Amy Coole, an advocate based in the corporate and commercial department of Simcocks and Kevin Walmsley, a vice president of Barclays Wealth have joined the board of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Isle of Man) Limited.

STEP is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues. Full members are often the most experienced and senior practitioners in the field and members advise clients on the broad business of the management of personal finance.

Chairman of the Isle of Man branch, Paul Hotchkiss said: "I am delighted to welcome Amy and Kevin to the Board. They are both very committed to promoting STEP Isle of Man and through their appointment we are able to further expand the services we offer to members such as the LinkedIn discussion forum, which is dedicated to Isle of Man members, and provide valuable feedback to interested parties on technical and policy matters affecting the Isle of Man."

Amy has been recommended for her expertise in trust law by researchers from the independent directory, The Legal 500, who have described her as, "extremely reliable and technically sound" and "delivering work to a high standard and at short notice".

Amy said: "STEP Isle of Man plays a significant role in supporting the fiduciary industry on the Isle of Man. The STEP certificates and diplomas offer a solid combination of technical knowledge and practical experience to practitioners and STEP Isle of Man, through its programme of seminars and presentations seeks to strengthen and develop the knowledge of its members."

Kevin has been with Barclays Wealth Advisory team for 28 years and has extensive knowledge and experience of advising clients on their succession and asset holding requirements.

Kevin said:"I am delighted to be joining the STEP Isle of Man board. STEP is a unique professional body providing members with a local, national and international learning and business network. STEP provides education, training, representation and networking for its members and I am looking forward to being involved and helping with the continued success of the Isle of Man branch."