About Serene Ventures
Dedicated to making benefits accessible for everyone
Our Story
Serene Ventures began in 2010 when our founder, Eleanor Hargreaves, witnessed firsthand how confusing and intimidating the benefits system had become. After helping a neighbour successfully appeal a PIP decision, she realised there was a genuine need for compassionate, expert guidance.
What started as informal advice sessions in a community centre has grown into a trusted practice serving thousands of clients annually. We've expanded our team, refined our processes, and built relationships with medical professionals and legal advisors, but our core mission remains unchanged: helping people access the support they're entitled to without unnecessary stress.
Over the years, we've seen policy shifts, digitalisation of services, and countless procedural changes. Through it all, we've maintained our commitment to staying informed, adapting quickly, and putting client needs first. Our success is measured not in profit margins but in approved claims, overturned decisions, and the relief our clients feel when they finally receive fair treatment.
What We Stand For
Integrity
We provide honest assessments of your situation, even when it means advising against services you don't need. Transparency builds trust, and trust is everything in this work.
Empathy
Claiming benefits often comes during difficult periods. We listen without judgement, work at your pace, and treat every client with dignity and respect.
Excellence
Mediocre preparation leads to rejected claims. We maintain rigorous standards for documentation, evidence gathering, and representation because your outcome depends on it.
Accessibility
Everyone deserves professional support regardless of financial circumstances. We offer payment plans and work with local charities to ensure cost is never a barrier to good advice.
Meet Our Team
Our advisors bring diverse backgrounds in welfare law, healthcare, social work, and advocacy. What unites us is a shared commitment to making the system work for you.
Eleanor Hargreaves
Founder & Senior Advisor
Twenty years in welfare rights advocacy, specialising in complex PIP and ESA claims. Former tribunal panel member.
Rajesh Patel
Lead Benefits Advisor
Expert in Universal Credit and housing benefits with background in local authority welfare teams. Fluent in Gujarati and Hindi.
Fiona MacLeod
Appeals Specialist
Fifteen years representing clients at First-tier Tribunals. Formerly practiced as a welfare rights solicitor in Glasgow.
Marcus Johnson
Medical Evidence Coordinator
Former occupational therapist who now specialises in gathering and presenting medical evidence for disability benefit claims.
Siobhan O'Connor
Client Support Coordinator
Manages client communications and ensures seamless support throughout the claims journey. Background in social work.
Our Track Record
Successful claims since 2010
Benefits secured for clients
Appeal success rate at tribunal
Average client satisfaction rating
How We Work Differently
Personalised Attention
You'll work with the same advisor throughout your claim, not be passed between different staff members. Continuity matters when dealing with complex personal circumstances.
Evidence-Led Strategy
We don't rely on templates or generic statements. Every claim is built around your specific situation, supported by relevant evidence that addresses assessment criteria directly.
Proactive Communication
We keep you informed at every stage. If the DWP requests additional information or your assessment is delayed, you'll hear from us promptly with clear explanations and next steps.
Long-Term Partnership
Benefits don't end after initial approval. We support clients through reviews, changes of circumstance, and future claims, building a relationship that extends beyond single transactions.
Community Involvement
We believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Our team regularly:
- Delivers free workshops on benefits awareness at community centres and libraries
- Provides pro bono support to local charities assisting vulnerable populations
- Contributes to consultations on welfare policy changes affecting claimants
- Trains volunteers at Citizens Advice bureaux on current benefits procedures
- Publishes accessible guides on our website to help people navigate the system independently
Key Milestones
Foundation
Eleanor Hargreaves establishes Serene Ventures in a small office in Birmingham, initially focusing on disability benefits.
Team Expansion
First employees hired as demand grows. Begin offering tribunal representation services.
Regional Growth
Open satellite offices in Manchester and Cardiff to better serve clients across England and Wales.
Scotland Presence
Establish Edinburgh office with specialists in Scottish social security benefits following devolution of powers.
10,000 Clients
Milestone achievement: support our ten-thousandth client. Launch enhanced digital resources for remote consultations.
Recognition
Awarded "Outstanding Contribution to Welfare Rights" by the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers.
Why Clients Choose Us
Deep Expertise
Our advisors undergo continuous training and stay current with legislation changes, case law developments, and procedural updates.
Proven Results
With a 94% first-time approval rate and 89% success at tribunal, our thorough preparation speaks for itself.
Clear Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise charges. We explain costs upfront and offer payment plans to suit different budgets.
Genuine Care
This isn't just a job for us. We understand the impact benefits have on quality of life and approach every case with that perspective.