Night Of Celebration At The British Wills and Probate Awards

Last night, Thursday 17th October 2019, saw the cream of the crop in the Wills and Probate sector come together and celebrate the efforts of all practitioners in this area. 

The sold-out event, held at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Birmingham, was hosted by ex-Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond, who kept proceedings moving during the glitzy extravaganza. 

Co-hosting the event with Jennie Bond, was Dave Newick, Managing Director of headline sponsor Arken.legal (UK) Ltd. He said: 

“We’re thrilled to be returning as headline sponsor of The British Wills and Probate Awards. We enjoyed catching up with everyone and celebrating the achievements that have been made over the last 12 months.  

“Sharing knowledge and celebrating excellence is incredibly important. Acknowledging those that go that extra mile for clients and communities, spotlighting forward-thinking firms and encouraging industry innovation will be what keeps our industry at the top of its game.” 

The winners of this year’s awards are: 

  • Will Writing Firm of the Year (National)  Farewill
  • Will Writing Firm of the Year (North and Midlands) – Beneficial Trust and Will Company
  • Will Writing Firm of the Year (South) – Portcullis Legals
  • Solicitor Firm of the Year (National) – Hugh Jones Solicitors
  • Solicitor Firm of the Year (North) – Hugh Jones Solicitors
  • Solicitor Firm of the Year (Midlands) – HMG Law
  • Solicitor Firm of the Year (South) – Barcan + Kirby
  • Probate Provider of the Year (Large) – Kings Court Trust
  • Probate Provider of the Year (Small) – Purely Probate
  • Best Contentious Wills and Probate Team of the Year – Bolt Burdon
  • Court of Protection Team of the Year – Bolt Burdon
  • Young Practitioner of the Year – Karan Soni (Farewill)
  • Best Use of Marketing and Social Media – Settify and Probaters
  • Innovation of the Year – Estatesearch
  • Best Use of Technology – Farewill
  • Community Involvement Award – Fidler and Pepper 

Robert Sanderson, Managing Director of the Practical Vision Network which publishes Today’s Wills and Probate, said: 

“It is hard to imagine a sector so connected to society when considering an ageing population, changing family dynamics, equity release and the dramatic increase in mental and physical welfare support in later life. 

“If we thought the standard of submissions was high in our first year, our second year has surpassed our expectations. It has been a fascinating insight into the innovations and skills that are being delivered day in day out in a complex area of law. 

“I want to congratulate the winners, but also applaud the efforts of everyone in the room. You are all winners in our eyes.” 

Karen Babington, Director at The Practical Vision Network, added: 

“It was another fantastic night. This is the second time we’ve held this event, and to see it grow exponentially from last year is great to see. I am so thrilled to see everyone who attended last year, and so many new faces too. Probate practitioners have had numerous challenges in 2019. So, gathering together to celebrate success has been exactly what everyone needed.  

“I think it’s important to celebrate excellence within this sector, rewarding those who actively work all year round to improve the service offered to clients. I am proud that the British Wills and Probate Awards leads the way in this recognition.” 

Find out what happened on the night by checking out #TBWPAwards on social media.