Our Story

Kindred UK was established in 1998 and evolved from its family-history roots to become established in an industry that came to be known as heir-hunting, i.e. identifying and tracking down beneficiaries to unclaimed estates.  This is where we learned our craft in a highly competitive environment, where the ability to work quickly and accurately is paramount.

This activity naturally brought us into contact with the legal sector.  In due course, solicitors with whom we had a good working relationship would ask us to locate a missing beneficiary, or research a general intestacy.  Following incorporation in 2014, we adopted the company name Kindred UK Probate Research Ltd to reflect the emphasis we now had.  Subsequently, we began to offer our expertise to anyone with a need for genealogical services related to the administration of an estate.  The tracing skills developed through our probate work have also enabled us to assist clients with other people-finding enquiries.

Kindred UK has two capable and highly motivated partners, supported by a network of agents nationwide.  This business model helps keep costs low and our pricing very competitive.  Our lean structure means you will deal directly with the person carrying out the research on your behalf.

Stephen Phillips MSc, MA

Stephen spent 18 years working for a large multinational company as a software engineer, before taking the opportunity to turn his interest in history and genealogy into a full-time occupation with Kindred UK.  His computing skills have proved useful at Kindred UK, whose in-house computer system he confidently believes will be second to none.

Besides following a popular local football team, in his spare time Stephen tackles a number of musical instruments and sports with great enthusiasm and varying degrees of success.

Kathleen Phillips MSc, MA

Kathleen also comes from a computing background, but in addition can claim 25 years of solid genealogical research experience, supported by her many knowledgeable friends at the Northumberland and Durham Family History Society.  Added to this, she holds a masters degree in Information Management from the University of Northumbria.

In her spare time, Kathleen plays tennis and enjoys creative-writing.