Douch Family Funeral Directors has been named the best family business across the South, South West and Wales.
The Dorset-based company, which runs seven funeral branches and a pre-paid funeral plan service, was recognised at the 2025 Family Business of the Year Awards. Organised by Family Business United, the ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
Managing Director Nick Douch received the award on behalf of the fifth-generation family business. He said the recognition was thanks to the dedication of both current and past staff who have supported the business for over a century.
Douch Family Funeral Directors operates from Wimborne, Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Swanage, Corfe Mullen and Blandford. The business continues to plan for the future, with the next generation already involved.
Family Business United created the awards to highlight the role of more than five million family-run firms in the UK. Founder Paul Andrews said the awards recognise businesses with a strong sense of community, responsibility and purpose.
The Douch group was selected from hundreds of entries across the region.