Hankinson & Molyneux Funeral Directors

03/08/2026

What qualifications could a Funeral Director have and what accountability is there?

Many funeral professionals choose to study and gain recognised qualifications to demonstrate their knowledge, professionalism and commitment to high standards of care.

Here are some of the most recognised:

⚫ Dip FD (Diploma in Funeral Directing)
A nationally recognised qualification covering all aspects of funeral directing, funeral arranging, care of the deceased, legislation and professional practice.

⚫ Dip FAA (Diploma in Funeral Arranging & Administration)
Focused on supporting families, arranging funerals and ensuring every detail is handled professionally and compassionately.

⚫ BIE (British Institute of Embalmers)
The professional body for embalmers in the UK. Members are trained in the specialist care and preservation of those who have died and are committed to maintaining high professional standards.

⚫ BIFD (British Institute of Funeral Directors)
One of the UK's oldest professional organisations for funeral directors, promoting education, ethics and continued professional development across the profession.

⚫ NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors)
Founded in 1905, the NAFD is the UK's largest funeral trade association. Members must meet strict Codes of Practice, are regularly inspected and are committed to maintaining high standards of care, professionalism and transparency.

⚫ SAIF (National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors)
A long-established organisation representing independent funeral directors, providing guidance, training and support for its members.

Qualifications and professional memberships don't define compassion—but they can demonstrate a commitment to training, accountability and maintaining the highest possible standards.

When choosing a funeral director, don't be afraid to ask about their qualifications, experience and professional memberships.

An open, professional funeral director will always be happy to explain them.

03/08/2026

Meet Greg Hankinson . Serving our community for many years.

Greg Hankinson
Dip FD, MBIFD, IOPC

Greg’s journey in the funeral profession began remarkably early. At just 16, he joined Co-operative Funeralcare in St Helens and Newton-le-Willows, learning the craft from the ground up. Within only a few years, his commitment and skill saw him move to the Co-op in Warrington, where he steadily climbed the ranks—earning his professional qualifications in both funeral directing and embalming along the way.

From there, Greg’s career gathered momentum. He became a Funeral Arranger in Widnes, where his compassion and professionalism quickly caught attention. Soon, he was promoted to Funeral Director for the Warrington and Halton area. Never one to stand still, Greg took the next step as Funeral Manager in Sale and Wythenshawe, before taking on responsibility for several branches in the Stockport and High Lane area.

Eight years ago, Greg embraced a new calling—becoming a Funeral Celebrant. In this role, he has walked alongside countless families across Warrington and Greater Manchester, guiding them through moments of loss with empathy and understanding.

Today, he continues that work while also pouring his energy into Hankinson & Molyneux Funeral Directors, the business he helped to establish—bringing together a lifetime of experience, dedication, and care.

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

Just a quick message to let you know that I'll be personally answering the telephone throughout this weekend.

Whether you need immediate assistance, have a question about arranging a funeral, or simply want some friendly advice, I'll be here to help.

At Hankinson & Molyneux, we believe that every family deserves compassionate, personal support whenever they need it.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our independent family funeral directors.

Greg
On behalf of Greg and Anthony

📞 01925 988033

30/07/2026

One thing we've learned over the years...

Families rarely regret taking a little extra time to ask questions.

You don't need to have all the answers on the first day. A good funeral director will guide you at your pace, explain every option, and never make you feel rushed.

Sometimes, the greatest reassurance is simply knowing someone is there to help.

Greg and Anthony

27/07/2026

Meet Anthony Molyneux . A man with a heart to serve.

Anthony Molyneux
FVDG BTEC, LMBIFD, MBIE, ILM Dip, CIM Dip, CFSMA Dip, Saïd Business School Oxford University -Oxford Executive Management Program.

At 16, Anthony began his career in the funeral industry with Co-Operative Funeralcare Warrington.
He rose through the company ranks—starting as Funeral Service Operative then earning a promotion to Funeral Director gaining his qualifications in Funeral Directing and Embalming along the way.

Having spent 6 years serving the Warrington and Halton communities at the age of 22 took on further responsibility becoming the Branch Manager for the Co-operative in Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn.

The next few years flew by giving him an opportunity to grow as a manager through studies at the Co-operative Management College and Henley Management College and gaining diplomas in both Funeral Management and General Management.

Being able to apply the knowledge learnt from studying his management career started to progress quickly and at the age of 25 he had been promoted to Area Manager and then at 32 was promoted to Regional Operations Manager in the Manchester and North Cheshire area.

Having spent almost 30 years working with the Co-operative Funeral Service, Anthony left them and joined Dignity Funeral’s working across the UK supporting an operational change programme and was then promoted to Head of Region for the Central Region.

After spending six and a half years at Dignity he felt he could do more to support his local community and missed operating in the area he lives.
So, the journey continues as a result leaving Dignity and founding with a friend and former colleague Hankinson & Molyneux Funeral Directors in Warrington.

25/07/2026

At Hankinson & Molyneux Funeral Directors, we believe it's important to know who you're speaking to when you need us most.

This weekend, Anthony will be personally answering our phones and looking after every family who contacts us. You can be assured of a calm, caring voice and personal support from the very first conversation.

If you need us, we're here for you.

📞 01925 988033

Greg and Anthony

18/07/2026

Last week we shared the article about Hankinson & Molyneux, and we were genuinely overwhelmed by the kind comments, messages and support from our community and friends. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read it and share it.

As a local independent funeral director, our promise is simple. When you contact us, you'll speak directly to Greg or Anthony. We will personally look after you and your family from the first conversation through to the funeral itself and beyond.

We believe in being there when people need us most.

Thank you, to our community and friends for continuing to put your trust in us. It means more than you know.

📞 01925 988033

Greg and Anthony

13/07/2026

Sharing our success as new members

We're incredibly proud to have been featured by the National Association of Funeral Directors as one of their newest members.

Please see the article attached.

Greg and Anthony