New equity partner and promotions at Tollers Solicitors

Regional practice Tollers Solicitors has announced a number of promotions at the firm on the back of another successful year of trading.

The firm’s head of commercial property, Simon Chambers pictured, has been promoted to the position of equity partner. Simon joined Tollers in 2019 and has been a stand-out performer from the start.

The firm’s commercial property practice has grown under Simon’s guidance turning over £1.3 million in the year to 31 March 2023 which equates to growth of 65 per cent over the last three years.

Duncan Nicholson, CEO of Tollers, says: “Simon Chambers’ elevation to equity partner is thoroughly deserved. Tollers is so lucky to have Simon leading our commercial property team and I am absolutely delighted that Simon has accepted an offer to become an owner of the business.”

In addition to Simon Chambers, Tollers also announced the following promotions: n Chris Lucas (trusts and estates) - partner; n Kimberley Osborne (residential conveyancing) - partner; n James Willoughby (trusts and estates)senior associate; n Suzanne Bingham (dispute resolution)senior associate; n Sarah Horn (trusts and estates) - senior associate.

Tollers business continues to thrive. Annual growth of 8.5pc in the year to 31 March 2023 saw turnover close in on £10 million, reflective of the ambitious targets for growth that the firm set last year for its Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire bases.

Key appointments through the year have assisted the firm in delivering such impressive results. Amy Edwards has joined as a partner in the employment team. Another partner, Tiffany Benson now heads the firm’s contested probate team and Suzanne Evans has joined from a regional practice to lead Tollers’ elderly and vulnerable client department.

Added to that, the firm’s residential property team has been boosted by the arrival of partner Karen Stewart from a national practice.

Duncan says: “Businesses in the service industry can only grow on the back of great employees. Tollers prides itself on the quality of its staff and the additions that we have made as well as the promotions announced are further evidence of that. As a firm we seek to invest in our staff. They are our strength and our future and by rewarding the very best our teams will be strengthened ensuring that our clients receive the quality of service and legal advice that they rightly demand and expect.”

What was your first job?

Working as a retail assistant in a bookshop - the ideal place for a bookworm.

Why did you choose your particular career?

I studied business studies at A Level and went on to study it at university. In my final two years I had to specialise in either finance, marketing or HR. I chose HR, because, having worked since I was 15, I found it easier to relate to HR and work psychology.

I was lucky to jump straight onto an HR graduate development programme with Accenture HR Services and the rest is history.

What’s the best job you’ve had and why?

Hands down it has to be running my own business. By far it has been the most rewarding and it has tested my resilience to the max but I have developed so much more as a person and a business professional in the last 18 months since launching Haus of HR. …and the worst and why?

Working in a call centre processing unsecured loans. It was an evening job while I was studying for my degree.

At times it would be soul destroying, especially if there were no calls coming through because that was before it became the norm to have an email account and internet access so I just had to clockwatch the evening away.

What’s the best advice you’ve received in business?

To keep learning, because the business world is constantly evolving and it is important to stay up to date on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices.

Continuously learning and expanding my knowledge helps me stay competitive and able to make informed decisions.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Starting my own business. I never thought it would have been possible so to experience so much success in the 18 months since launching the Haus of HR has to be my proudest moment. …and the low point?

I can’t think of a particular low point, because I always try to stay positive. Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging during a low point in your career but it is important to stay optimistic and believe in yourself.

I always think of setbacks as temporary and with hard work and perseverance, you can overcome them.