It’s easy to feel isolated in the Wills and Probate sector.
Whilst there has been a rise in the number of estate planners over recent years, communication across the industry just hasn’t grown in the same way, with many professionals left feeling like they’re having to face the challenges of the market alone.
What’s more, this also poses a problem on a business level, with opportunities for boosting enquiries and establishing valuable connections being missed.
Although any firm might be at risk at feeling like an outsider, the negative impact it can have is often not realised until much later down the line – at which point it can be difficult to fully recover.
To prevent this from happening and to help your business stand out amongst the competition, it’s vital to be proactive.
This is why networking is so important.
Whilst it might initially seem daunting, engaging with other like-minded professionals at events could not only help to build the prominence of your practice, but also help to grow your expertise too.
Industry events are no longer a rarity on the Wills and Probate calendar; as opposed to the odd conference running once on an annual basis, events now take place throughout the year, providing professionals with ample opportunities to connect with peers and boost their knowledge.
Below, you can find a comprehensive list of the key events taking place throughout the year. Hosted by regulators from within the industry, these events are designed for professionals at every stage of their career and at each level of expertise. Whether you’re just starting out and are looking to build your skills, or you’re well established and are simply looking to update your knowledge, there’s sure to be an event to suit you – just make sure you don’t miss out!
Advising the Elderly – 10 April 2018
Duration – 1 day
Birmingham
This will provide professionals with the specialist knowledge and understanding necessary to deal with elderly clients and to be able to deal with their concerns.
The course will cover key topics such as the market for elderly client, issues affecting elderly clients, capacity, care fees and the associated rules, mitigating care fees through writing a Will and protecting property.
Worked examples, such as sample Wills, will also be included.
To find out more, please click here.
Introduction to Willwriting – 11 April 2018
Duration – 3 days
Nottingham
This will provide someone with little or no experience of the profession with instructions on the basics of writing a will.
The course will cover key topics such as the Institute of Professional WIllwriters Code of Practice, what makes a will valid, testing for capacity, appointment of relevant parties, as well as the basics of running a profitable Willwriting business.
To find out more, please click here.
Marketing Workshop – 16 April 2018
Duration – 1 day
Birmingham
This will help professionals who want to gain practical advice in marketing themselves and their business. Delegates will leave with a workable marketing plan which is tailored to their business.
The course will cover key marketing topics in a way which can be applied to the sector. This includes knowing your audience, finding the marketing mix which suits your business and how to set yourself apart from competitors.
To find out more, please click here.
An introduction to probate and estate administration – 1 May 2018
Duration – 2 days
Birmingham
This aim of this course is to help professionals meet the growing demand for a reliable and efficient Estate Administration Service. As well as helping to enhance Will-writing skills it could also build the earnings potential of your business,
The course will cover key topics such as how to deal with a bereaved client, the purpose of a Grant of Probate, Duties and Powers of Personal Representatives as well as the entitlements of Beneficiaries.
To find out more, please click here.
Willwriting In Practice Course – 15 May 2018
Duration – 3 days
Nottingham
This course aims to help professionals develop practical skills and enable attendees to implement these into real life scenarios.
The course will cover key topics such as financial considerations when choosing a Guardian, specific legacies and gifts, trustee powers as well as demonstrations for taking client instructions and will drafting.
To find out more, please click here.
Mental Capacity Act & Lasting Powers of Attorney – 12 June 2018
Duration – 1 day
Birmingham
This course will deliver a practical workshop and exam to help prepare attendees for client instructions regarding Lasting Powers of Attorney. It sets out to equip delegates with the necessary confidence right through to registration at the Office for Public Guardian.
The course will cover an introduction to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, Lasting Powers of Attorney, the test for capacity, the requirements for Advance Decisions as well as restrictions and conditions.
To find out more, please click here.
SWWEPP Wills and Estate Planning Certificate
21 May
25 June
Duration – 3 days (Optional Day 4)
This course aims to help professionals improve their precision when taking instructions in order to provide clients with a high quality service.
The course will cover key trust topics including basic trusts, IOU trusts and property trusts. It will also include an open book examination.
To find out more, please click here.
Estate Planning and Trusts – 24 May, 28 June 2018
Duration – 1 day
This course aims to provide attendees with a better understanding of trusts and how to identify the appropriate trust to fit the needs of their client.
The course will cover key kinds of trust such as business property relief trusts, disabled discretionary trusts and protective property trusts. After going over the trust application, the latter half of the day will look to improve understanding around lifetime trusts and the part they play in estate planning.
To find out more, please click here.
Drafting LPAs and Business LPAs – 9 May 2018
Duration – 1 & ½ Days
This course will take professionals through the process of drafting an LPA as well as helping attendees to suitably advise clients as to which type they will need.
This course will cover key topics such as advising on legislative changes, application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, advising on choosing an appropriate attorney and being able to identify abuse with vulnerable adults.
To find out more, please click here.
Deputy Applications: Financial and Health Welfare – Date TBA
Duration – 1 Day
This course will provide attendees with step by step instructions on the process of making a deputy application.
This course will cover key topics such as advising clients on making deputy application, Court of Protection Case Law, making an application using real life examples, as well as highlighting what to do should problems arise.
To find out more, please click here.
All you need to know about trusts – 18 July 2018
Duration – 2 days
This course will provide an in depth insight into the various types of trusts and how they are used. It will also include practical case studies, enabling attendees to gain a clear understanding as to how they are applied to real situations.
The course will cover a range of key topics such as the formalities of a trust, the role of the beneficiary and trustee, the different tax treatments, the running of a trust, as well as how to wind one up.
To find out more, please click here.
