Olney law firm wins national award

An Olney firm is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award at the British Wills and Probate Awards. Hayley Bastable at Maple Wills received the winning trophy from comedian Jason Manford at a Manchester ceremony last week.

Maple Wills, which has offices on High Street, was announced as the winner of the One to Watch Practitioner of the Year  category of the British Wills and Probate Awards, which are held annually to celebrate excellence in the legal sector.

The award was received by Maple Wills, which has offices on High Street after judges heard how the winners are an impressive amount achieved in a short time, with professional success matched by a real commitment to learning, development and clients.

Hayley Bastable, a private client advisor at Maple Wills said after her win: “I am absolutely dumbfounded that I won this, but I am so thrilled.”

Since launching in 2018, The British Wills and Probate Awards have grown to become the largest and most prestigious event dedicated to recognising and celebrating the work of will writing and private client teams across England and Wales.

Now in their ninth year, the awards were sponsored by will writing software company Arken, which has proudly supported the ceremony since it began.

Headline sponsor Arken.legal’s managing director Pippa Shepherd said: “A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners. Every single one of you is a hugely deserving winner, and it was fantastic to see your achievements recognised and celebrated on such a brilliant night. 

“Arken.legal was incredibly proud to be part of the British Wills & Probate Awards, and we were particularly delighted to use the occasion to unveil our new look and product to the profession.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a memorable evening – and congratulations once again to all of the winners.”

David Opie is managing director of Today’s Media, organisers of the British Wills and Probate Awards and publishers of Todays’ Wills and Probate.  He said: “As the ‘Oscars’ of the wills and probate world, the level of competition across the British Wills and Probate Awards is testament to the incredible work of professionals up and down the country.   

“The judges have an incredibly difficult job scrutinising each of the entries to arrive at our Highly Commended and Winning individuals, business and firms. Their success is hard earned and hard won.

“Huge congratulations to everybody recognised at the British Wills and Probate Awards 2027.”