Our Story: From Frustration to Purpose
Vertis Peak was founded on a simple observation: the people who most need financial support are often the least equipped to navigate the system designed to provide it.
How We Began
In 2014, our founder watched her elderly neighbour struggle for months with a Pension Credit application. Despite clearly qualifying, the paperwork proved insurmountable. That winter, she chose between heating and eating—unnecessarily.
That experience planted a seed. What started as informal help for neighbours became a structured advisory practice. Today, we've assisted over 8,000 individuals and families across the UK in accessing benefits totalling millions of pounds annually.
The system hasn't gotten simpler since then. Universal Credit's rollout, the transition from DLA to PIP, the introduction of the benefit cap—each change creates new confusion. But our commitment remains unchanged: no one should miss out on support they're entitled to because the process is too complex.
What Guides Us
Our work is shaped by principles developed through years of direct experience with clients and the benefits system.
Dignity First
Claiming benefits isn't charity—it's accessing a system you've contributed to. We treat every client with the respect they deserve, regardless of circumstance.
Thorough Over Fast
A rushed application often means a rejected one. We take time to gather proper evidence and complete forms correctly the first time.
Plain Speaking
Benefits jargon excludes people. We explain everything in clear language and make sure you understand each step before proceeding.
Client Advocacy
When decisions seem unfair, we help you challenge them. The appeals process exists for good reason, and we know how to use it effectively.
The Team Behind Your Support
Our advisors bring diverse backgrounds united by commitment to social welfare.
Sarah Mitchell
Founding Director
Former DWP caseworker with 15 years in welfare administration. Now uses that insider knowledge to help clients navigate the system she once administered.
James Okonkwo
Senior Benefits Advisor
Specialises in disability benefits and tribunal representation. Has achieved a 78% success rate at appeal hearings over the past five years.
Helen Crawford
Housing & Council Tax Specialist
Background in local authority housing departments. Expert in discretionary housing payments, council tax exemptions, and adaptation grants.
Our Journey So Far
Humble Beginnings
Started as informal support for neighbours and local community members struggling with benefit applications.
Formal Establishment
Registered as a professional advisory service. First office opened in Manchester city centre.
Expanded Services
Added dedicated disability benefits and tribunal representation services following Universal Credit rollout challenges.
Remote Adaptation
Launched nationwide telephone and video consultation services, reaching clients beyond Greater Manchester.
Recognition
Received Advice Quality Standard accreditation. Passed 6,000 successful claims milestone.
Today
Team of eight advisors serving clients across all UK regions. Over 8,400 families assisted to date.
Our Philosophy on Welfare
The UK's social security system exists because society recognised that circumstances beyond individual control—illness, job loss, disability, caring responsibilities—shouldn't condemn anyone to poverty.
We believe strongly that accessing benefits is not a matter of shame. National Insurance contributions, income tax, and VAT payments all fund the welfare system. When you claim, you're drawing on a shared resource that you've helped build.
Our role is practical: we help you access what's rightfully available. But we also see ourselves as advocates for a system that works as intended—supporting those who need it, when they need it.
Benefits Are Not Charity
They're part of the social contract. Every working person contributes to a system designed to provide security when circumstances change. Accessing that support is your right.
By the Numbers
Partnerships and Accreditations
We maintain professional standards through recognised industry bodies and local partnerships.
Questions About Our Approach
We are completely independent. While some of our advisors have previous experience in government departments, Vertis Peak operates as a private advisory service with no official connection to the DWP, HMRC, or local councils. Our loyalty is entirely to our clients.
Our advisors undertake continuous professional development. We subscribe to specialist welfare rights publications, attend quarterly training updates, and maintain active membership in professional bodies that provide real-time legislative alerts.
This is actually our speciality. Many clients come to us precisely because their situation involves interactions between several benefits. We model these interactions carefully to ensure claiming one doesn't inadvertently reduce another, and to maximise overall household income.
While our offices are in Manchester, we work with clients throughout England, Wales, and Scotland via telephone and video consultations. Benefits rules differ somewhat in Scotland and Northern Ireland; we advise on Scottish variations but refer Northern Ireland queries to local specialists.
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you have a specific claim in mind or just want to understand your options, we're here to help. Your first consultation is always free.
Get in Touch