SORTING out the administration of the estate of someone who dies is both a technical and sensitive task. It can also be unnecessarily expensive for relatives.

With that in mind, Aegis Executor Management, of St James’ House, Escrick Business Park, has been formed – and it claims to be Yorkshire’s first fixed-fee probate service.

Now its managing director Nick Hey believes that his three-staff venture has so quickly achieved its aims that it deserves the title of New Business Of The Year in The Press Business Awards 2010.

Mr Hey, who is also managing director of Nick Hey Wealth Management, formed the new company when he spotted a gap in the market.

He said: “Various executor management services do already exist, but they are mostly faceless, internet-based organisations. With Aegis we wanted to offer something much more people-focused.

“As well as being very capable administrators, our staff can also act with great compassion and discretion and can even put clients in touch with bereavement support services if necessary.”

Even when people leave wills – and not everyone does – sorting out an estate can be hard and harrowing, with its endless stream of form-filling, letter writing and phone calls.

Mr Hey said: “People are often apprehensive about asking solicitors for help because of the potential expense involved. The Aegis option is a halfway house between a client coping alone or using a solicitor although, of course, we do use solicitors for any legal work required.”