A YORK-BASED memorials business is among those that has introduced new measures and initiatives to help its clients post lockdown.

Among the initiatives introduced by F. Emerson is its new ‘Walk and Talk’ meetings - which are pre-booked appointments, home visits and virtual meetings.

Discussing the changes, F. Emerson branch manager, Sharon Malone said: “We introduced walk and talk appointments so that we could meet clients outdoors in a Covid secure environment and they have really taken off.

“Some clients prefer to meet in the cemetery, whilst others prefer to discuss memorial options on a favourite walk.

“Memorials are such a personal tribute and people often find it easier to share stories about their loved ones as they walk.”

F. Emerson is one of nine businesses owned by Mindful Memorials. Mindful Memorials’ founder, Anna Buckley said she is “delighted” with the way that staff have responded to the challenges that Covid-19 has presented.

Speaking on the changes, Mrs Buckley said: “Although we altered our business model out of necessity, we have learnt different ways of helping clients that will continue to evolve as we come out of lockdown.”

All of the branches are currently open for one to one socially distanced appointments and socially distanced family appointments became available on April 12.

Born into a family of stonemasons, Mrs. Buckley runs the business with her husband, Adrian.

As the company has grown over the years, it has bought businesses including F. Emerson, Doncaster-based Tyas and Tyas, Hull based, G.H. Wriglesworth and Scarborough based G.R.Pinder from retired stonemasons and brought them into the Mindful Memorials fold.