About Us

Nicholas E. Potts FDSc, MBIE, DipFD, MBIFD

Nick Potts was born in Warwick, and came with his family to Norwich in 1963, when his father was appointed a Lay-clerk at Norwich Cathedral. He attended Norwich School and was a member of the cathedral choir. Upon leaving school, he was apprenticed to Busseys as a motor vehicle technician.

He moved onto the funeral profession in 1980 and quickly earned the National Association of Funeral Directors' Diploma and the British Institute of Embalmers' qualification. He managed George Bush Funeral Home for four years, and with his wife Carole, opened their own funeral business in 1994.

They have three children, of whom they are very proud; Benedict, a motor vehicle re-finishing technician, Charlotte, a professional dancer and Natalie, who is working with them in the funeral business.

Nick gained a Foundation Degree in Mortuary Science at Chester University in 2009, the first funeral director in Norfolk to obtain a dedicated industry-related degree, and is currently working at the university toward a BSc (Hons) in the same subject.

Nicholas is also an experienced funeral celebrant and will put together a secular or semi-religious ceremony with readings, tributes and music to suit each occasion.

His interests are mediaeval history, engineering and the arts.

Carole A. Potts (née Cleaver)

Carole was born into an R.A.F. family in 1961 where she travelled with her parents and siblings until settling in Swaffham in 1972. She worked for many years for Berni Inns and then became a publican at The Kingston Mill in Kingston-Upon-Thames. Family bereavement brought her home to Norfolk where she met Nick.

She started a working partnership with Nick and since 2004 has been involved in the business full-time. Prior to that, Carole balanced motherhood and family life with becoming a qualified playgroup leader, and working part-time for an agency. She also taught dance at Catton Grove First and Middle Schools. Along with her daughters Charlotte and Natalie (and Natalie's husband Jason), Carole co-organised Catton Grove Dance and Stage Work Shop based at Oak Grove Chapel for 10 years.

Carole manages the day-to-day running of the office, and ensures all preparations run smoothly, both before and during the funeral service, as well as looking after the mourners until the funeral cortege arrives.

Natalie Smith SMBIE

Natalie, her husband Jason and their two children live in Thorpe Hamlet, and have always lived in Norwich. Their son Archie attends Sprowston High School, and their daughter Roxanne attends Lionwood.

Natalie studied at Great Yarmouth College for two years where she achieved a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts. Family life kept her at home for a while, and happily for us she made the decision to join the family funeral business. Natalie has been attending Mortuary College in Colchester whilst working and balancing family life.

We both look forward to her taking her final exams and in time she will take a front of house position.