QualitySolicitors has expanded its professional services by joining forces with CharterGroup.
- This collaboration forms part of a broader Legal and Professional Services entity.
- QualitySolicitors’ membership spans 25 to 30 firms, while CharterGroup has 18 members.
- LPS aims to enhance service offerings across both legal and accounting sectors.
- The partnership aims to benefit firms through growth and enhance cross-referral opportunities.
In a strategic move to broaden its services, QualitySolicitors (QS) has collaborated with CharterGroup, an alliance of accounting firms. This partnership is part of a larger initiative under the Legal and Professional Services (LPS) umbrella, spearheaded by Christine Stockdale, the major stakeholder and spouse of Tony Stockdale, former head of Metamorph Law. The alliance marks a significant step in forming a national professional services group that integrates both legal and accounting expertise.
The transition to LPS signifies a pivotal moment for QualitySolicitors. Previously known as QS Legal Ltd, the network stepped away from the Metamorph Group through a management buy-out in late 2022. This change occurred just before the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s closure of four associated law firms. Currently, QS boasts a membership of 25 to 30 firms, enabling a presence across approximately 120 areas. CharterGroup, on the other hand, includes 18 members dispersed across 23 offices nationwide, providing a suite of centralised services such as technical support and practice management.
Richard Skelley, CEO of QualitySolicitors, emphasizes the synergy between the two entities, stating, “We’re a similar operation and ultimately it’s looking at provision of services across both entities, cross-referrals and how we can jointly support our members’ clients.” He points out that while marketing remains QS’s primary focus, the network has also diversified into recruitment and training services.
QualitySolicitors now offers three membership tiers. Full membership is priced at £2,000 monthly, ‘QS Aspire’ offers reduced services for a lesser fee, and a complimentary membership provides access to supplier discounts. This tiered system aims to cater to firms with varying needs, particularly those with revenue in the £2-3 million range and a drive to expand. Skelley did not rule out future equity stakes in member firms if it aligns with their mutual interests, addressing the challenge of succession planning within smaller practices.
Ian Smith, CEO of LPS, noted the strategic advantage of this merger: “The addition of CharterGroup means we can deliver our service proposition to a wider audience of like-minded independent law and accounting firms which face similar challenges and core requirements.” Echoing this sentiment, Andrew Williamson of CharterGroup remarked, “We are delighted to be joining forces with QualitySolicitors and helping drive positive change in the sector.”
The collaboration between QualitySolicitors and CharterGroup signifies a major step toward integrating diverse professional services in the UK.
