QualitySolicitors (QS) has announced it has brought an independent body of accountancy practices under a new multi-disciplinary umbrella group to ‘enhance capability, drive sustainable growth and improve efficiency, effectiveness and safety’ of member firms.
CharterGroup, established in 1986, is a membership body for accountancy firms in UK and Ireland, and a member of the global association, Abacus Worldwide. The combined businesses will operate under a new umbrella entity, Legal & Professional Services (LandPS).
QualitySolicitors was launched in 2009 in the wake of the Legal Services Act 2007 which brought about the opportunity for non-solicitor law firm ownership through newly established Alternative Business Structures (ABSs). At the time there was concern major household brands would launch legal service operations and diminish the role of existing providers. QS set out to help the high street fight back against what became dubbed ‘Tesco Law.’
In reality the onslaught never came but QS grew significantly and in 2011 an investment of c.£100m saw Palamon Capital Partners take a majority stake in the group, incorporating it into the Simplify group. More recently QS became part of now-defunct Metamorph before a management buyout in 2022 saw Victoria Browning and Paul Rawson head up a new management structure. Rawson resigned as a Director in November 2023.
QS CEO Richard Skelley recently appeared alongside Browning on the Today’s Conveyancer Podcast hinting at future plans and explaining the group had worked hard recently to support member firms with recruitment and business development, employer branding and conveyancing panel services. A new tiered membership has also been introduced
Commenting on the new group, Richard Skelley said
“We are excited that CharterGroup is joining the Group and look forward to working closely together to develop and enhance the services provided to our respective members. Our shared learning and experience within the professional services sector will bring further benefit for our members.”
CharterGroup operates in a similar way to QS, with membership providing access to shared expertise and best practice, alongside a range of affinity partnerships. Managing Director of CharterGroup Andrew Williamson says:
“In today’s fast-changing world, extending the range of readily accessible business advisory services to help support our members and provide offerings beyond the traditional core of audit, accounting and tax can deliver significant value. We are delighted to be joining forces with Quality Solicitors and helping drive positive change in the sector.”.
Ian Smith, CEO of Legal and Professional Services explains:
“The inclusion of CharterGroup into the LandPS family provides an opportunity to extend our communities across professional services and support a wider audience of like-minded independent Law and Accounting firms which face similar challenges. We are passionate about helping our members share knowledge, gain insight and ideas, enhance capability, improve efficiency and safety as their needs evolve. I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with Richard, Andrew and the respective teams to deliver for our members.”
Legal & Professional Services (LandPS) is described as a ‘dynamic and integrated professional services group (whose) sole purpose is to help independent Law and Accounting firms in the UK be more successful and secure sustainable growth.’
