An Interview with Steven Barratt : A Mission to Transform Funeral Care with Dignity and Affordability
Uk Feature: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Steven Barratt, an entrepreneur who has carved out a unique space in the industry by focusing on a less conventional yet essential mission—making end-of-life care more accessible and affordable. With Save Funeral Costs(SFC), Steven has transformed the landscape of funeral services, giving families the guidance and resources needed for dignified, cost-effective farewells to loved ones. Steven, thank you for joining us.
Steven Barratt: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share more about SFC and the purpose behind what we do.
UK Feature: To start, can you tell us a little about what inspired you to create SFC?
Steven Barratt: Absolutely. The journey began with a deeply personal experience. A few years ago, I lost my half-brother. I had the chance to reflect on the incredible financial burden that comes with funerals. I realised that not only are funerals expensive, but there’s also limited public knowledge on how to manage those costs affordably. During that time, I stumbled upon a low-cost undertaker, an option that’s rarely advertised. This sparked the idea that, if others had access to this type of information, they could make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial strain. That experience ultimately inspired me to create SFC as a way to support families through difficult times by making funeral services more accessible.
UK Feature: You’ve described SFC as a “one-stop funeral cost-saving specialist consumer help centre.” Could you elaborate on the kind of services and support you offer?
Steven Barratt: Of course. SFC serves as an independent, comprehensive guide for organising affordable funerals. SFC provides bereavement resources, information on affordable undertakers, and guidance on where to locate financial assistance. We also advise on home and natural burials, and provide cost-saving options for headstones and coffins. It’s a holistic service that enables individuals and families to plan dignified end-of-life care in an affordable manner, even if they’re navigating this for the first time.
UK Feature: How does SFC support families struggling to afford traditional funeral expenses?
Steven Barratt: The platform offers guidance on a range of options. SFC helps families identify low-cost undertakers, offer a free eBook, PDF downloads on planning cost-effective funerals, and link to government resources, charities, and benevolent funds. Additionally, we emphasise alternatives like natural or home burials, which are often less costly than traditional services. The aim is to give people the knowledge they need to make choices that fit their budget without sacrificing the dignity of their loved ones.
UK Feature: You mentioned that SFC operates without paid advertisements or sponsorships. Why was that decision important to you?
Steven Barratt: It was crucial because I wanted SFC to be a completely unbiased resource. By not relying on sponsorships or ads, we can focus purely on providing independent information that helps families. Instead, the platform sustains itself through affiliate links to related products. This means that every recommendation on our site is genuine, with no external influence or financial incentive affecting our guidance. Maintaining this independence has been key to building trust with our users.
UK Feature: What’s the core mission driving SFC, and where do you see it headed?
Steven Barratt: Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower people with the knowledge and resources to save on funeral costs, while providing compassionate support during times of loss. Ultimately, I hope to build SFC into a more extensive platform that not only guides families but also contributes to charitable donations, supporting those who can’t afford a funeral at all. I envision a society where affordable end-of-life care is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
UK Feature: As an entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge in building this platform?
Steven Barratt: One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the societal taboos surrounding discussions of death and funeral expenses. It’s not a topic many people want to engage with, but it’s something everyone will inevitably face. Convincing people to plan ahead and educating them on the importance of funeral budgeting has been a crucial aspect of our work. However, seeing families gain relief through the resources we provide makes it all worth it.
UK Feature: What’s next for you and SFC?
Steven Barratt: I’m always exploring ways to expand our reach and improve our resources. We’re working on building more partnerships with charitable organisations, adding more interactive features on the site, and enhancing our guides on government and private assistance. Ultimately, we want to provide even more comprehensive support that not only guides families in cost-saving measures but also addresses their emotional and financial needs during bereavement.
UK Feature: What do you hope people take away from your story and the work you’re doing?
Steven Barratt: I hope people see that there are affordable, dignified options available. I want them to feel empowered to plan for end-of-life care without the fear of financial strain. And, on a broader level, I hope my work encourages more dialogue around the need for affordable funeral options. Every family deserves to say goodbye with dignity, without the added burden of excessive costs.
UK Feature: Steven, thank you so much for sharing your journey and the mission behind SFC. Your dedication to making end-of-life care accessible and affordable is truly inspiring.
Steven Barratt: Thank you for giving me the platform to share this. It’s been an incredible journey, and I look forward to making SFC an even stronger resource for families everywhere.