Law firm marketing network QualitySolicitors has embarked on a strategic alliance with CharterGroup, an accounting practices alliance, to create a national professional services group.
QualitySolicitors (QS) and CharterGroup are now integrated under the Legal and Professional Services (LPS) banner. The majority stakeholder of LPS is Christine Stockdale, with Tony Stockdale, her husband and former Metamorph Law executive, recently joining as a director post-CharterGroup acquisition. This move sees LPS, previously known as QS Legal Ltd, enhancing its reputation and expanding its scope.
Following their departure from Metamorph Group at the end of 2022 via a management buy-out, QS avoided the pitfalls that led to the closure of four Metamorph law firms by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Presently, QS maintains a membership of 25 to 30 firms, operating across approximately 120 locations. CharterGroup, meanwhile, comprises 18 members with 23 offices nationally, offering support services including technical and practice management alongside collaboration and special interest groups. It holds membership with Abacus Worldwide, linking it to a global network of over 200 accounting and law firms.
Richard Skelley, CEO of QS, underscored the synergy between the two entities with his banking background providing a unique perspective on service integration. He stated, ‘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.’ His assertion highlights the holistic approach QS and CharterGroup aim to take in improving offerings for their clients.
LPS is driven by ambition to enhance its service delivery. Though QS is primarily focused on marketing for its member firms, it has diversified to include recruitment and training offerings as well. The members are not mandated to adopt QS branding as initially required, though some still opt to. Various membership tiers are available, ranging from full membership to a complimentary option for accessing supplier discounts, aiming to accommodate different firm sizes and growth aspirations.
Ian Smith, LPS CEO, expressed how incorporating CharterGroup allows a broader outreach to align with independent law and accounting firms facing similar industry challenges. Andrew Williamson, Managing Director of CharterGroup, commented on the expanding accessible business advisory services, which go beyond traditional audit and tax services, offering valuable support to their membership.
The collaboration between QualitySolicitors and CharterGroup marks a progressive step in creating an integrated professional services group, aiming to deliver extensive benefits and support to law and accounting firms nationwide.
