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Cassie leads our committed staff as Principal Director, bringing with her 20 years of business experience. Cassie trained as a nurse in London and during her formative years she served in the Princess Mary RAF as a Flying Officer Nursing Sister.

Cassie moved to Plymouth in 1998 with her family, initially working as a matron in a nursing home in Yelverton, then setting up and running a successful computer services business with her husband. From 2004-2008 Cassie, alongside her daughters and husband, also owned and managed Plymouth Diving Centre, a busy and popular SCUBA diver training centre.

In 2002 Cassie’s husband became ill and she cared for him until his death in 2013. In 2016, Cassie became involved with a funeral company in Plymouth where she discovered a profession that was both fulfilling and rewarding. The natural next step was for Cassie, alongside her family, to establish their own true independent family funeral directors. In 2017, Knapman Family Ltd was founded, a business committed to ensuring that the families of Plymouth have access to an affordable, independent and caring funeral service.

Emma joins her husband Marc and mother Cassie at Knapman Family Ltd, providing general administrative support to the family business. Emma attended Plymouth High School for Girls and following completion of a degree at Bournemouth University, moved back to Plymouth work alongside Cassie in the family SCUBA diving school business. Following this, Emma went on to develop a successful career in events management. During this time she worked at the National Marine Aquarium, establishing the ‘Sleeping with the Sharks’ events, and also worked as the Charity Co-ordinator at Plymouth Sound Radio, where she organised events to raise money for local charities.

In 2013, following a career break to have children, Emma retrained and returned to work part time as a teaching assistant at Hyde Park Infant School, a role which she finds enjoyable and stimulating.

Emma is an active mum but when not looking after her two young children she enjoys going running and often takes part in local running events.

Emma brings drive and enthusiasm to the running of the systems and structure of the business, allowing for the professional care to continue throughout and beyond the funeral arranging process.

Marc is the son-in-law to Director Cassie Knanpman and married to Emma. He joins the company as an experienced Funeral Director and is comitted to providing support and guidance to those who are experiencing a difficult and emotional time in their life.

Marc was born in Plymouth and after completing his education he joined the British Army as a Royal Engineer with 39 Engineer Regiment. After leaving the military, Marc enrolled in a career within Health and Social Care, progressing to a management position and gaining invaluable experience within this field. His career saw him work alongside prolific offenders in the National Probation Service, vulnerable children and adults, as well as individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. As a family, Marc and Emma have had a role in providing supported living as well as being foster carers, all alongside raising their 3 children.

Marc understands the importance of ensuring family members feel comfortable and reassured when considering the funeral arrangements of a loved one. Marc often meets families in their own homes, believing that talking about a loved one, reminiscing about fond memories and raising a smile can provide comfort and help put families feel at ease.

I feel I can understand family dynamics and have a natural ability to listen and communicate. I am passionate about ensuring that families have the required information to make an informed choice. A funeral is a unique tribute to a loved one and I am committed to ensuring that we provide an affordable and professional funeral service.

Charlie joins the family business with her sister Emma and Mother Cassie, providing day-to-day admin support. Charlie worked alongside her mother and sister when the family owned and managed the Plymouth Diving Centre SCUBA diving school business.

Charlie splits her time between raising her young son and acting as office manager. Charlie previously worked in the community as a health care assistant, supporting patients in their homes, including the provision of end of life care. In providing individual patient care and being able to have a direct influence on a person’s health.

Charlie is an excellent and compassionate communicator and brings a range of skills that support the delivery of a professional and personalised service at Knapman Family Ltd.