The fifth rendition of the annual British Wills and Probate Awards is becoming ever-closer. As we count down to the 20th October at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham, our “Sponsor Spotlight” series will highlight the progression, innovation and achievements of all our sponsors who make the event possible. Here, we speak with Anglia Research, Court of Protection team of the year category sponsor.
In a series of Supporters in Focus pieces, we are thrilled to introduce our sponsors of The British Wills and Probate Awards 2022.
Alongside headline sponsor Executor Solutions, we look forward to recognising achievement, highlighting progression and championing innovation.
We’re delighted to have Anglia Research on board with the fifth year of The British Wills & Probate Awards.
First of all, tell us who you are and what you do
Now in our sixth decade, we are an international firm of probate genealogists that set the standard for probate genealogy and heir location. We provide probate genealogical research services and expertise to the legal profession, supporting Private Client practitioners in both Probate and Court of Protection matters.
Anglia Research have been featured on popular TV programmes, including the BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? – why do you think there is such interest in your work?
We are very fortunate to work in a niche industry that people find so fascinating. Ultimately, we feel that this comes down to the fact that most people are interested in finding out about their ancestry and where they have come from. We all have a story to tell, it’s as simple as that! Probate Genealogy is an extension of the work a family historian undertakes, though we only go back as far as we need to in order to find living heirs. But the basics are the same.
Being established in 1979, what is the most important change within the sector you have seen, and why?
There have been many changes that have had an impact over the years and the industry is therefore always evolving, despite what people might think from outside of the law sector! But without a shadow of a doubt, the technology that shook the very foundations of the industry and altered it forever was the adoption of the internet. This took genealogical research from being a more mobile job to something which could be done predominantly from a desktop. For example, since the pandemic alone, all Probate Applications now need to be made online.
We also saw a huge difference when the Government Legal Department’s Bona Vacantia list moved from weekly to daily publication. The release of the 1921 Census records earlier this year was also quite significant. Although it might seem rather slow, the industry is progressing all the time. As a responsible business, we keep on top of those changes and help our clients access the latest available data.
Looking to the future, how would you like to see the sector change over the coming years?
This is a simple one for us – we’d like to see greater regulation of the industry. It is a drum we have been beating for quite a while now, but we feel the benefits would far outweigh any negatives. It is worrying that there are no entry barriers to the industry; that anybody, anywhere could decide to call themselves a probate genealogist tomorrow with absolutely no experience or credentials. Unfortunately, it is scenarios like this that can often tarnish the whole industry. We are adamant that maintaining the very highest professional standards, through ongoing training and accreditation, isn’t just the best way of running our business, it is the only way.
What made you support Court of Protection team of the year, and what is your message to its entrants?
Sponsoring the Court of Protection team of the year again was a very easy decision for us. We wanted to continue to support the specialist work that these professionals carry out on a day-to-day basis, with the interests of their clients always at the forefront, something we always try to replicate with our own work. We are proud to be able to help recognise the essential work of firms in this sector – the work they do actually changes people’s lives.
What would Anglia Research like to be known for the most?
Our message here is straightforward – we provide research that can be relied upon; we don’t cut corners. With more accredited genealogists, legally qualified and independently regulated staff than any other UK probate research firm, law firms can be 100% confident in working with us.
Thank you to Anglia Research for their support for The British Wills & Probate Awards 2022.
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