I am delighted to report that Appleton finished 2024 strongly and ahead of budget, despite ongoing challenges with key institutions around the country. So firstly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to Marc and the entire Warwick team for the strong support you have given to us throughout 2024. And while it is the stellar Wealth Specialists that bring in the Wills, it is the teams’ support staff and regional administration that makes sure everything runs smoothly between the regions and Appleton.

Another great feature to highlight is the strong support we are receiving from our M&A partners across the country. Increasingly, you are appreciating the unique service levels provided by Appleton, and our highly competitive fee structure of course, so thank you!

The size and quality of the Wills we receive continues to grow and improve, which validates the decision made a few years ago for Appleton to specialise in higher value Wills and to ensure that clients receive only the best quality of service in return. Our aim is not to be the biggest, but always to be the best.

We continue to emphasise the importance of training and so my trips to the regions have been extremely valuable and will continue throughout 2025.

The team continues to hone their skills in the ever-changing fiduciary services world (it's amazing how many changes we are seeing) and so our administrators continue to attend all FISA meetings and ensure that they maintain their CPD requirements as members.

In administrative terms, we are pleased to see the Appleton Will application is now part of the electronic deal pack and it’s great for clients to see their estate summary on the CCS statement too, so well done to the operations team for this. Talking of operations, our Company thrives on accuracy and numbers, so a big “shout out” to the entire Finance, Operations and BI team for their invaluable support.

It is remiss to single out any one person in any team, but I must thank our Head of Estate Administration, Vannessa Nicholas, for her role in supporting the team and for her mentorship.

We also welcomed our second admitted attorney in Tamsyn Potts as a Fiduciary Specialist and she has already added value to the Company. Welcome Tammy!

So, all in all, a good Q4 and a highly successful 2024 with the momentum now being carried into 2025.

Our thanks to all in the group (and thank you marketing!) and remember, the Fiduciary Specialists are always here for you!