

"It's hard to explain, but I was so fascinated with the whole experience when my Grandma died, the ceremony and the funeral and everything. It had a mysteriousness to it and I knew I had found my vocation and would one day have my own business."

The 39 year old now runs Thomas Brothers on Evesham Road, and employs 20 people, conducting around 500 funerals a year.

But when Simon, who was born and bred in Astwood Bank and Feckenham, launched hist first Birchfield Road business he persuaded his mum, dad, three brothers, sister-in-laws and cousins to join him in his quest.

When asked if it was a bit of an odd proposal for his family, Simon laughed: "I suppose so, I think most of them thought it was only a temporary thing.

"As the business grew I needed more people and who better than my family who all had perfect traits for the job. My family were ex-Marines, nurses and dad used to be an artificial inseminator before he retired, so he had gone from one end of life to another!

"By employing mostly family, it means my family deal with the families that need us to help them and it is a so much more personal and thoughtful environment. My family has experienced its own grief and we always try and keep that at the forefront of our minds."

The business Simon imagined gained an excellent reputation and soon developed and grew bigger and bigger, although Simon added that Thomas Brothers still maintained a small, friendly and tastefully decorated premises with a homely atmosphere.

On why he thought he had been so successful, Simon explained every person that came into contact with him or his staff was treated like a member of the family and that he was passionate about what he did.

"Attention to detail, a caring approach and a natural way with people as well as empathy for what they are going through are key as far as I am concerned.

"This is the last respectful thing one can do for a loved-one. Every funeral we do is individual and it is a great honour to be selected and given the responsibility of this by a family.

"Grief is different for everyone, whether the person that has gone was 100 or just born, a victim of terrorism or someone that has died from old age, it still hurts immensely for those left behind and we make sure we recognise that."

A funeral with Thomas Brothers can be anything from a small, religious ceremony to a large burial or even non-religious woodland/natural burial where Simon will speak if that is what the family want.

The company also has a fleet of Daimlers, its own catering service and also organises flowers and pre payment plans, so relatives of the deceased only have to liaise with one place. There are also two chapels of rest where people can spend time with their loved-ones before they are laid to rest if they wish.

Despite the nature of his business, Simon does not have a totally sombre view on his trade and the world.

"You have to have the ability to make somebody feel comfortable but without being too morbid or sombre, even try and have a laugh if possible.

"I remember, once, a girl fell into an open grave behind the one where the funeral was taking place. It could have been awful, but as everyone stood there in shock I turned and said "It's not your turn yet!" and everyone laughed.

"It was hilarious and it's times like that, that it is good to have the experience to know what to say and at the right time to say it."

Simon works tirelessly and strives to maintain a family business in an industry that is slowly being taken over by national chains - but he does find the time to relax.

"When I am not at work I like to walk my two springer spaniels, Tom and Lil. I love playing and watching football and am a Blues fan, as well as supporting my own Sunday side at the Abbey Stadium.

"Going for nice meals and nights out with my friends is also important to me - just like anyone else really."