STEP Reaches 11,000 Members Worldwide

by Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com, London

06 October 2005

The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the professional body for the trust and estate profession, announced this week that it has passed the 11,000 member mark and has enrolled its 3,000th diploma student.

STEP Worldwide Chairman Michael Cadesky is delighted that STEP has passed this milestone. 'As STEP approaches its 15th anniversary we are a thriving society. That we have grown so quickly in size and reputation demonstrates the value of STEP to those working in trusts and estates. I am thrilled that even as STEP expands into new jurisdictions, including the Americas, we continue to attract members from the UK.'

The 11,000th member of STEP is Susan Capstick of Sydney Mitchell Solicitors in the West Midlands in the UK. Susan, a probate manager, is a Full member of STEP and joined as an experienced practitioner. She has contributed to the growth of the thriving private client department of her firm, dealing with probate, wills, trusts, estate planning and advice to the elderly and is now about to join three like-minded solicitors who have formed Meridian Private Client LLP, a niche legal practice establishing in Solihull and specialising in private client work.

'I am often asked by new clients if I am a STEP member. There is no doubt that the Trust & Estate (TEP) qualification carries a high level of regard within the industry and is being increasingly well known to the general public. I feel very privileged to be the 11,000th member of STEP. I look forward to local branch meetings which provide useful updates on changing legislation and provide a forum for meeting and sharing ideas with other practitioners.'

The 3,000th diploma student is Luisa Nicholson of Eastleys Solicitors in Devon in the UK. Luisa is a solicitor in the Private Client department and undertakes a range of work from basic wills to those requiring inheritance tax mitigation and essentially incorporating nil rate band discretionary trusts. Estate administration forms a large part of her caseload and she also deals with Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs), receivership and Court of Protection work.

'I am delighted to be the 3,000th person to have enrolled on the STEP Diploma course and although I have only been studying for a few months, I am finding it of huge benefit already - I can’t believe some of the gaps in my knowledge! STEP membership is essential for the practitioners wishing to advance their career. Clients can be assured that you possess a high standard of knowledge and you yourself can be assured that you possess the knowledge to be able to advise your client on any number of Private Client issues.'

STEP provides education, training, representation and networking for its members, who are professionals specialising in trusts and estates, executorship, administration and related taxes. STEP offers an inclusive educational package, from the foundation certificate pitched at technician level, to diplomas and an International MBA, branch seminars and publications. Members advise clients on the broad business of the management of their personal finances. Full members of STEP are the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field of trusts and estates.

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