News
A familiar face is delighted to have returned to the Dewsbury Funeral Directors where he started his career.
Chris Sykes, 39, did work experience as a 14-year-old at George Brooke Funeral Directors in Sharp Street, Dewsbury, and fell in love with the funeral industry in just a week.
He quickly combined his schooling with a part-time role before being taken on permanently, learning his trade at the family business, which would put him through his industry qualifications and gave him the confidence to grow in his career.
After nearly a decade, Chris left with the blessing of the Brooke family to take on a role at a national funeral company.
But now, 14 years after his departure, his career has come full circle as Chris returns to George Brooke Funeral Directors as Area Development Manager with the company now part of the high-quality Funeral Partners network.
“It was supposed to be two weeks of washing limousines and making tea,” Chris said.
“But I was made to feel so welcome by the team—it felt like family. That week changed the course of my life and I joined full-time after leaving school.
“All of my qualifications in funerals were paid for by the Brooke family. That kind of belief in a young person never leaves you. It wasn’t just a job—it was where I found my purpose.
“George was a great man and I remember what he taught me and his wonderful advice – he would say there are never problems, only solutions.”
Chris now manages George Brooke’s as part of his Dewsbury & North Yorkshire region, while George’s two daughters – Helen Wilson and Judith Brooke, remain key parts of the business as they were during Chris’ initial tenure.
“Working so closely with Helen and Judith for so many years shaped who I am today,” he said.
“It’s a place that gave me so much, and I feel privileged to be part of shaping its future.
“Dewsbury is where I grew up, where my father worked as police officer, and is a community that I feel part of. It feels like coming home.
“My mission is simple — to continue upholding the local traditions and values that families have long trusted, while also helping ensure we evolve in a modern, forward-thinking way and to embrace the benefits of being part of a larger network of Funeral Directors with Funeral Partners.”
Chris said there were opportunities for others to join George Brooke’s and take on a career which has given him so much.
“Part of my role is creating opportunities for others – just like George and his family did for me.”
More information about job vacancies can be found at https://corporate.funeralpartners.co.uk/careers