• March 28, 2024
 Sponsor Spotlight: Best Foundation

Sponsor Spotlight: Best Foundation

The fifth rendition of the annual British Wills and Probate Awards is becoming ever-closer. As we count down to the 20th of 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. We’re delighted to have the BEST Foundation on board with the fifth year of The British Wills & Probate Awards.

First of all, tell us who you are and what you do?

The BEST Foundation is a new non-profit membership organisation for estate planning professionals. We aspire to raise the standards across the industry by insisting on best practice and setting a bar for member entry. The Best Foundation aims to grow the largest community consisting of the best professionals in the estate planning industry. We will support our members in any way that we can, whilst campaigning for changes that benefit professionals and clients alike. The Best Foundation vows to educate the public on all aspects of estate planning and bring in the younger generation to the sector by raising awareness of the rewarding careers it has to offer.

What makes a Best Member estate planner the best?

There are several characteristics that make an estate planner the best. They should go above and beyond for their clients taking particular care with vulnerable clients and ensuring they complete regular CPD training to keep abreast of relevant changes in the industry. They should be using technology to improve the client journey and appreciate that to provide best advice often a holistic approach is needed by a variety of professionals.

How has the Best Foundation changed the wills and probate sector?

The Best Foundation aims to revolutionise the industry by campaigning for change and raising awareness of the sector as a whole. In this new amazon age clients expect to be able to order all goods and services online. Therefore we champion digital innovation and new technologies within estate planning services. The Best Foundation is also the first membership body of its kind to offer a corporate membership for companies and businesses who want their services to be acknowledged for being the best.

What challenges have you faced in establishing the Best Foundation to where it is today, and how have you innovated to overcome these?

When we first set out, we were not expecting such a wide range of membership types to apply for membership. We have had contentious probate solicitors and genealogists. These members still perform essential work within the industry and indeed their services are often needed by estate planners. We have extended the service list offered by our members to ensure the public can search for the best member for the service they require.

What made you support the Estate Planning Consultant of the Year Award, and what is your message to its entrants?

Supporting the Estate Planning Consultant of the Year Award seemed like a natural step for us as we wholly support and understand the need to recognise excellence in the industry. We want clients to have a positive experience and receive best advice when seeking estate planning services. Therefore we are more than happy to celebrate an estate planning consultant who has excelled in their work. Our message to all entrants would be, be proud of yourself for persevering through a tough couple of years and adapting your business practices to suit the needs of clients through the pandemic. Well done on getting this far and good luck.

What have been BEST Foundation biggest achievements this year?

As a new organisation we already represent over 100 members, and this number is quickly growing! We have already been featured in the national press and have held a meeting with Office of the Public Guardian regarding their poor services which is affecting professionals and clients alike. We will be tackling issues like this on behalf of our members and we have lots on the list that we want to change!

Can you share an exciting piece of news or company update with us?

Over the next few months, we will be running a large public awareness campaign on the importance of wills and other estate planning services. Given that most of the public are unaware of what an estate planner is, or does, we plan to educate the public on several issues. We will also be assuring them that by using a Best member they are covered by our client guarantee and the person or firm they have instructed is qualified, insured and accountable.

What would BEST Foundation like to be known for the most?

We would most like to be known for promoting the industry, reassuring members of the public and helping our members to grow their business.

Thank you to BEST Foundation for their support for The British Wills & Probate Awards 2022.

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