Dorset business wins major award
Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors has been named the best family business in the South, South-West, and Wales.
The fifth-generation family business, which operates seven funeral branches and an award-winning funeral plan, outshone hundreds of other firms across the region.
Run by Family Business United, the awards celebrate the five million family businesses throughout the UK. The ceremony took place at the Royal Geographical Society in South Kensington, London, where Managing Director Nick Douch proudly received the award.
It was a wonderful surprise to have won this award that covers a wide region.
Nick Douch
It is down to our wonderful staff – not just those employed today, but those who have contributed to the business for more than 100 years.
Managing Director
Reflecting on the achievement, he credited the success to the long-standing dedication of staff past and present.
He emphasised the vital role family businesses play in local communities.
Family businesses are special and like us, most are deeply embedded in their communities.
Nick Douch
With one of my daughters – Lakeisha – now involved we have another generation learning the ropes.
Succession planning is one of the things that we spend time considering because we aim to be around for another 100 years to serve the communities we are based in.
Managing Director
Celebrating Legacy and Impact
Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, praised the role family businesses play in shaping the UK’s economy and communities.
Family businesses care and want to be seen as doing the right thing, doing business the right way.
Paul Andrews
These awards were created to make families in business appreciate the significant impact they have, whether they are large or small, first generation or multigenerational…
Founder & CEO, Family Business United
He shared his enthusiasm for recognising these businesses and highlighted the values that set them apart.
It remains a pleasure and a privilege to run an organisation that has these businesses at our core, businesses that make a difference and have a real sense of purpose, community, a narrative and real authenticity.
Paul Andrews
We have been delighted and somewhat overwhelmed, once more, by the response and impact that these awards have had and whilst celebrating the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, are already excited about what the future and 2026 Family Business of the Year Awards have in store.
Founder & CEO, Family Business United
