Law firm Boyd restructuring spells end for mortgage referral conveyancing team

Edinburgh-based full service legal practice Boyd Legal Solicitors has undertaken a strategic review of its operations and parted ways with its high volume mortgage referral conveyancing team.

The firm will now concentrate on building up its its highly regarded estate agency business.

The resurgence of the residential property division – the firm started as Boyd Property in 2004, primarily as estate and letting agents, before diversifying into other service areas after the recession – is being supported by the key appointment of Property Sales Director Kerry Wells and the acquisition of a business in Fife.

Managing director Peter Boyd, said the restructure was very much aimed at re-positioning the business for significant growth – all underpinned by its commitment to delivering ‘big firm’ attitude but with personal service and sensible pricing.

Peter said: “We carried out a major review of how we wanted to position ourselves in the legal market and high volume conveyancing did not fit with these aims.

“High quality client care is at the core of Boyd Legal and it was becoming evident that the mortgage referral conveyancing work was having a detrimental effect on our customer service, staff and our attempts to grow the business.

He added, “Although we have enjoyed a tremendous relationship with our referral partner, it is the sensible decision to end this. We have also parted company with director Mark Hendrie, and we wish him and the rest of the team all the best for the future.

“This move provides the platform to rebuild the reputation of the business with a new focus on rejuvenating our estate agency service – under the theme #boydisback.

“When Boyd Property was launched in 2004, we quickly developed an impressive reputation for excellent estate agency service – and we fully intend to become another major force, particularly in Edinburgh, once more. An exciting new approach to take forward the estate agency is set to roll out over the coming weeks.

“Driving forward the estate agency, along with our other successful legal services, combined with the removal of the costs of servicing high volume conveyancing, means we are perfectly placed to build solid profitability and future growth.”

Boyd Legal rebranded and moved into new showpiece offices in Edinburgh’s Queensferry Street (the former Clydesdale Bank West End offices) in 2015.

It has office space in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness and has advanced its expansion through the acquisition of Will databases in Coatbridge and Larkhall and an Edinburgh legal practice.

It added to its portfolio in May when it acquired long-established Kirkcaldy firm, Gibson, Spears, Dow & Son.

The business will be renamed Boyd Legal and will provide all the main legal services to Fife clients. Partner Peter Aiken will continue to drive the business forward and is supported by the Edinburgh team.

Boyd Legal, which employs 22, also offers commercial, business, wills and estates, later life and family legal services.

Kerry Wells, who joins from McQueen Legal, has more than 15 years of experience in estate agency and a reputation for not only raising brand awareness but also improving service levels. In recognition of her customer service skills, Kerry has repeatedly won Best Estate Agent of the Year for Customer Service at www.allagents.co.uk’s People Awards.