Leading accountancy firm Whitley Stimpson is delighted to announce that director Val Buzzard is now a fully registered Trust and Estate Practitioner having recently attained the STEP diploma in Trusts and Estates (England and Wales), which provides both an academic, and a professional qualification recognised by the industry.
The diploma that is predominantly taken by private client lawyers, develops a practical understanding of the law and procedures involved in trust and estate administration, tax and accounting.
Val Buzzard, director at Whitley Stimpson explains: “Studying for the STEP diploma in Trusts and Estates was challenging but well worth it. The knowledge I have gained is invaluable to me in my day-to-day job but also to the firm as it provides clients with assurance that we have a full appreciation of the issues that arise in trust and estate practice.”
Val joined Whitley Stimpson 19 years ago and became the firm’s first female partner in 2001. As well as work in trusts and estates she is also audit compliance director for the firm and she enjoys working with charities. She provides specialist advice to international organisations setting-up in the UK in addition to offering her expertise to UK organisations operating overseas.
“With this knowledge I would like to encourage other people to learn more about trusts and estates in order to develop a larger trust team within Whitley Stimpson. There are no two trusts the same, so I truly believe you need the legal understanding in order to be able to provide clients with complete tax planning, trust and inheritance tax advice. While trusts have gone out of fashion in recent years, there is still a genuine need for them in certain circumstances, like protecting family assets or vulnerable people. They used to be used as a tax planning tool but are used more now as a means of protecting the family wealth.”
Setting up and maintaining a trust is a potential minefield and Whitley Stimpson would be happy to offer a free consultation should you require help with any area associated with trusts and estates.
For further information please visit www.whitleystimpson.co.uk or contact Val Buzzard on 01295 270200 or email valb@whitleystimpson.co.uk.
