The Will Writing Company history

1990 Company Founded

The company was formed in early 1990 and commenced trading in August of that year, targeting the Financial Services sector for new business. Successful negotiations with a number of the UK’s largest and most well known financial services companies placed the company at the forefront of the emerging home will writing industry.

The strategy was based upon training financial services consultants to take client instructions and pass these to the company for processing, but whilst successful to a degree, the company decided a different approach was needed.

1991 IPW founder member

The company became an early founder member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW). The IPW was established as an independent self-regulatory body to promote the industry and provide an examination body. Membership of the IPW is gained by academic qualification and examination success, and is then maintained by continuous professional development. Members are required to attain a minimum level of professional training each year with accredited organisations, in order to maintain continued membership.

1996 EPC recruitment

In 1996 the company decided to recruit its own Estate Planning Consultants to take client instructions from referrals from financial services consultants. Turnover increased significantly and it was clear that many financial services consultants preferred to make referrals and recommendations, rather than getting involved directly in the instruction taking process. As the numbers of financial advisors in the financial services industry shrank significantly during the 1990s it was still evident that a more direct approach was needed. By mid-1996 the company had embarked upon a direct marketing campaign, dealing directly with the public.

1997 Deedbank founded

In 1997 the company expanded its marketing activities and moved into city centre premises in Nottingham, employing a further 40 staff, and the latest state-of-the-art computer technology. In the following twelve months turnover grew by 1,000% and a further 500% the following year. Additional consultants were recruited from the South coast to the North East giving the company an almost nationwide presence.

In March of 1997 the business deedBANK (document storage) Limited was formed to provide clients of the company with a document storage facility for important documents, such as Wills, LPAs, deeds, and other important paperwork. To date deedBANK (document storage) Limited is playing a crucial role in the development of client service.

2001 Nationwide Probate founded

During intervening four years the company grew from strength to strength, improving and developing its systems and methods along the way. Due to its increasing and ageing client base the demand for probate assistance became self evident. During 2001 the Nationwide Probate Company Limited was formed to service this demand. The Nationwide Probate Company Limited works in association with a growing panel of probate solicitors and adds value to group activities.

2002 Market expansion

In 2002 the Nationwide Probate Company Limited decided that it would market its services to a wider audience and by mid 2002 became affiliate members of the NAFD (National Association of Funeral Directors) and is in the final stages of negotiations with a number of other funeral firms. It is clear that the 'moment of need’ for probate services is immediately after someone has died and funeral directors are well placed to give independent and impartial advice to their clients at this ‘moment of need’. Many funeral firms have agreed to display our literature and promote our services.

In the autumn of 2002 The Will Writing Company Limited embarked on the largest single marketing initiative in its history, mailing to 100,000 prospects. Following a successful appraisal, this initiative can be repeated every year to a constantly renewing market sector.

Additionally, the company has commenced trading in Scotland in conjunction with Legal Services Network Limited a business headed by Bill Stewart a native of Glasgow and co-founder of The Will Writing Company Limited in 1990. This firm will carry out all the activities of the English group companies complying with all necessary laws, rules, regulations and differences associated with Scotland.

At the end of 2002 we relocated to larger purpose built state-of-the-art premises on the fringe of the city centre of Nottingham providing us with the platform to grow and develop our business in to the next decade and beyond.

2003 Recruitment drive

2003 has seen the start of the new recruitment and marketing campaign to take advantage of the increased capacity our relocation has provided. We are seeking to add 100 new Estate Planning Consultants over the following twelve months.