Introducing Danny Curran: the UK’s leading property heir hunter

Founder and Managing Director of Finders International, an award-winning Probate Genealogy firm, Danny Curran, sits down with NewStart to discuss the secrets behind unlocking a successful, one-of-a-kind, property and real-estate business.

Although 2023 has arguably been the most disastrous year for the property sector, Danny, who has now become the spokesperson for the industry with features on The Morning, Forbes, and local BBC radio, is living proof that with the right approach, the sector still has the ability to change people’s lives for the better.

How did Finders start?

‘Finders was set up in 1997, I started as a sole trader, but here we are 25 years later as the largest UK firm in our field.’

What do you enjoy most about Finders? 

‘I think what I enjoy the most about Finders is the fact we can make a difference to many different people’s lives. The work we do often surprises people, it’s a windfall, pennies from heaven, it’s something unexpected and something that can have a really positive impact on them, whether they are due a small amount of money or a large amount of money often it doesn’t make any difference.  

‘Aside from the money, there’s also, of course, the human story and the fact they’re discovering something about their family history often that they never knew.’

At Finders, what achievements are you most proud of?

‘I think what I’m most proud of with Finders is creating a company with a very positive culture. The fact that we’ve grown to the size that we have, and maintained our ethics, our standards, bringing and introducing environmental factors to the company.

‘We have got an ISO 14001 Environmental Standards, plus we are living wage employer – all these ethical things are really good to do and if you can do them as an employer it’s a really good feeling.’

What’s been most surprising about the journey so far?

‘The most surprising thing about the journey with Finders so far has that we’ve managed to incorporate and learn from the experiences that have happened to us over the years. We’ve maintained a very business-like approach. So from being a newcomer to the industry we’ve reached a point now where we can lead the conversation with the legal profession and make a positive impact, not just for our clients but also for the employees of the company as well.’

How do you feel your presence in the media has affected Finders and the Industry?

‘Finders began filming BBC One’s TV series Heir Hunters quite a few years ago, and following on from that, we’ve really embraced the media conversation around probate research as the stories we have are often very positive and heart-warming.

‘Sometimes it’s very bittersweet stories where people find money they’re due money from someone they never knew, and would’ve liked to have known, but I think what’s been great is that we’ve been able to embrace the media stories and create greater standards for the industry at the same time.’

What is the Finders Culture like?

‘We have an amazing team of people here and we’ve done so well over the years to maintain a very positive culture, for people to enjoy what they’re doing and have some pride in what they’re doing. It’s not an ordinary job it’s a very unusual job and I think we’ve captured the imagination of not only the public with the media and the TV, but also within our employees who’ve stayed with us for a long time, they can see the good we’re doing and the difference that we’re making.

‘So a huge thank you to everyone who has worked with us over the years and for current staff and all the people who have endured working with me for 20 plus years – a very big thank you!’

Images: Finders International and Daniel Barnes