A major crematorium in the West Midlands has reported a dramatic increase in demand, with the number of services held there nearly doubling in just one year. The surge follows a significant investment to refurbish the site and adapt to evolving public preferences for funeral arrangements.
Substantial Investment Drives Service Growth
Hammerwich Cemetery and Crematorium in Staffordshire, owned by the award-winning A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, conducted 429 cremations in 2024. This marks a striking increase from the 242 services carried out in 2023, representing a rise of over 77 per cent. The eight-acre site near Lichfield recently underwent a comprehensive £350,000 renovation by the family-run firm, which anticipates the upward trend to continue.
The refurbishment, completed in October 2025, included a full chapel upgrade and the installation of a new state-of-the-art audio and visual system. Exterior improvements feature a new one-way traffic system, a resurfaced and enlarged car park, and a dedicated canopy area to accommodate funerals with many attendees. These changes are designed to futureproof the facility, including for scenarios like another pandemic.
Meeting Changing Community Needs
Since reopening, the venue has recorded a 20 per cent increase in the number of funeral directors selecting it for services. Matthew Lymn Rose, Managing Director at A.W. Lymn, stated the investment was made to ensure the highest quality service. "We understand that people’s needs are changing," he said, "so we’re proactively taking steps to ensure we are best placed to support with whatever they may choose."
The crematorium has also become a regional specialist for more complex requirements. Its team and equipment are among the few in the West Midlands capable of handling bariatric funerals, which require specific arrangements for individuals with obesity. The site can manage cremations for individuals weighing up to 60 stone, making it a trusted choice for families and directors with these specific needs.
Expansion of a Family-Run Business
Hammerwich represents A.W. Lymn's first company-owned cemetery and crematorium, signalling a strategic expansion for the long-established firm. Founded in 1907, the business has grown to become one of the UK's largest independent funeral directors, operating 25 branches across the East Midlands and now into Leicestershire following the acquisition of M.A. Mills.
The company's growth includes diversifying burial options, such as investing in an ancient barrows site in Nottinghamshire as an alternative to standard interments. This, alongside the Hammerwich development, underscores a commitment to providing a wider range of choices for the communities it serves, whatever their needs may be.
