About Exit Here Funeral Directors
Meet the people that make up Exit Here, an independent, modern funeral director, providing personal funeral services to families throughout London and further afield.
Oliver Peyton OBE
Known for his work as a restaurateur, Oliver Peyton founded Exit Here in 2019, after losing his parents and discovering there was very little choice when it came to funerals. As a result, Exit Here moves away from the old style funeral parlour and has an altogether more modern approach, which includes a range of specially commissioned coffins and caskets in different colours, finishes and materials, right through to one-of-a-kind funeral receptions at unique venues across the country.
“There are similarities to hospitality, of course. We take great care of both the person who has died, and the families and friends left behind. From the casket to the service to the reception venue and the handpicked menu, we help families organise a highly personal and fitting funeral which, while an incredibly sad occasion, also feels celebratory and uplifting. It’s about giving people choice and the opportunity to celebrate the end of a life exactly how they want to. Of all the businesses I’ve started and run, Exit Here has honestly been the most rewarding.”
Oliver Peyton, founder
Barry Pritchard
Barry Pritchard is president of the National Association of Funeral Directors and proudly follows in the footsteps of his father Alan and grandfather Charles who were both funeral directors. In fact, the Pritchard family have been undertakers since the early 1900s. Barry has worked in the funeral business since the age of 16, so brings a wealth of knowledge about funeral traditions and the history of funerals to Exit Here.
“I’m available to make sure everything runs smoothly and the funeral service proceeds in exactly the way you planned it. We ensure everyone is given the time they need so nothing feels rushed. We absolutely respect people’s traditions, religions, and cultures, but it’s been rewarding to help open people’s minds to the endless possibilities of what a modern funeral can look like.”
Barry Pritchard, funeral director
Sam Gage
Sam Gage grew up next to a cemetery and always knew she wanted to be a funeral director. Having worked in event organisation and customer facing roles, Sam begun her career as a funeral director in 2018 before joining Exit Here in 2021. She will guide you through every decision that has to be made about the funeral service, right down to the smallest details. She also runs bereavement coffee mornings at our Chiswick High Road premises which are open to anyone experiencing a bereavement.
“I’m often asked: ‘where will mum be kept in the days leading up to the funeral?’ The answer is with us, at Exit Here, where she’ll be looked after with care and kindness, in a peaceful and safe environment, and where you can come and see her whenever you want. Everyone I look after I treat as family. I find it the highest privilege to be trusted with someone’s funeral, and I’m always amazed by the bravery, strength and vulnerability of the people I meet.”
Sam Gage, funeral director
Jenny Jawa
A qualified chartered accountant, Jenny Jawa joined Exit Here at its launch back in 2019, to handle all financial matters. This was following a career that saw her work for Coopers & Lybrand in Australia as well as Morgan Stanley and Barclays Bank here in London. Jenny is also an experienced funeral arranger and client services manager.
“The move from banking to the funeral industry seemed like quite a leap at the time but I instinctively understood Oliver and Barry’s vision for Exit Here and the opportunity to help make a difference to people at a difficult time of their lives. A good funeral fundamentally helps with the grieving process, and at Exit Here we have the creativity and flexibility to curate funerals that are as individual as the person who’s died.”
Jenny Jawa, general manager
Our Team
We have a trusted team of bearers, funeral assistants and drivers who are an integral and valued part of our service. When someone dies at home, they will collect the person with care and respect. They are also on hand on the day of the funeral to help carry the coffin, or assist with the burial or welcome your guests to the funeral reception. There are always Exit Here staff available to support you before, throughout and after the funeral.
When somebody comes into our care they stay with us until the day of the service. It is almost certain that the people who have taken your loved one into our care will also be there on the day of the funeral. We take great pride in the fact that all of our team are involved in every step, and have a connection with the journey of your loved one.
