A Sandwell cremation service provider has secured a £200,000 growth loan to expand its operations, purchase new equipment and create jobs in the region. 

Tipton-based Chapter Response secured the funding from The FSE Group, Debt Finance fund through the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF). 

Through the MEIF, The FSE Group is committed to providing finance to Midlands’ businesses with the potential to grow. The funding secured by Chapter Response will allow the business to expand its service to more UK locations. 

Using the funding the company will purchase two new electric ambulances equipped with medical tracking software as well as three refrigeration units. Eight new employees are also set to be recruited and trained. 

Chapter Response is committed to creating a cremation choice which reduces funeral poverty – this currently affects one in eight families at one of the most stressful times in their lives. Many families are now unable to afford the average traditional cremation costs of around £4,000. 

Specialising in unattended private cremation services has allowed the business to increase its efficiency and pass on these cost savings to families, as well as supporting low environmental impact. The firm’s team of ambulances and responders oversee unattended private cremation services and return the urn to the family home. 

It treats every funeral that it manages as individual and every service is carried out to the highest standards, including collection, care and cremation. By combining traditional values with a modern approach Chapter Response supports funeral directors committed to supporting family choice and offers the best care possible to bereaved families. 

Chapter Response is a family business run by CEO Donna Baker, who married into the industry over 20 years ago with her husband Mark being a fourth-generation funeral director.  Donna is proud that her son Guy is also training with Chapter Response and continuing the family tradition. 

The funding secured will enable the company to continue its growth and continue on the next stage of its journey to provide more families across the country with affordable but individual end-of-life celebrations for their loved ones.