Westerleigh Group aims to become industry-leaders in memorialisations
Westerleigh Group’s first Head of Memorialisation, Matthew Brook, says he wants the business to become the industry-leader when it comes to providing uniquely personal memorials.
Matthew was recently appointed to the newly-created post, having been the group’s Commercial and Operations Support Manager since May 2020.
His new position gives him responsibility for on-site memorials across the group, grounds planning, and the innovation of new offerings to ensure each memorial is uniquely personal to the individual it honours.
Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria and cemeteries, with 35 sites in England, Scotland and Wales, all set within beautifully-landscaped gardens of remembrance which provide pleasant, peaceful places for people to visit and reflect.
Matthew joined Westerleigh Group in March 2017 as Site Manager at Sedgemoor Crematorium in Somerset, before becoming a dual site manager in March 2020.
His background prior to joining Westerleigh Group is in health and social care, which is where his passion for supporting families originated.
He said: “My mother was a carer and I think that rubbed off on me, as every role I’ve had has been based around caring for someone in one way or another; it’s just in my nature and I think it always will be.”
He said: “I’m passionate about providing the highest standards of care, whether that is at one of our crematoria or in providing a long-lasting tribute to the lives of loved ones through memorialisation.
“Unless you are involved in the industry, I don’t think you realise just how much of an impact you can have on a family going through one of the most difficult moments of their lives; it is a truly unique opportunity to help people.
“I am looking forward to making a positive difference to our crematoria and their memorial offerings which, in turn, will provide families with more choice to remember their loved ones in a uniquely personal way.
“I have always been unbelievably proud to work for Westerleigh, an organisation that aligns with my own values as an individual, namely caring for those who need it to the best of our ability. Joining Westerleigh Group is the best decision I have ever made.
“I’m excited and very proud to be the group’s first Head of Memorialisation. I think the opportunity to make a difference is huge and this has got my creative juices flowing, considering how we can be the industry-leaders in this field.”
