Simon Cox

Background

About Simon Cox

Co-founder and Director of Funeral Solution Expert (FSE); an independent and unbiased consultancy business. We perform a range of interim assignments and provide expert insight into end-of-life subjects; in particular the funeral sector. FSE is focused on helping consumers, helping businesses and has a special focus on how the funeral industry can become more environmentally efficient. Highly experienced end of life sector expert. 35+ year career responsible for managing and launching Funeral Plan and Over 50 products, working for and with leading players Dignity, Royal London, Sun Life, Golden Charter, Perfect Choice and Co-Op. A proven track record in Product Development, Business Development, Consumer and Market research, Public Affairs and PR. A recognised sector expert appearing before Parliamentary Select Committee on funeral standards. A frequent contributor in the national media with media appearances including BBC (Breakfast, News 24, 5 Live Investigates and R4 ‘You and Yours’) and Sky News as well as extensive coverage within the written press. Passionate about working with Academics, Consumer Groups, Charities and Parliamentarians, to seek change for those at their lowest ebb financially at a most distressing time in their lives. Research, thought leadership and engagement work delivered includes: The creation of Sun Life and Royal London’s market leading funeral cost tracking reports. Creation of the concept of ‘funeral poverty’, quantifying the scale of this issue and giving evidence to the select committee inquiry on bereavement benefits. Identifying process and structural issues arising from the experience of applying for the social fund funeral expenses payment. Commissioning the substantive research work, shared with Fairer Finance in 2017, exploring systemic issues endemic within the funeral plan sector. This evidence base has directly led to positive change including the following key achievements: Improvements to State Funeral Benefits working with Scottish Government, DWP and other interested stakeholders. The introduction of FCA regulation to the Funeral Plan market. Ensuring quality and standards was a key focus for the CMA investigation.