An increase in property transactions at a Lancashire law firm has resulted in a recruitment drive. Vincents Solicitors has appointed solicitor Luke Robinson to its commercial and residential property team in response to an upturn in work over recent months.
Vincents’ property team remained fully active throughout lockdown, with most fee earners working from home. Despite a brief slowdown in sales and acquisitions in the early part of lockdown, pent up demand and the new Stamp Duty holiday have meant a significant increase in business of almost 50% compared to the same time last year, since restrictions were eased towards the end of May.
Craig Aikman, head of commercial and residential property, said: “Continuing to service our clients as usual throughout lockdown allowed us to complete ongoing and planned transactions, and pick up additional work referred to us by estate agents and financial advisors when their usual legal advisors were unavailable.
“Following the easing of restrictions and restart of residential home sales, and the government’s Stamp Duty Holiday announcement, we’ve seen a bounce of around 50%. The Fylde Coast has remained particularly active, so the arrival of an experienced local practitioner is a great boost to our team at this time.
“Luke is well known in the area, having worked in residential and commercial property locally for several years, and being an active member of a number of football clubs. He’s very personable and popular with both clients and our professional estate agent and financial advisor colleagues. A trainee of mine at a previous practice, I’m delighted to have Luke back in my team and bringing his considerable talents to support the requirements of our clients.”
Luke joins the firm from Blackhurst Budd in Blackpool. A Fylde Coast native, Luke will be based at Vincents’ Lytham office in Jubilee House. His arrival forms part of the growth strategy for the area, serving homeowners, investors and developers across the local market.
Craig continued: “Having built up the commercial and residential property team at our head office in Preston, we’re now focusing on creating similar growth in terms of staff and clients at our commercial branch in Lytham. Luke’s arrival adds strength to the Lytham offering, working alongside me to provide that all-important local expertise to residential clients and to complement the services already being offered by the corporate team in place under Matt Scott.”
Luke added: “It’s great to be working with Craig once again and I’m looking forward to developing relationships across the Fylde Coast and growing my own client base. Vincents is a very progressive law firm, where ambition and talent are nurtured, and I appreciate the opportunity they have given me to develop my skills and expertise as part of an exceptional team of experienced property practitioners.”
