How Funeral Services Are Changing
Funerals today look very different to how they did a generation ago. Families are moving away from the “one size fits all” approach, choosing instead to create services that truly reflect their loved one’s personality, beliefs, and life story.
From favourite songs and meaningful readings to colourful coffins, woodland burials, and celebrant-led ceremonies, there’s a shift happening. People want something personal, and that’s where independent funeral directors really shine.
The Rise of Independent Funeral Directors
In recent years, more families in Solihull and Marston Green have been seeking out independent family owned and run funeral homes. But what does “independent” actually mean?
Quite simply, it means local ownership, not part of a corporate chain. Independent funeral directors are family-run, community-based, and proud to do what’s best for the families they serve, not bound by head office policies or sales targets.
At Franklin & Hawkins, we opened our Marston Green funeral home in 2009 with one simple aim: to provide genuine, compassionate care for local families. We’re proud to be a small, dedicated team who live and work right here in the community. When you walk through our doors, you’ll always see familiar faces, not staff moved from branch to branch. And as the only independent funeral directors in Marston Green, we are proud to look after our community and be available 24/7 for you and your families.
Community Over Corporates
Larger funeral brands have their place, but independent family funeral directors offer something you can’t put a price on: warmth, familiarity and consistency.
We get to know the families we serve, often over many years. We understand local traditions, community groups, and the quiet details that make a farewell meaningful. When someone loses a loved one, they’re not just another client to us, they’re a neighbour, a friend, part of the same story that binds Marston Green and Solihull together.
Being independent also means we can adapt. If you are seeking a service that feels modern and relaxed? Prefer a simple, traditional farewell? Need guidance with eco-friendly options or direct cremation? We’ll always find the right fit for you, not just what’s easy for us.
Direct cremation, in particular, has become more common in recent years, and we understand why. Some families prefer a simpler, private arrangement, often followed by a personal memorial or celebration of life later on. But even with this simpler option, you can rest assured your loved one is cared for locally and respectfully by our team here in Marston Green. Everything happens under our roof, with the same compassion and attention we’d want for our own family. And the cremation takes place at a local crematorium we know and trust.
Why This Matters to Families Today
After everything the world’s been through in recent years, people have become more intentional about how they celebrate and remember. They want authenticity, warmth, and people they can trust, not scripted phone lines or unfamiliar faces.
Independent family funeral homes offer that sense of grounding. There’s comfort in knowing the people helping you through one of life’s hardest moments are the same ones you might see in the village café, walking their dogs, supporting community events or in the local pub at night.
That’s the heart of community care, and it’s why more families than ever are choosing to stay local.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Farewells
As funeral traditions continue to evolve, one thing won’t change: the need for empathy, honesty, and human connection. Independent family funeral directors like Franklin & Hawkins are leading the way in keeping those values front and centre.
Funerals aren’t all about formality, they’re about meaning. Whether it’s a quiet service for close family or a full celebration of life with laughter and stories, the most important thing is that it feels right.
And that’s something we’ll always stand by.
Proudly Independent. Proudly Local.
At Franklin & Hawkins, we’re proud to serve families in Solihull, Marston Green, and beyond, offering care that’s personal, flexible, and grounded in our community.
If you’d like to learn more about the ways funerals are changing, or simply want to talk through your options, our door in the heart of Marston Green Village, is always open.
