The Equity Release Council (ERC) has named Adlington Law as the lead sponsor for the Equity Release Summit taking place on 23rd May at Church House in Westminster.
This is the first time that a legal services provider has been the lead sponsor of the event, and aims to highlight the vital role that the legal profession plays in supporting the industry.
Designed to meet the needs of the council’s diverse membership as well as support engagement with wider industry stakeholders, the programme includes 11 different sessions across two different streams – ‘Leadership and Strategy’ and ‘Equity release in Action’.
Three plenary sessions tackling the challenges facing the industry at the moment will also take place on the day, including: ‘Transforming perspectives: navigating trust and reputation in the equity release sector’ facilitated by Chris Pond, chair of the Financial Inclusion Commission, ‘Navigating Gender Disparities in Retirement: Insights for inclusive advice in later life’ facilitated by Kelly Melville-Kelly director of risk, policy and compliance, Equity Release Council, as well as ‘Addressing evolving needs through innovation’ facilitated by Tom McPhail, director of public affairs, the lang cat.
Carol Nuttall, managing director and solicitor at Adlington Law, will also host a session which looks at boosting the standard of legal advice equity release clients receive.
Nuttall said: “We are pleased to be the first legal firm to act as lead sponsor for the Equity Release Summit.
“This event is a key date in the later life lending calendar as it brings together organisations, firms and stakeholders to consider how we can encourage the safe growth of the sector.
“Much still needs to be done before people routinely consider housing equity as part of retirement planning but it is events such as the Summit which will lead the way.
“We are therefore pleased to be able to support this important initiative and hope to use the opportunity to showcase the vital work that the legal profession undertakes on behalf of equity release customers.”
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, added: “The Equity Release Summit is the UK’s flagship event for the equity release industry, and we are delighted to announce that Adlington Law is our lead sponsor.
“While the role of advisers is well recognised, the hard work that the legal profession puts into each, and every case can too often be overlooked.
“Independent legal advice provides another protection for vulnerable consumers.
“We are therefore pleased to use the Summit to build a better understanding of the wider work of our industry and the legal community.
“We look forward to welcoming members of the later life lending industry to this event which will provide an invaluable opportunity to network, learn from experts and build a better understanding of how we can work together to deliver good customer outcomes.”
