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 Pro-Gen Research, Private Client Team of the Year category sponsor.
First of all, tell us who you are and what you do
We are a genealogy-based business employed, in the main, to conduct probate genealogy research and tracing projects for the legal and charity sectors.
How do Pro-Gen research help trace lost beneficiaries?
Our instructions vary from tracing just one beneficiary named in a Will who is no longer at the address provided, to identifying the whereabouts of dozens of beneficiaries named in Wills, sometimes with no address or relationship to the deceased provided. Our success rate currently stands at 97.5% and we pride ourselves on being able to resolve hurdles for our clients.
How has the wills and probate sector – and the service you provide – evolved over the last 12 months?
The lockdowns have certainly altered the way in which our clients work, i.e. being able to conduct meetings virtually instead of travelling around the country to meet face-to-face. However, now that face-to-face meetings are now able to happen, it is always great to visit clients and get a feel for their expectations and values. Attitudes towards work are less formal and more focussed on building lasting relationships with each other. The amount and variety of data sets being released to the genealogy world has also been very exciting especially with the release of the 1921 Census.
What made you support Private Client Team of the Year, and what is your message to its entrants?
Over the past two-and-a-half years, the private client sector has been through a particularly difficult time and these difficulties continue with the amount of work that is still to be done. A team of people working together, in whatever setting, is such a powerful force, but in the field of private client, where emotions are often very raw and can run high, the concept of “team” is even more important. All of the entrants and those shortlisted should congratulate themselves already for the work they have done over the past year in bringing peace, reassurance and stability to so many individuals and families who are possibly going through one of the most distressing periods of their lives.
What have been Pro-Gen’s biggest achievements this year?
Being recognised as “highly commended” in the Best UK Probate Research Firm at the UK Probate Research Awards was a personal and professional highlight, not only of the year but in my life!
Also moving away from home working and moving into an office within a business hub in a fantastic part of Norwich, surrounded by a variety of other people who are striving to grow their business in what are difficult times.
Can you share an exciting piece of news or company update with us?
The company continues to grow in its client base and the range of services provided and most importantly, our reputation as an expert, professional, yet friendly probate research business is growing and is being heard about across the world – a fellow genealogist in the US instructed us to conduct research as she had heard about our ethos and success.
What would Pro-Gen like to be known for the most?
Without doubt, the highest level of service and the professional yet friendly relationship clients have with Pro-Gen are what I would like to be known for above anything else.
Thank you to Pro-Gen Research for their support for The British Wills & Probate Awards 2022.
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