ONP Solicitors, part of home moving group Movera, has appointed Gemma Etheridge as their new Conveyancing Team Manager to lead their team in Leeds. With over 20 years experience in conveyancing Gemma will be responsible for recruiting and managing the growing team of conveyancers, with eight new members already confirmed. ONP say her immediate priorities will be ‘refining ONP’s processes, building a cohesive team, and helping to further enhance the client experience by leveraging technology to improve efficiency and customer care.’
“I was immediately attracted to ONP because of its forward-thinking ethos and strong people culture. The company is truly leading the way in terms of technological innovation where it matters, while maintaining the essential human touch in the areas that matter most to clients. It’s rare to find a company that blends both so effectively, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”
said Etheridge, adding
“I’m passionate about the potential of technology, especially AI, to streamline administrative tasks. By doing this, we give our team more time to focus on providing the exceptional service our clients deserve. My aims closely align with Movera’s ethos to create a culture where people thrive, and together we can make the home-moving process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone”.
Sonia Robertson, Head of Talent at Movera, commented:
“We’re thrilled to have Gemma on board, especially as she came to us through a referral from one of our existing team managers, Leigh Elliott. This speaks volumes about the strength of our culture—where people want to bring their former colleagues and friends into the fold. Gemma didn’t waste any time; she hit the ground running by bringing three of her own people in and has been actively interviewing to build her team since day one. Gemma not only brings vast experience in conveyancing but also a strong belief in developing and nurturing her team. This fits perfectly with Movera’s vision of growing our people alongside our business. We’re excited about the future and the role Gemma will play in it.”
Two new roles at Ellisons
Ellisons has appointed a new Legal Director and Chartered Legal Executive to it’s Colchester-based Residential Conveyancing team with the recruitment of Marion Knocker and Kelly Mclean.
Following a period dedicated to raising her family and working in the family business, Kelly Mclean rejoins Ellisons after initially qualifying with the firm in 2003. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), Marion Knocker brings extensive local experience to the firm having worked in and around Colchester for the last 20 years and said on her appointment
“I am really excited to join Ellisons’ Residential Conveyancing team and to start a new chapter. Having worked in Colchester throughout my career, I’ve always held a professional admiration for Ellisons’ client-focused approach and look forward using my extensive local knowledge and networks to assist our clients in finding new homes.”
Guy Longhurst, Managing Partner and Head of Real Estate, added
“With sustained demand in the Colchester property market, we’re thrilled to welcome Marion and Kelly to Ellisons. Their combined local expertise and commitment to exceptional client care will ensure we continue to meet the needs of both clients and local property professionals effectively.”
Taylor Rose promotes nine new partners
Taylor Rose has announced nine new partner promotions across the UK, mainly in its residential property division. Three of the promotions concern the firm’s growing consultant division, where Harley Jaggard-Jones, Jane Baird and Sophie Durkin have all been promoted. While each of them operate their own consultant venture, Durkin has a team of 23 sub-consultants working under her between her operations in Peterborough and York. Since joining 5 years ago, Baird has developed a team of 13 sub-consultants; and Jaggard-Jones has risen through the business since joining as a temporary administrative assistant in 2009 after leaving school.
In Taylor Rose’s London Carter Lane office Bonita Nijran has been promoted to Partner; in Ealing Nina Koushi has been recognised for her work with high-net-worth transactions; Emma Shahmoradian is based in the firm’s Fulham office; and Faye Ransley manages the company’s office in Eastbourne
Elsewhere commercial property lawyer Lynne Cook, and family lawyer Louisa Bazett have also been promoted. commented
“It is something of a cliché to say that people are our greatest asset but nonetheless it is absolutely true. The team members we have promoted to partner have all gone above and beyond to deliver great work to our clients and to live and breathe our values. We are proud to be able to develop and support our teams – whether employed staff or consultants – so they feel they can develop a rewarding long-term career at Taylor Rose, as well as helping us achieve our growth ambitions in key markets.”
New Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at Simply
Tess Andrews has been appointed chief strategy and transformation officer at Simply Conveyancing. Prior to joining, Andrews worked as an investment director at Livingbridge; the private-equity firm which now backs Simply Conveyancing and management consultancy McKinsey and Co. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in both defining and implementing growth strategies for a number of companies across multiple sectors, with has a strong background in operational leadership.
In her new role she will be responsible for implementing a strategy to support the business’s growth plans as it seeks to ‘transform and modernise the sector.’ Andrews join recently appointed Director of Legal Operations Services Guy Evans in the senior management. Evans was most recently group head of operational support at the Simplify Group.
Alan Young, CEO at Simply Conveyancing, comments
“The appointment of Tess further signals our determination to grow the business and position Simply Conveyancing as the conveyancing firm of choice for partners up and down the country. We are thrilled to have Tess join us at such a crucial time for the business, as we continue to grow our presence.”
Tess Andrews, added
“I’m delighted to be joining the Simply Conveyancing team as the company enters its next phase of growth. The team has already put in place strong foundations that position the business well to take advantage of the market opportunity. I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
