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10.08.2009 - SAIF, Funeral Service Journal - Cosy Coffins

Press Release – August 2008

Following the NFE exhibition events have been hectic for Hainsworth and J C Atkinson, the trade show generated over 150 enquires. Most of these enquiries have been followed up and have already resulted in sales. Although the concept of a “wool coffin” is difficult to describe to the general public the quality and format of the promotional literature is proving to be very important. Produced with the care and acting on the market research gathered by FMC this shows the coffins and Ash Casket with small swatches of the wool and cotton for the family to touch. The wool Swaledale coffin has proven to be the Funeral Director favourite.

Julian Atkinson and Adam Hainsworth have recently been interviewed on BBC Radio, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Newcastle and Gloucester. All the narrative has been very complimentary with great interest in how the coffin is made, was it strong and was it made. Julian and Adam both commented on how it used English wool and had a real place in the market addressing a need to use the surplus production. As a result of the publicity Hainsworth have contracted with some local farmers who have had trouble selling the fleeces to supply direct, this all helps in not only making the coffin environmentally sustainable but commercially sustainable.

The British Wool marketing board also have awarded the Hainsworth coffins Gold place in the recent business award, judges commented on how the English wool market has been recently decimated with the textiles been contracted oversees and how this product could help lift demand and also preserve traditional hillside sheep breeds.

Many Funeral Directors also saw the potential to offer the coffin for children’s funerals. Funeral Director John Whitehouse, Darlington contacted J C Atkinson with a direct request from a family for such a coffin following the tragic death of their son. Both Atkinson’s and Hainsworth did not disappoint and within 48 hours a small Swaledale wool coffin was made  and delivered for the funeral, John commented “the family were delighted with the quality and the warmth of the coffin they did not feel a traditional wood or picture coffin was appropriate”.

Julian commented “it has always been our intention to offer a special service for outsize or smaller coffins on demand, however we clearly will have to ensure a Childs range is presented to market shortly”.

More details can be found at  Child Coffins