I am so proud of our team and the work we do. Every day we strive to look after our clients, raise awareness and do good in our community. So I am absolutely delighted that we are recognised yet again at the “Oscars” of our industry – the British Wills & Probate Awards 2024!
The awards are the biggest of the year, and they recognise the best there is, so as a result reaching the finals is a huge honour for us. When we were shortlisted in 3 categories last year, we were thrilled! A hat trick! We are so proud to have gone and done it again! It’s an incredible achievement for us to be finalists for two years running when the competition is so fierce.
The ceremony is on Thursday 10th October, at the beautiful Kimpton Clocktower hotel in Manchester. Some of us will be there in person and others will watch as the event is live-streamed. Either way, our team will be celebrating our successes past and present.
Community & Charity Champions
This category recognises firms who have a dedicated approach to community, charity and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Above all, the British Wills & Probate Awards judges are looking for firms that demonstrate a commitment and passion in making a difference. And so our status as finalists in this category is a recognition of the work we do with local people and for local causes.
We are a small team, with a huge heart, and we have just celebrated reaching a huge milestone in our charity giving. That’s because we’ve now raised over £26,000 from our charity donations of 5% from every invoice. This is our own money, not pledges from customers – that’s on top of what we raise! You can find out more about the local charities we support HERE.
Tell people, help people, do good for people … and the planet! That’s our aim, which is why we put 100s of hours into community activities and raising awareness. Likewise, we have hired local students to help us and we have focussed on removing plastic and reusing materials where possible.
A huge achievement for a small team of 8!
Estate Planning Consultant of the Year
We are so excited that the judges have chosen Andrea Bentham, who joined us in 2021, as a finalist for this hotly contested award. This category at the British Wills & Probate Awards is a fantastic one. That’s because it recognises an individual – someone highly skilled, who provides exceptional personal service to clients and partners.
Andrea shines in her role. That’s because she makes what can often be the complex, difficult and emotive task of preparing for death as seamless as possible. She does this with her approachable, empathetic, and helpful ways and as a result her clients feel relaxed and they love her!
She is a brilliant ambassador for the MBWE brand and the Will writing industry as a whole and is an inspiration to her colleagues.
We are all rooting for her in this category !!!
Estate Planning Firm of the Year (Boutique)
This category recognises smaller firms who demonstrate all round excellence within the area of estate planning. As you would expect, the British Wills & Probate Awards judges are demanding! Firstly they look for companies who combine high levels of skills and technical ability with exceptional client service and business acumen. They also reward those who put the client at the heart of all they do. Because of this, we are very proud to be recognised among the best, alongside some truly amazing companies!
In the last year we have grown our little firm through acquisition and word of mouth. Which has meant an increase in our charity donations and our team now share 50% of profits, with the other 50% spent on community projects. The team are all involved in community activities and in key growth decisions. We have big goals, but we remain true to the family feel for our clients and ourselves. In 2024 so far, we have added consultants, engaged 3 young students to support our growth, and initiated several new tech upgrade projects.
The future is bright!!!
Wish us luck – we have all our fingers (and toes) crossed. The competition is fierce as everyone who is a finalist is amazing. To be in such prestigious company AGAIN is wonderful !
If you want to find out more about our services, you can call us on 01524 571032 or ask for more information here.
Building on previous successes
We’ve always been proud of what we have achieved and we have had some wonderful recognition for what we do. We launched Morecambe Bay Wills in 2019 and our first awards season was 2021 – and we started to win right away !!!!
Here’s a little reminder of the awards we’ve been shortlisted for. Long may it continue :)
2021
British Wills & Probate Awards
Will Writing Firm of the Year (North & Midlands) – WINNER
Sole Practitioner of the Year – WINNER
2022
British Wills & Probate Awards
Will Writing Firm of the Year (Regional) – HIGHLY COMMENDED
North West Family Business Awards
Business Services – FINALISTS
Best Social Impact – FINALISTS
People’s Choice – FINALISTS
2023
British Wills & Probate Awards
“One to Watch” Practitioner of the Year – WINNER
Customer Service Champions – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Will Writing Firm of the Year (Regional) – HIGHLY COMMENDED
2024
Legal Growth Awards
Corporate Social Responsibility – WINNER
Best Use of Social Media – FINALISTS
More about the British Wills & Probate Awards
The British Wills and Probate Awards was launched in 2018 to recognise and celebrate the firms, businesses and individuals who have delivered outstanding service and expertise to clients across the wills and probate/private client sector; and is widely considered to be an indicator of excellence and trust.
Firms shortlisted have been through a rigorous process of independent scrutiny by a panel of industry professionals who arrive at the final shortlists. The winners will be announced on the 10th October 2024 at the gala ceremony in Manchester.
The British Wills and Probate Awards is the largest event dedicated to recognising excellence in the industry. It is hosted by Today’s Media, the publishers of trade publication Today’s Wills and Probate, an online news publication for solicitors, will writers and probate practitioners.
Headline Sponsor CTT Group Director Clive Ponder TEP said:
“It’s an absolute pleasure and a privilege to once again be headline sponsors. The BWAP Awards recognise the very best in our industry and having the honour of being a judge this year, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and dedication, and the heights of achievement this industry can reach”
“Huge congratulations to all those who’ve been shortlisted for the awards. I look forward with great enthusiasm to the 2024 winners being announced at this year’s event in Manchester in October.”