On Thursday 22 October 2020, professionals from across the wills and probate sector came together to celebrate the successes and achievements of the industry is what has been a challenging year, at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2020.
The awards, which was back for it’s third year, took to the virtual stage and was hosted by ex-Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, alongside headline sponsor Arken.legal (UK), and champagne sponsor Executor Solutions.
500 people watched the winning organisations take the crown this year. The full list of winners is available here. The online event is available to watch here.
Let’s hear from the Highly Commended Best Use of Technology, My Probate Partner
About the Best Use of Technology Award
This award goes to a firm or legal supplier who has shown great initiative by implementing technology which has enhanced the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness of their business, or demonstrated how their technology has delivered an exceptional customer experience.
The winner of this award must have:
- Implemented technology in a way which has created a competitive advantage within the previous 12 months
- Shown originality in the delivery of the technology or the way in which it has enhanced their business
- Demonstrated strong teamwork and co-operation in the introduction and use of the initiative
My Probate Partner were shortlisted alongside:
- Estatesearch (Winner)
- Probate Property Solutions
During the judging process, the judges decided that My Probate Partner should be highly commended saying:
“The judging panel noted the strength of the product, it’s relevance to the current needs of the sector, and expectation to make a significant impact on the market in the coming months.”
How did you feel being highly commended in the Will Writing Firm of the Year award this year?
I’m really proud – I think it’s a fantastic achievement for a company that is less than 2 years old and has been built on a shoestring budget.
So, who are My Probate Partner? What do you do?
In Scotland, the whole ‘probate’ process has been left deliberately vague by the Scottish Court Service which, we believe, is an unacceptable situation to put grieving families in. We are a small team dedicated to alleviating the stress and cost this situation causes people by providing the clarity that people need at a difficult time.
How has your firm developed in the last 12 months and navigated the added complexity of the coronavirus pandemic?
Our service only launched properly at the end of January this year so working under the conditions of the pandemic is pretty normal for us as there isn’t much to compare to before. Being a totally remote company from the start, we haven’t had to make the sort of adjustments that most other companies have. Towards the end of the summer, we had the bandwidth to redesign part of our business model and build a new website.
What’s next on the cards for you?
We just launched a new version of our website that is already showing signs that we have taken another step in the right direction. We’re working with law firms now so we can help people with everything they need after someone passes away, either directly or indirectly. We’re convinced that the role of the professional advisor will look a lot different in the future, so it’s great to find solicitors that agree with us and want to work with us to find out what that looks like.
What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the Wills and Probate sector?
The industry is really just starting to evolve from the way it’s been for a long time. I think there are big changes on the horizon so, if that sort of thing excites you, it’s a great time to get involved.
Why is the British Wills and Probate Awards event, which recognises excellence and highlights achievements in the industry, so important to the industry, especially this year?
I think this is an industry that has been overlooked and under-appreciated in the past. The awards shine a light on the achievements of people and companies that are going above and beyond to improve the experience people have at one of the most difficult times for them. If that’s not something worth celebrating then I don’t know what is, especially this year.
Everyone at Today’s Wills and Probate congratulates all those who were shortlisted in this year’s awards.
More information about the British Wills and Probate Awards can be found here.