Funeral director "paves way for growth"

Funeral director "paves way for growth"

A KEIGHLEY funeral director has announced a move that will secure its long-term future and pave the way for further growth.

Melia Powell has teamed up with Funeral Partners, a network of funeral directors which already has a strong presence in the region.

Ex-policeman Brian Langford, who founded Melia Powell Funeral Service in 2013, said he was confident the company would “go from strength to strength” as a result of the development.

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“Funeral Partners are passionate about the quality of care they provide and dedicated to enhancing the excellent service and reputation we have in Keighley,” he said.

“They are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of our diverse community and further developing the business.”

Mr Langford established the firm after more than three decades in the police force.

He added Melia – his mother’s maiden name – to the business title “to represent the strong family values and the care, compassion and sensitivity I was brought up with”.

“I worked closely with a variety of funeral directors during my 31 years in the police service and I saw first-hand the important role they played,” said Mr Langford.

“When I retired, I wanted to give something back to the community by providing the very best quality funeral care.”

He recruited Paul Cook, who has trained and progressed to the role of funeral director, and took on Luke Riley Berry as a 16-year-old apprentice.

Mr Langford maintains involvement in the company, but has reduced his hours to three days a week to devote more time to his family and the community.

He has served as a church organist for four decades, at churches including St Anne’s, Our Lady of Victories and St Joseph’s, Keighley, St Stephen’s in Skipton and in Bingley and Cottingley.

Mr Cook is a cantor, soloist and celebrant in the church.

The business has also established strong relationships within the Sikh and Hindu communities.

Funeral Partners welcomed the move. Area development manager Keith Clegg said: “Melia Powell has an excellent reputation for serving the diverse Keighley, Bradford and Skipton communities and we are proud to welcome them.”