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Q&A with David Stoch, Director of Meerkat PR and Founder of the Probate Industry Awards

Property Solutions Group recently sat down with David Stoch, Director of Meerkat PR and founder of the Probate Industry Awards — affectionately known as the “Probies”.

David has spent the past eight years building a platform that celebrates excellence across the probate sector, while raising the profile of an industry that plays a vital role in supporting families, professionals, and communities across the UK.

Ahead of the 2026 Probate Industry Awards, David reflects on the evolution of the event, the growing recognition of the sector, and why this year’s ceremony is set to be the biggest yet.

The Growth of the Probate Industry Awards

Q: The Probate Industry Awards is now in its eighth year. How has the event evolved since it first began?

David Stoch:
There was very little recognition for probate as an industry when we first launched the awards. In the years since, we have seen the sector really come into its own. There are now more awards, more visibility, and more areas of probate being recognised within wider legal awards.

I am proud to say that the 2026 Probies will be the biggest event to date, with a healthy mix of private client solicitors, heir hunters, and a growing range of support services all represented.

Q: What originally inspired Meerkat PR to create an awards platform dedicated specifically to the probate sector?

David Stoch:
Apart from the BBC’s Heir Hunters, there was very little understanding among the public about what probate is actually about.

Probate stories combine families, history, and often deeply emotional moments, alongside a strong personal finance element. That combination makes it incredibly compelling from a media perspective.

Creating a national awards programme to recognise excellence in the sector therefore felt like a natural step.

Q: From your perspective, what makes the probate industry so unique compared to other professional sectors?

David Stoch:
Probate has three key ingredients: community need, legal process, and enterprise.

It brings together local authorities, private client solicitors, and a wide network of support services. That creates a dynamic and entrepreneurial sector that also delivers a vital public service.

Headline Sponsorship & Industry Impact

Q: What does it mean to have a headline sponsor supporting the awards?

David Stoch:
The Probies are designed to give people a great night out while recognising excellent work. A headline sponsor helps us elevate the experience and ensure we can deliver a high-quality event for a time-poor audience.

Q: How do partnerships with organisations like Property Solutions Group enhance the event and wider industry?

David Stoch:
Property Solutions Group is known for both its client service and its industry relationships.

Its involvement reflects the role it plays as an active and engaged participant within the probate sector, helping strengthen the wider ecosystem.

This Year’s Host

Q: This year’s host is Omid Djalili. What made him the right choice?

David Stoch:
We wanted to bring warmth and humour to the evening. Omid is a much-loved national figure whose style makes him the perfect fit for the event.

Behind the Scenes

Q: What is the most challenging part of organising an event of this scale?

David Stoch:
The biggest challenge is maintaining engagement throughout the year. The event is only one night — the real work is keeping the community connected year-round.

Q: What is the most rewarding moment on the night?

David Stoch:
Seeing people recognised for their work. The awards provide a powerful third-party endorsement that winners can take back to clients and customers.

Q: Any standout memory from the past seven years?

David Stoch:
At the 2020 awards, I had a knee injury just before going on stage, so I had to be supported on stage by colleagues.

But the most emotional moment was hearing a human interest story about a 90-year-old woman reunited with a lost child after 50 years. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Looking Ahead

Q: Why should someone attend for the first time next year?

David Stoch:
Nothing puts probate into perspective like the Probies.

The stories, the recognition, and the insight shared throughout the evening make it a unique opportunity to learn, reflect, and raise standards across the industry.