ABOUT US
Five generations of the Hazel family - funeral directors since 1901
Still family-run, still based in the community, still here day or night when you need us.
Call us anytime on 0121 308 7777
Our story
A family tradition that started with a gravedigger
1901
Arthur Hazel began working as a gravedigger and undertaker at St. Barnabas parish church — a well-established parish within the Aston Diocese of Birmingham. Nobody knew then that he was starting something that would last well over a century.
1920’s - 1940’s
Arthur brought three of his sons into the business, forming A. Hazel and Sons. His son Walter, who was Ian's Grandfather, was one of them. In the late 1930s the business moved into purpose-built premises on High Street, Erdington. It grew again after the Second World War when Walter's sons Wallie and Douglas his brother Douglas joined the firm.
1977
Ian Hazel joined the family firm. He gained his Diploma in Funeral Directing in May 1979 and qualified as a fully certified embalmer in June 1979 — a fourth generation carrying the name forward.
1987
The business was sold to Hodgson Holdings, which later became Dignity Funerals plc. Ian was running the day-to-day operations but no longer had control. So he left — and opened Ian Hazel Funerals in Sutton Coldfield, determined to offer something the corporates couldn't.
2013
Ian Hazel Funerals moved to its permanent home at 274 Lichfield Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield. The premises were purpose-built for the work we do — and built with the future in mind. It remains one of the most eco-conscious funeral homes in the region.
Amy Hazel joined her father, becoming the fifth generation of the family in the funeral profession. The legacy continues.
Independent and proud of it
What it means to be a family funeral director
There are now two very large corporate groups that between them account for much of the funeral industry in the UK. They run efficiently, and their staff work hard. But there are things an independent family business can offer that a national group simply can’t.
When you call us, you speak to someone who lives and works in this community. The same people who help arrange the funeral will be there on the day. We’re not a branch of something larger. We’re accountable directly to the families we serve, not to shareholders.
Ian still believes what he believed in 1987. That the right funeral for your loved one is one that reflects who they were. That no family should ever feel rushed or managed. That the details matter.
Fifth generation
Amy Hazel: carrying the family name forward
Amy Hazel joined her father in the business in March 2006, becoming the fifth generation of the Hazel family to work in the funeral profession. She’d studied Food Science at Nottingham Trent University before completing her National Association of Funeral Directors Diploma in Funeral Directing in May 2008. She’s now a fully qualified Senior Funeral Director.
But what Amy has brought to the business is about more than credentials.
She’s part of a generation that has changed what a funeral can look like. Alternative vehicles. Personalised coffins. Services that feel less like a formal ceremony and more like a genuine farewell for the person who actually lived that life.
“We have evolved funerals to be full of options, such as alternative vehicles, alternative coffins, even dressing the coffins with garlands - instead of just having the spray on the top. I do think women are more open minded on this and possibly encourage this side more.”
The Hazel name has always adapted with the times. Amy is proof of that.
Our funeral home
Purpose-built, eco-friendly and yours to visit
In December 2013, Ian Hazel Funerals moved to its current home at 274 Lichfield Road, Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield. The premises were designed and built specifically for the work we do — private, comfortable and accessible for every family we welcome.
The building received an Energy Performance Certificate A rating and won a National Energy Award in the Innovative Saver category in 2016 for its eco-friendly design. Ian has continued to build on that, with the fleet progressively moving to PHEV vehicles.
We have a function room with seating for up to 60 guests and space for up to 110, as well as a smaller private room suitable for gatherings of up to 20. Both have full disabled access.
You’re very welcome to visit. Come and see our coffin and casket range in person, browse our catalogues, or simply have a conversation. There’s no obligation and no rush. We’re here whenever you’re ready.