Equity release lending declines 9% as customers take ‘cautious approach’
The latest figures from the Equity Release Council show a decline in both lending and customer numbers. Total lending fell to £574 million in Q1 2026, down 9% on the previous quarter (£632 million) and 14% year-on-year (£655 million). Customer numbers also declined, with 12,958 new and returning customers accessing housing wealth, down 7% on […]
Private client teams celebrate awards success
Firms have been sharing their successes following the Probate Industry Awards, hosted by comedian Omid Djalili. The awards, held in London, highlight achievement in areas including legal service delivery, operational performance, client outcomes and wider contribution to the probate profession. Premier Solicitors was named National Probate Law Firm of the Year, with judges recognising the […]
Judicial Appointments Commission seeks candidates for Recorder roles
The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) is encouraging solicitors, barristers and Fellows of CILEX in England and Wales to apply for 128 Recorder roles, with vacancies across all jurisdictions. Recorders deal with cases within a mid-range of complexity and legal difficulty across the criminal, family, and civil jurisdictions. Applicants should have at least seven years of […]
Profile: Barry Mattock, CEO at Property Solutions Group
Barry Mattock is the group chief executive officer of Property Solutions Group, a specialist probate property services company working with law firms and legal professionals across the UK. With decades of experience in the property sector, Barry leads the strategic direction of the company, championing innovation, client‑focused services, and operational excellence. Under his leadership, Property Solutions […]