Addressing the main hall, David Burrowes, Chair of the Equity Release Council welcomed delegates and speakers to the Equity Release Summit 2024. The following is an extract from his welcome speech.
“This is the first time we have had a legal firm as the lead sponsor of the Summit. I’m sure you will agree with me, even though I am biased as a lawyer, that it highlights the vital role lawyers play in supporting the industry. The role of financial advisers is well recognised, but the crucial work of lawyers protecting consumers can be overlooked.
“So this year, among other things, we want to use the Summit to build a better understanding of the wider work of our industry not least the legal community.
“Now and in the near future our industry is going to be faced with a set of challenges, the like of which we have not seen for many years.
“Our job at the Council is to work with you and others to ensure that those challenges become opportunities. Opportunities to provide current and potential customers with products and services which will transform their lives for the better. Opportunities to grow our market and to transform later-life finances not only for this generation of older people but for many generations to come.”
