The Co-op, a branch of the supermarket chain, made this loss in the first half of 2013 - in marked contrast to the £700,000 profit it earned in the same period in 2012. Turnover, however, has gone up 5.8 per cent to £18.1 million in the six month financial statements.

The Co-op, according to the Law Society Gazette, attributed the losses to 'the start-up nature of the business'. The organisation was set up in 2006 and became one of the first entities to get a licence to operate as an ABS (alternative business structure) in March 2012. Costs include a multi-million pound TV and radio advertising campaign. A spokesman said that probate income had 'outperformed expectations' and that existing plans would be fulfilled to develop the business.