In February 2020 the Fund acquired The CDS Group, a bereavement services consulting business whose clients include the major private sector businesses as well as over 100 local authority clients.

Over the last 16 years, The CDS Group, formerly CemeteryDevelopment Services, has undertaken more than 400 environmental assessments and feasibility studies, designed and built over 45 new cemeteries both in the UK and overseas; as well as designing, developing and overseeing the construction of new crematoria sites and crematoria refurbishments for both private companies and local authorities.

The CDS Group is experienced in assessing and managing environmental issues associated with cemetery developments such as soil and groundwater pollution and in other areas such as air quality impacts associated with new crematorium developments.  The design team also ensure that new developments, extensions and the re-design of existing sites enhances the ecological value of each site therefore improving biodiversity, delivering a positive impact on climate change.

The CDS Group’s ever-expanding in-house team, which comprises Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers (Drainage, Civils and Geotechnical), Planners, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Designers enables them to provide clients with a single point of contact throughout the project to ensure clients enjoy a seamless experience from inception to completion.

The CDS Group continues to push the boundaries of design and technology.  They are committed to making future developments carbon neutral in line with the new government guidance.  CDS help their clients achieve this by introducing new technology such as electric cremators which can be powered by renewable energy resources, so it produces 95% less carbon dioxide emissions than a gas cremator.  In addition to the new technology, innovative construction products such as low carbon cement and recycled plastic roads can improve and enhance the environmental credentials of new developments, helping to contribute to the bereavement sectors climate emergency response.