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.
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