Dorset's Nick Douch, represents European funeral directors at US conference
A Dorset funeral director has represented his European colleagues at the Selected Independent Funeral Homes AGM in Washington DC.
Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, is chair of the European group of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. At the meeting, delegates from around the world discussed industry good practice and future innovations, with the increasing use of electric cremators – which are environmentally safer – high on the agenda.
Nick said: “I always value the opportunity to gain new information and insight on future practices to better serve our families and communities. Selected’s meeting provided a valuable opportunity to gather with my fellow members from around the world.
“We participated in a variety of informative study sessions, discussed insights and shared new ideas that I’m excited to implement. Electric cremators are one innovation that we’d like to see more of in the UK.
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“Meeting sessions focused on important other issues concerning the funeral service profession such as working with multiple generations, innovative branding, exploring what the future of funeral service may be, providing exceptional service, staffing and best practices.
“It was also a privilege to have my family with me to share the experience of an international conference together. We also got to experience the rich history of the capital city, including a poignant tour of Arlington National Cemetery.”
Selected Independent Funeral Homes was originally established in 1917 as National Selected Morticians, making it the oldest association of independently owned funeral homes – it is also the largest.
The association issues guidance on specific standards and best practices which members are expected to adopt. This approach provides the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information.
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Featured image: Nick Douch, left, with outgoing President Josh Blake from Waco, Texas, and outgoing Chair of the Board, Robert Nunnaly, from Carthage, North Carolina. Credit: Deep South Media
