From the Desk of the MD – Happy New Year 2025

Dear members,

Happy New Year!

On behalf of all of us here at The Society of Will Writers, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to 2025 and wish you the very best for the year ahead. As we head into this new year, know that all of us here are ready and eager to support you in every way we can with us all back after a well-earned festive break, refreshed and prepared to tackle the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

2024 was a transformative year for the SWW, and while we achieved a great deal, 2025 promises to be equally ambitious. This year, we’ll continue rolling out our updated branding, in doing so placing the final piece of the puzzle that has been my modernisation efforts of the SWW’s image. We’ll also be refreshing our ‘Safe to do business with’ scheme, and introducing a range of new marketing initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of estate planning and choosing a member of the SWW. Stay tuned for more updates on those in the coming weeks.

Over the break I took some time to reflect on the growth we experienced last year. Membership numbers increased yet again, which is excellent news for consumers and, I admit, the SWW itself as it highlights the importance of our role in supporting the profession. In these times of increased scrutiny, the need for practitioners to align themselves to a professional body and adhere to a code of conduct can’t be overstated. We must ensure the highest standards in estate planning are achieved and instil confidence in the public, so 2025 will see enhanced guidance from the SWW and its Professional Standards Board, alongside further collaboration across the sector to ensure that we achieve our collective goals.

As our membership expands, so do the demands on our team. With that in mind, I’m delighted to introduce two new additions to the head office: Caitlan Roberts, our new Head of Membership and Regional Group Coordinator, and Emily Wilson, who joins us as an apprentice. Please join me in extending them a warm welcome – I’m confident they will make many valuable contributions, and I’m sure you’ll have the opportunity to meet them soon.

Personally, I’m looking forward once more to getting out and about and connecting with many of you at various events throughout the year. Several SWW Regional Group appearances are already scheduled, and preparations for this year’s SWW Conference are in full swing. This year’s flagship event takes place on the 6^th and 7^th of October at The Hilton East Midlands Airport Hotel and I for one can’t wait. Beyond that, I’ll also be attending other industry events, and I encourage you to get involved in these opportunities too.

To finish up I’d like to say to our members: thank you for your continued dedication, support, and trust in the SWW. Your efforts over the past year have been remarkable, and I have no doubt we’ll achieve even more together in 2025. Let’s keep pushing to raise standards and deliver the best possible service to the public. Lean on us for the support you need, keep in touch, and get involved in your Society – we’re here for you.

Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2025,

Anthony Belcher
Managing Director
The Society of Will Writers and Estate Planning Practitioners