Scarborough memorial makers win national gold for service excellence
A Yorkshire family business has been recognised on the national stage, winning Gold for Service Excellence at the SME National Business Awards, held at the QEII Centre in Westminster.
Yorkshire-based Mindful Memorials, with Scarborough branch G.R Pinder on Manor Rd, took home the top honour for their compassionate, client-focused approach to memorial craftsmanship - an accolade that celebrates the team’s dedication to serving families with empathy and artistry.
“In truth, we don’t set out to achieve ‘excellence’ in the traditional sense,” said Anna Buckley, Co-Founder and Brand Director at Mindful Memorials. “Our focus has always been on human connection - on treating every family with kindness and compassion, and crafting memorials that truly honour life. Excellence is simply what happens when you lead with heart.”
The family-run company has now won every award it has been nominated or entered for, including regional recognition for Innovation and national recognition as the Best Memorial Makers in the UK at the Good Funeral Awards. Founded on five generations of skilled craftsmanship, Mindful Memorials is pioneering a new era of memorial making - one that blends traditional stone masonry with modern design and emotional intelligence.
“This award is a reflection of our whole team’s commitment,” added Adrian Buckley, Co-Founder. “Every memorial we create carries a story of life and love. Being recognised for service excellence affirms that we’re doing right by the families who trust us during some of life’s hardest moments.”
Mindful Memorials’ approach focuses on creating meaningful, sustainable memorials that reflect the individuality of each person remembered - from bespoke stone carvings to artistically symbolic designs such as totem memorials. The team describes their mission simply: to honour life through artistry, compassion, and connection.