At our latest Business Networking South Leicestershire meeting, Rosie O’Hanlon of Westcotes Wills delivered her first 10-minute presentation to the group, giving members an opportunity to learn more about Rosie, her career and the approach she takes to helping clients with wills and estate planning.
Rosie’s presentation was a great introduction to both the person behind the business and the experience that eventually led her to establish Westcotes Wills.
Find out more about Rosie and Westcotes Wills:
From Stevenage to a Career in Financial Services
Rosie began by telling us a little about her background. Originally from Stevenage, she began her working life in financial services.
Interestingly, Rosie explained that her introduction to the industry originally came through a friend’s parents. What followed was a varied career and several different roles, including working as a financial adviser.
Over time, Rosie found herself becoming increasingly interested in estate planning – an area where financial circumstances, family considerations and important decisions about the future all come together.
Specialising in Wills and Estate Planning
Rosie subsequently developed her knowledge and experience in this specialist area, including studying with the Institute of Professional Willwriters around 11 years ago.
Then, seven years ago, she took the decision to establish her own business, Westcotes Wills.
Today, Rosie specialises in helping people make sure their wishes are properly understood and documented, giving clients the reassurance that appropriate arrangements have been put in place for the future.
Understanding the Individual – Not Making Assumptions
One of the strongest messages from Rosie’s presentation was the importance of fully understanding the client.
When discussing something as personal and important as a will, it can be very easy to make assumptions about somebody’s family, finances, relationships or intentions.
Rosie doesn’t work that way.
Instead, she takes time to understand each client’s individual circumstances and what they actually want to achieve.
That attention to detail is particularly important because no two families or estates are exactly alike. What appears to be a straightforward situation at first can sometimes involve considerations that only become apparent through a detailed conversation.
Making Sure Clients Understand Their Wills
Rosie also stressed that preparing a will shouldn’t simply involve producing a legal document and asking somebody to sign it.
Her approach is to make sure clients are properly informed about the legal framework surrounding their will and understand what the document is intended to achieve.
That means explaining matters clearly, discussing the available options and ensuring that the final arrangements accurately reflect the client’s wishes.
For Rosie, it is about helping people make informed decisions rather than simply completing paperwork.
A Business Built Through Care and Attention to Detail
Since establishing Westcotes Wills seven years ago, Rosie has grown the business organically.
Her approach is based on personal service, careful listening and attention to detail – qualities that are particularly important when dealing with sensitive subjects such as wills, families, estates and planning for what happens after we die.
These conversations are not always easy, but putting appropriate arrangements in place can provide valuable reassurance both for the individual and for the people they leave behind.
Why Having a Will Matters
Many people put off making or updating a will, particularly if they feel their circumstances are relatively straightforward.
However, life changes. Relationships change, families grow, property is bought and sold and financial circumstances evolve.
Having a professionally prepared and up-to-date will gives you the opportunity to clearly record your wishes rather than leaving important decisions unresolved.
It is also important to review an existing will periodically to make sure it still reflects your current circumstances and intentions.
Speak to Rosie at Westcotes Wills
If you’ve been meaning to make a will, have an existing will that may need reviewing or simply want to understand your options regarding estate planning, Rosie can guide you through the process.
Her approach is personal and thorough, with an emphasis on understanding your circumstances and ensuring you understand the decisions you are making.
Find out more about Westcotes Wills:
Another Great BNSL 10-Minute Presentation
Thank you to Rosie for a really interesting first 10-minute presentation and for giving the group the opportunity to learn more about both her professional journey and the values behind Westcotes Wills.
These presentations are an important part of BNSL because they allow us to understand much more than simply what another member does. We learn about their experience, how they work and, crucially, why we can feel confident recommending them to our own contacts.
Come Along to BNSL
If you run a business in South Leicestershire or the surrounding area and would like to build relationships with trusted local business owners and professionals, why not come along to a BNSL meeting as a guest?
We’re a relaxed, friendly and supportive networking group, with only one member representing each profession.
Contact the BNSL Committee to arrange your visit:
https://businessnetworkingleicestershire.co.uk/contact-us/
Local. Supportive. Affordable. Real.
— The BNSL Committee
