Why choose an independent funeral director?

At Tester & Jones Funeral Services, we often talk about being an independent funeral director and why that matters. But what does our independence actually mean for the families we support?

For us, independence is about much more than ownership - it’s about being free to put families at the heart of every decision we make. It means providing a personal service shaped by local knowledge, long-standing relationships and a commitment to care that extends far beyond the day of the funeral itself.

Tester & Jones has been proudly serving Crowborough and the surrounding area for more than 20 years and we are deeply rooted in the local community. We are an active member of local organisations, including the Crowborough & District Chamber of Commerce and Probus, and we are delighted to support many local charities, events and community sports clubs. From sponsoring the Mayfield Festival of Music and the Arts to supporting Jarvis Brook Football Club, who play at the Tester & Jones Sportsground, we believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years.

Many of the families we care for already know us long before they need our services. Our team lives and works locally, and when you contact us you will speak to a member of our team, not somebody shipped in from a different branch for the day. Families often tell us how reassuring it is to deal with familiar faces throughout the arrangements, building trust and continuity at a time of overwhelming emotion.

As a local independent business, we are also accountable to the community we serve. Our reputation has grown over time and every funeral we arrange reflects our commitment that we are ‘here for you, when it matters most’.

We are particularly proud that since the day we opened, our telephone has been answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need us in the middle of the night, you will speak directly to a member of our team. You will never be passed to a call centre or asked to wait for someone to contact you later.

Our support does not end once the funeral has taken place. Through our Bereavement Group (the BGs), local people have been finding friendship and understanding for nearly two decades.

Over many years, we have developed close working relationships with local crematoria, cemeteries, celebrants, ministers and venues. These relationships help ensure every funeral runs smoothly and with the dignity it deserves. The teams at our local crematoria often tell us that when they know a funeral is being arranged by Tester & Jones, they feel reassured that every detail will be handled professionally, respectfully and with great care.

One of the greatest advantages of choosing an independent funeral director is flexibility. We don’t offer standard ‘packages’, because every person's life is unique and every funeral should be too. We take the time to listen and help families create a funeral that genuinely reflects the life and wishes of their loved one.

Whether you would like a traditional service, a simple farewell, or something completely bespoke, we have the freedom to make it happen. Decisions can be made quickly and arrangements can be adapted, without having to seek approval from a distant head office.

Some people assume that a personal, bespoke service must come with a higher price tag but, in reality, independence allows us to be transparent and flexible. Our prices are clearly published on our website and we are always happy to discuss options that work within a family's budget.

We would also encourage families to explore all their options before choosing a direct cremation provider advertised on television. At Tester & Jones, we offer both unattended and attended direct cremations - with the added reassurance that your loved one remains in our care throughout the process. You will have local support whenever you need it and the cremation will take place locally rather than potentially many miles away from home.

Families also tell us they value the peace of mind that comes from knowing who is caring for their loved one. From the first call through to the funeral and beyond, we are personally involved every step of the way.

Anyone using our services also benefits from our long-time membership of SAIF (The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors). We adhere to its strict code of practice covering transparent pricing, dignified care and the respectful treatment of every family we serve.

Ultimately, when you choose Tester & Jones, you are choosing a team that knows your community and genuinely cares about the families we support. Independence allows us to put our families at the heart of what we do and we will remain ‘here for you, when it matters most’.

Do visit us in London Road Crowborough, or call us on: 01892 611811.