THE FRIENDLY FIRM
The idea behind Alexander Grace Law was born when two professional colleagues met over a coffee, writes Susan Osborne. Photography: DocB Photography
Specialising in property law, Alexander Grace has had fantastic initial success. Directors Donnamarie Sturrock and James Young have much to celebrate. The firm has expanded in its first year of trading and already employs 17 staff, all carefully hand-picked, mostly from highly trained personnel, already known to James and Donnamarie, and chosen for their enthusiasm and eagerness to progress with the firm. They are dedicated to providing clients with the best possible legal services, specialising in domestic and commercial property matters.
“We look after our staff because we feel we get a lot back,” says James.
A convenient location, close to a motorway junction with ample free parking, free from town centre problems, makes Alexander Grace Law very accessible.
The offices have a clean-lined modern look with blue and white décor softened by natural wood that echoes the company brand.
Some of James’ impressive amateur photography adorns the walls adding a nice touch to the overall ambience which is far removed from the familiar ‘stuffy solicitor’s office’. Smiling, uniformed receptionists welcome visitors.
Good at what they do, renowned for providing a friendly straightforward service, James and Donnamarie, have each worked within the profession for over 10 years, before starting their own company.
Their respective reputations have brought many clients to the firm, on the commercial and residential side, James’ area of expertise, and on residential property matters, where Donnamarie’s down-to-earth friendly approach has earned many recommendations.
“We wanted to create a firm with a friendlier, more modern feel,” explains Donnamarie. “We are human, we’ve got young families and we are approachable”.
The company is flexible and adapts to clients’ lifestyles by using email communications to speed up procedures and offering late evening and early morning appointments outside of clients’ working hours.
James says: “We have purposely created a firm with a centralised team, so there is always someone to speak to our clients and give them an update.”
Different members of staff specialise in different stages of procedure. Feedback is really important and many clients have thanked and recommended the ‘team’, which is exactly what James and Donnamarie wanted to achieve.
Aimee Gannon, business development consultant, is usually first point of contact for most clients, giving quotations and focusing on what they need from the company. She deals with the business’ marketing, general development and ensures the company’s high profile. She takes care of new and existing clients, encouraging them to recommend and use the company’s services.
Buying or selling a property can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life. The team of lawyers and staff at Alexander Grace, have all the specialist knowledge and experience needed to guide you seamlessly through the process to a successful completion. An essential part of their service, aimed at keeping the client in control, is communication. Clients are kept up to date throughout each step of the process.
The firm can deal with all aspects of residential conveyancing including sales, purchase, transfer of equity, equity release, re-mortgage, help-to-buy and adverse possession.
Commercially, Alexander Grace can offer a wide range of services, with (wherever possible), jargon-free, honest straight forward advice, in what might sometimes be complicated matters.
They have experience acting for landowners, farmers, developers, banks, landlords and tenants and can offer structured advice on sales and purchases, new leases and landlord/tenant matters. They can also advise on property re-finance, property purchase by pension funds and deeds of easement.
Alexander Grace Law has a heart too! Wanting to give something back to the community, James and Donnamarie have focused on local charities to support. As most members of the team have a personal connection with Pendleside Hospice, they have had a ‘dress-down Friday’ each week where staff donate money and come to work in everyday clothes. Small weekly donations have been collected throughout the year.
They recently supported ‘The Local Heroes Awards’ in the category of sporting achievements, through 2BR local radio station.
On Saturday 14th October, to celebrate a first successful year in business they are hosting a grand charity ball for 300 guests at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, to raise funds for Pendleside Hospice and East Lancashire Hospice. It will be a formal black-tie event with dinner, dancing, entertainment, raffles and an auction. (See the website for details.) There are plans to make this an annual event.
For the New Year, Alexander Grace Law are looking to expand further, with a new office and more staff to cover new areas of work.
This firm, backed by years of professional experience, has a young, modern feel to it, bursting with enthusiasm, offering expert, honest advice to its clients in an informal friendly way.
You can expect the best possible service and experience in all property-related matters when dealing with Alexander Grace Law.
Alexander Grace Law
Unit 7 Kestrel Court,
Network 65 Business Park,
Burnley BB11 5NA
01282 930403
0800 0315413
info@alexandergrace-law.co.uk
www.alexandergrace-law.co.uk
