Douch Family Funeral Directors has promoted Emma Byron to manager of its Albert Marsh branch in Wareham.
Emma joined the business in 2013 as office manager after a career in banking and has learned from within.
The mother of two intends to build on the traditions of the business while at the same time continuing to embrace technology.
Albert Marsh founded the funeral directors in 1835 and it became part of Douch Family Funeral Directors in 1999.
It is one of the group’s seven branches, the others being located in Swanage, Poole, Wimborne, Blandford, Corfe Mullen and Ferndown.
Emma said: “Although I am not a funeral director I know what goes into making the arrangements and have learned the business under several managers.
“The company is great to work for as all the branches have great relationships and if there is something I don’t know I just pick up the phone and ask a colleague.
“The last few months have been very difficult but we have adapted to the challenges and the families have been incredibly understanding.
“Now we are allowed back into churches we are helping them understand what works and what doesn’t, based on our growing experience.
“Little things like not being able to sing hymns is unusual, so we play the music and people can at least listen.
“There is a great team here and we have some wonderful traditions. We have also made great strides with technological and other innovations which we will continue to push forward.”
The group’s director Jonathan Stretch said: “When the vacancy became available Emma was the obvious choice.
“She has been with us for seven years and knows the business and the industry inside out.”