A County Durham funeral firm with more than 160 years of history has joined Funeral Partners. The aim is to secure the business’s future, while allowing the team to continue to serve families in the way they always have.

Gibsons’ Funeral Services was founded in 1860 by Joseph Gibson, who offered joinery, cabinet making and funeral services after moving to Howden-le-Wear in County Durham. Since then, six generations of the family have served their community, with Matthew Gibson and his sister Victoria the latest of the family to do so.

The family still operates from its original premises in Howden-le-Wear, with additional sites in Bishop Auckland and nearby Shildon. They chose to join Funeral Partners to help secure the future of Gibsons’ Funeral Services.

Matthew Gibson said: “Things like regulation, the pandemic, tax changes and various other factors have made it more and more difficult for people like us to run businesses independently. We felt Funeral Partners’ values and behaviours fitted with our way of operating the business and that they would support us to continue in our own style.”

Matthew and Victoria will remain with the business and say their family’s dedication over six generations is what shaped Gibsons’ Funeral Services into the trusted name it is today.

“Our history is a point of pride, it was my father’s business, my grandfather’s business and we have always run it to the best of our abilities,” Matthew added.

“That history and reputation is why we have such a dedicated and loyal following. Even after all this time, we get great satisfaction in the service we provide for our clients.

“Frankly, that’s part of why we chose to sell, to access the support Funeral Partners offers in areas like investment, marketing, admin, compliance and HR. It lets us focus on what we love most, helping bereaved families at their time of need.”

Sam Kershaw, Funeral Partners CEO, said: “Gibsons’ Funeral Services has a well-deserved reputation for excellence, and we’re honoured they chose Funeral Partners as their acquisition partner. We are excited to work with Matthew, Victoria and their team and support them as they continue and grow their incredible legacy. Their dedication ensures that the Gibson family’s tradition of excellent service to the community will continue for generations to come.”