When I was asked to write an article about my first 6 months at Treethorpe one word sprang to mind . . . Family! From the moment I walked through the door I was welcomed with kind smiles and more support than I could have ever hoped for.

I was assigned our resident Psychic, Lauren as my teacher and buddy. I admire her in-depth knowledge, research skills and ability to bring me up to speed so quickly. She truly is an amazing teacher.

I started at Treethorpe on 12th September 2016 and by the end of September I had completed and had approved four Research Report, confirming I had identified the rightful entitled beneficiaries, and had one case In-Claims where we are recovering the assets on their benefit. I thank the incredible London Team for helping me achieve this. With their help and support I was able to hit the ground running. Since then I have taken part in two campaigns, where I was able to engage one client under our ‘Recovery Only ‘service and I have been entrusted with a number of our Local Authority referred cases; including one ‘hybrid’ case (where we have identified an unclaimed asset for an Estate where probate had previously been obtained) and one where the value was unknown and possible nil.

Since I started I have been faced with a number of challenges including a rare ‘Option Two’ sale (where we sell sufficient of the asset so that our fee is covered and our client retains the asset – in this case a shareholding) and numerous claims of accepted Prior Knowledge. I even learnt first-hand how tough the competition can be in this industry, something that has to be experienced first-hand.

However, none of this is as important to me as the challenges I faced with one of my cases when I had to tell a mother her son had passed away. The case was particularly sensitive in nature because of the relationship and the circumstances surrounding the long term estrangement was saddening and touching. Although this case was of low financial value to Treethorpe the importance of demonstrating empathy, compassion and sensitivity was paramount. It has been invaluable experience for me and I will never forget this case.

Another challenge I faced was obtaining a Power of Attorney (POA) for a key Treethorpe client. I completed the Research Report on the 22nd September 2016 and received the signed Client Engagement Agreement on the 26th October 2016; with no POA. After months of emails and letters requesting him to return the POA, I finally received it on the 23rd February 2017. Having received all ‘past recoverable income’, it was a case of waiting for his instructions. Update in August I was sending him a cheque for just over £600; so please my persistence paid off and I was able to give him something in return for his faith.

I read somewhere that you should work in an office where you have friends. The happiest people are those who do things they are passionate about with people they like. I am lucky enough to be one of those people. I love the rapport I have with my clients and I enjoy the challenges in my research.

I am looking forward to my future at Treethorpe and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to handle my own case load of council cases.

For the first time in my life I can truly say I love my job and I have the career of my dreams.