After a career in management consulting, Nicola founded her own will writing practice in 2019 after a personal loss. Her company has grown into a well-respected local business, with a community focus. She won the ‘One to Watch’ Practitioner Award at the 2023 British Wills and Probate Awards after previously winning ‘Sole Practitioner’ and her company has won multiple awards for its estate planning and social value activities. Nicola is also a member of the Professional Standards Board at the Society of Will Writers, a Fellow of the Society, and a member of the Legal Advisory Board of Remember a Charity.
What was your career path to your current role?
I had no prior background in law (other than my first job as a junior in a local solicitors’ office, where I shredded a pile of house deeds on day one!) I have a long career in operational and digital roles, with significant global management consulting experience.
So why wills? My husband Jim was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2018. We had no powers of attorney and needed an updated will. He died before his new will was signed and the LPAs registered. You can imagine the challenges!
When it was time to consider what to do next, and at the age of 53, I decided to put my corporate background behind me and set up a local small business, focusing on helping other families in the same situation. Morecambe Bay Wills was formed in 2019 after I trained with the Society of Will Writers. My focus was spreading awareness, providing affordable peace of mind and giving back to local organisations that had helped Jim and me during such a difficult time. I decided I would donate 5% of wills and LPA invoices to them.
Since then, we have grown to a team of eight women, won numerous awards, bought another local will writing firm, and set up another in North Wales. We have completed hundreds of hours volunteering and donated over £45,000 to five local charities. We also share all our profits between our staff and our community.
In 2025, we created the Morecambe Bay Wills Community Fund, initially giving 30 grants of £250 to small grassroots groups who provide services and support to local people. This is an initiative we will be continuing for the future.
Did you have any other career ambitions?
No! I loved what I used to do, but my focus is no longer creating wealth for shareholders, but providing peace of mind for the average family.
I have always travelled a great deal and love trips – so I do have a plan to do more of this. This is made much easier as our wonderful team encourage me while they look after our clients and administration.
What keeps you motivated in your work?
The fact that something tragic has turned into something magic. We are a small team with a big heart and love seeing how our efforts are helping our community. We’ve recently been out and about visiting those that have been awarded grants from our fund, and it is humbling to see what they do and the impact they have.
And of course, helping others – breaking things down, explaining simply and succinctly. It’s fabulous when someone says, “Oh I get it – thanks for making it easy!”
What has been the best development in wills and probate in the last 20 years?
Considering I haven’t been in this industry for very long, I don’t remember that far back (but looking at legislation it hasn’t changed much – yet!). I think the introduction of technology. I came from that background and was incredulous when I saw the amount of paper. I am looking forward to embracing a more electronic way of working – as long as there are safeguards for all.
And the worst?
Social Media. Fiona from Facebook and Tom on Twitter all weighing in. And forums where questions are asked and every armchair expert gives their opinion.
Many of my connections also know I am not a fan of free charity wills and cheap wills. I think there is a potential for this to commoditise such important documents and create a race to the bottom. I understand the importance of legacies for charities, but we need to think about the impact these offers have.
If you could bring in one new piece of legislation for the sector, what would it be and why?
I think there is something to be said about properly signing, witnessing and registering wills, given their importance. It is unlikely to be practical, but even something like a formal witnessing process may assist in the rise of internet wills that never get signed! Sort of, ‘it’s not valid unless witnessed by a professional’.
What piece of legislation would you take off the statute books and why?
I’m not sure – I am on the fence about the proposal to remove the ‘marriage revokes a will’ law. It has pros and cons. The same can be said of the need to have wet signatures. Time will tell!
What’s the best piece of advice anyone ever gave you regarding your career?
Never worry about your accent! Sounds odd, but in my corporate days I was always concerned about my Lancashire accent – especially in the boardroom or government discussions. I felt like an imposter. Then my boss told me it made me stand out and that people listened to me because it was different from all the London or New York accents. I never looked back. It gave me so much more confidence!
What’s the best piece of advice you’d like to give to someone just starting out?
Find a group of people to whom you can ask questions! Don’t ever think a question is a silly one! Get a mentor!
I have connected with so many people since I came into this industry, and I have honestly had so much assistance from them. They have helped me so much and I have a lot to thank them for.
Tell us something people may be surprised to know about you…
I have been to 87 countries so far! Told you I love travel!
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