Suffolk crematorium builds with bank support

19th August 2013

A Suffolk crematorium is now able to provide more support to its local community following the installation of a second cremator, funded by Clydesdale Bank.
 
Seven Hills Crematorium in Nacton, near Ipswich, has installed the second facility following the provision of a six-figure funding package by Clydesdale Bank. The purpose-built venue, which opened in November 2010, is set in seven acres of picturesque woodland.  
 
The installation of the second cremator allows Seven Hills, which employs nine people, to offer up to 11 services a day for the local community. Funding for the purchase and installation of the cremator was arranged by Kevin Osborne, business banking relationship manager at Clydesdale Bank's Business and Private Banking Centre in Bury St Edmunds. The Bank also funded the construction of the venue in 2010.
 
As part of a visit to meet a number of the business customers the bank supports across the South of England, Clydesdale Bank’s chief executive, David Thorburn, recently visited Seven Hills.  David was shown around the facilities and met the team there, including director, Geoff Sheldrake.
 
David said: "Across the UK we work with many types of businesses that provide important services to their local communities, so it was interesting to visit Seven Hills.  Geoff and his team have grown by creating a peaceful environment, and delivering a thoughtful and considerate service, we look forward to working with them in the future as they continue their development."
 
Crematoriums have to abide by strict emission and environmental health regulations. Seven Hills is recognised as one of the most environmentally considerate in the UK, adhering to various proposed environmental regulations before they are due to come into force.
 
Geoff Sheldrake, Seven Hills Crematorium Director, said the new facility will allow them to deliver even higher standards.
 
Geoff said: "We have provided a valuable and high level of service to the Suffolk community for nearly three years. In that time we have worked hard to continually improve, not just to meet the needs of the local community, but the effect we have on the environment.
 
"The support of Clydesdale Bank has been invaluable throughout, providing the support to allow us to create the venue in 2010, through to this funding to purchase and install a second cremator."
 
Richard Chapman, head of Clydesdale Bank’s Business and Private Banking Centre in Bury St Edmunds, said:
 
"Seven Hills Crematorium has a strong reputation in the Suffolk community for providing a high quality and professional service. We were proud to support the initial creation of the venue three years ago and we are proud to support their continuing development today."