- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Will writing and estate administration should be regulated, says advisory group
Providers of Will-writing and estate administration services should be regulated, the Legal Services Board (LSB) has said, after research found an inadequate standard of Will administration and safekeeping of consumer's money.
Investigating the legal services of different types of providers, the LSB found 'consistent patterns of sloppiness', simple errors - including names being omitted from paperwork - and poor communication, resulting in what it called an 'unacceptable service.'
The board, which regulates lawyers in England and Wales, also found that consumers were subjected to unfair sales practices, and in some instances uncovered cases of fraud and deception.
Whilst it said providers offering legal services should continue to operate, it warned consumers should be better protected through regulation along the lines of the legal services sector.
The decision on whether or not to regulate Will-writing and estate administration has long been debated. Currently, anyone can set up a Will writing service although there is no official regulatory body in place.
Solicitors can provide Will-writing services and although regulated, the LSB also said that they needed to improve and face tighter inspection.
Commenting on the findings, Chris Kenny, chairman of the Legal Services Board, acknowledged that many Will-writers and estate administration providers worked well and met the needs of their clients, but added:
"We found too many examples of providers - lawyers and will-writers alike - not listening to their clients or being sloppy in their work - meaning those taking the important step of writing a will were also, unfortunately, leaving problems to their beneficiaries. The prevalence of poor sales practices, and indeed the incidence of fraud, was also disappointing."
Many Will-writing providers may be sceptical of claims for extending regulation. Chris Kenny added that regulation was a 'true public interest initiative.'
The recommendations are to go through consultation and will be considered by the Government, which is expected to comment and make a decision based on results by the end of the year.
We can help with Will-writing and estate planning. Please contact us to find out more.