Bob Tomes, senior account manager at Oxfordshire-based Colourful Coffins, has been elected President of the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (FFMA).
The election took place at the group’s AGM on Friday, November 15, and sees Bob replace Adam Masters, who has held the FFMA Presidency for the past two years.
The Association, which exists to represent businesses that supply products to the funeral profession, is currently undergoing a period of change thanks to a new constitution, reformed meetings structure, and significant membership growth.
Bob’s Presidential year is underway and during his time in office, he aims to continue the reforming work of his predecessor.
He said: “Adam has done a tremendous job of growing the FFMA membership over the past two years. With the support of our Chief Executive, Alun Tucker, he has started to transform the Association by developing its constitution and helping it to cement its position as a respected organisation within the funeral profession.
“I aim to continue with that work, growing the membership and ensuring the FFMA goes from strength to strength in its role of representing funeral profession suppliers by showcasing best practice. We also want to help members to meet the challenges of a changing profession in areas such as regulation, the environment, and funeral trends.”
Alun added: “Bob has been a long-standing member of the Association and played an important role in helping to develop our universally-recognised coffin and casket accreditation scheme, which ensures coffins offered to families are of the highest standard. With this invaluable experience, Bob’s very well placed to represent the FFMA as its President.
“I’ve no doubt we’ll have a strong working partnership as we take the association forward on its journey of reform and renewal to enhance our service to members, helping them to better support their clients who care for bereaved families.”
During his year, Bob will be organising a number of events – including a 24-hour squash match – to raise funds for his chosen charity, the ChildFuneral Charity (CFC), which helps bereaved parents with the cost of a baby’s or child’s funeral. For more information, visit www.childfuneralcharity.org.uk.
Bob is the son of Colourful Coffins’ founder Mary Tomes and, over the last decade working within the family business, he has built up an in-depth knowledge of the funeral industry. Proud of its reputation for quality, innovation and customer service, the Colourful Coffins team works closely with funeral directors and partners to ensure that bereaved families have the opportunity to say a very personal farewell.
Outside of work, Bob, a former police officer who is married with three sons, is a passionate squash player.
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