Law firm Holden Smith to open office in Leeds as it gears up for expansion

A law firm is launching an office in Leeds as it gears up for expansion around Yorkshire.
L-R James Smith, Dave Bancroft and Jamie Megson, founders of Holden Smith LawL-R James Smith, Dave Bancroft and Jamie Megson, founders of Holden Smith Law
L-R James Smith, Dave Bancroft and Jamie Megson, founders of Holden Smith Law

In February last year, James Smith, David Bancroft and Jamie Megson founded legal firm Holden Smith in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.

The business turned over £500,000 in its first year, and it is projecting a turnover of £1.2m in its second financial year.

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Over the last year, staff numbers have grown from just three to a team of 20.

Mr Smith said: “Technology has been at the forefront of everything we’ve done.

“We’re always trying to look for the best products that leads to the client and referrer experience being improved.”

Mr Bancroft told The Yorkshire Post: “The legal sector can be archaic in places so we invested heavily in technology.

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“Everything can be done online. Work has dropped off for every firm but we know that this is temporary.

“We do a lot of new build developments and have signed a lease on a new office in Crossgates, Leeds, which is due to open in May.

“We are looking to open further offices in places like Halifax, Sheffield and Barnsley and we might move into North Yorkshire by acquisition.”

Mr Bancroft added: “Since 2014 the property market has grown steadily and there is still a lot of growth in places like Leeds and Sheffield.

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“Eighty per cent of our work is referred through estate agents and mortgage broker.

“In five years’ time we hope to be operating in every area of law and have six or seven different branches. We could have 50 to 70 staff and a turnover of £5m.

Mr Bancroft added: “As long as there is a shortage of housing the Government has got to encourage people to keep investing in the sector.”

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