Photo courtesy of Nick Watts
Ray Withnall, owner of Hay Tarn Willwriting Services from Diggle in Saddleworth, is the Institute of Professional Willwriters’ ‘Willwriter of the Year 2013’.
Founded in 1991, the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) is the prominent self-regulatory body safeguarding the public from unqualified practitioners and unethical business practices in Willwriting. It is firmly established as the recognised professional body regulating and promoting the profession of Willwriting in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Following redundancy and a long career in IT project management and accountancy in 2010, Ray took a brave step forward and founded Hay Tarn Willwriting Services. His company provides Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney and Asset Protection Trusts. Talking about his business, Ray said, ‘When clients make important personal decisions, they expect exceptional detailed knowledge, attention to detail, care and professionalism. It was important to me to base my business on these principles and with the solid support of the IPW through its code of practice, Hay Tarn provides its clients with a first class local service.’
The Office of Fair Trading monitors the code of practice and the IPW actively support regulation of the profession, which will abolish the poor work produced by ‘cowboy Willwriters’.
Ray received his prestigious award for establishing, supporting and promoting an active network for over 50 IPW north-west members. He has arranged many training courses to provide important continuous professional development for the group. In addition, Ray has provided valuable technical support and client liaison on several occasions, which has enhanced the IPW’s reputation with the public and within the legal profession.
Ray commented that he is extremely proud and flattered to receive this award from the IPW Council. He said, ‘writing Wills is sometimes a lonely occupation, and building up a business from scratch is not easy, especially in this difficult economic climate, but the support from the IPW makes a big difference. There is a huge amount of experience and knowledge available within the organisation. It is a pleasure to develop and maintain a friendly local group network, to share the wealth of knowledge and create regular opportunities to learn from each other. We have welcomed many respected experts from the legal profession to present and speak at our meetings. They are always impressed with the IPW’s high operating standards and depth of knowledge and it is satisfying to know we are making a difference in Willwriting profession.’
For further information or to contact Ray click here.
