In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our Judges of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2021
Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation.
However, the awards couldn’t take place without the hard task of judging and shortlisting the entries. It’s not a task many would take on, but we are extremely grateful to those that have.
Today we profile Anthony Belcher, a new judge to the British Wills and Probate Awards.
We’re delighted to have Anthony Belcher with us for the fourth year of The British Wills & Probate Awards. First of all, tell us who you are and what you do.
I’m the Director of The Society of Will Writers, and with that comes with many responsibilities. These include representing the Society and its members ensuring they have a voice, managing our marketing, social media, partner and member relations, as well of course as the day to day running of the Society and managing the team which help make it all happen.
What initially sparked your interest in the sector?
I came straight out of university looking for an opportunity within a business I could settle into and hone my skills. I started initially as an in-house graphic designer, and then worked up through the marketing department before joining the board of Directors in 2019, then assuming the lead role in 2020.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the Wills and Probate sector?
Becoming an expert in your field will not happen overnight. Learning as much as you can and applying that knowledge through practical experience along the way is essential if you want to get ahead and make a difference.
What improvements do you think could be made to the Wills and Probate sector?
I’d love to see more modernisation and more innovation through the use of technology. It’s one of my goals for the future of The Society of Will Writers, starting internally with our own procedures and operations, in the hope we can expand outwards and apply some influence on the wider industry.
As a Judge of the awards, what will you be looking for to identify that winning entry?
In line with my own goals, innovation will be one of the key things I will be looking for to pinpoint the entry which stands out above the rest.
How important do you think it is to recognise achievement in the sector?
In a largely unregulated sector Will Writers can often go unrecognised for their own achievements, part of what we try to do at the Society is shout about as much of the good as we can, and it’s event like this which should enable us to do that better.
What are the most prominent challenges the industry is facing at the moment?
This could well sound a bit of a default answer, but truly the impact of the pandemic has brought about numerous challenges. For many that began initially with wondering just how to continue working and helping their clients, but it seems Will Writers, and particularly those who are members of the Society, have been incredibly resilient and are showing very encouraging signs of a bounce back. Each step of lockdown easing has certainly helped, but those who didn’t adapt early on may now find it harder to catch up.
Thank you to Anthony and The Society for Will Writers for your support for The British Wills & Probate Awards 2021.
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