Name: Mike Anson
Job title: Director / Head of New Build & Residential Property
Email: Mike.Anson@beestonshenton.co.uk
Date: 25 May 2022
What was it that attracted you to this role at Beeston Shenton? And what is it that made you feel like this role would be perfect for you?
I have been aware of Beeston Shenton for many years now. But, I first became aware of the firm and its great reputation within the local area when I began studying for a Law Degree in Stoke-on-Trent. The opportunity to apply all of my legal knowledge and management training to the role was very enticing. However, after my meeting with Paul, and the other directors at Beeston Shenton, my decision was final. I’m delighted to be part of such a welcoming and enthusiastic management team and wider firm team. I already feel very supported in my role.
Tell us about your career so far.
I have worked in the property industry since graduating from university, although these roles have varied. My first paid job in a law firm was in the Sales and Marketing team of a conveyancing firm in Kidderminster. Here I communicated with potential clients and advertised the firm’s service offering. Over the years I gained knowledge and experience, and eventually, I converted this into an actual conveyancing role. But my big break came when I was offered a Training Contract with a reputable Shropshire firm, with whom I then qualified. As a solicitor, I have successfully managed and grown two property departments. Something which has been extremely fulfilling, and I can honestly say that I really enjoy my job!
What are some key successes in your career? And how will these help you in your new role at Beeston Shenton?
I have been fortunate to work alongside some very intelligent and enthusiastic individuals in my career. Two trainee solicitors that I mentored have since qualified, and are both now running New Build departments in large West Midlands-based law firms. When I started at my previous firm, I created the first New Build department in their Wolverhampton office. Within two years, this department became the most profitable team across all seven of its office locations. Seeing the progress from the beginning of this journey gave me a huge amount of pride in what the team had I achieved. I will be taking the lessons learned from this experience, and hopefully replicating this.
What excites you most about this industry?
During my studies, I didn’t see myself working in conveyancing- now I can’t see myself doing anything else. It’s a career that blends soft skills such as relationship management, with the requirement to be technical, analytical, and knowledgeable. The legal landscape is ever evolving and during my career, I have seen advancements in technology that have changed the way that legal professionals are able to conduct business. It’s exciting to see how such advancements can improve either the speed, level of compliance, or the quality of services across conveyancing as a whole. The pandemic has proven, that as an industry, we are able to embrace these new ways of working. It is also interesting to look to the future to see how firms could be operating one day.
What strengths do you bring to the Beeston Shenton team?
Whilst Beeston Shenton does presently carry out a small number of new build transactions, this is my area of expertise. I’m eager to create and grow an entirely separate department. Which will allow us to better serve the needs of our clients, who are purchasing from developers. With prior experience of the challenges that such a venture can bring, I can ensure that the firm remains compliant, whilst offering the best service to our customers. To achieve an exchange of contracts within 28 days (which is the average required timescale with most national housebuilders) our processes must be streamlined. By applying these same processes to our talented residential conveyancing team, we will aim to reduce the average turnaround time for our residential matter too.
What values make Beeston Shenton attract the right clients?
Beeston Shenton is able to offer a tailored service to our clients, at most major life events due to its specialists in various different areas of law. This means we are able to build strong relationships with our clients. Offering individual advice accordingly, and bespoke services, which means we can deliver expert legal advice in a friendly and approachable manner.
What are your immediate steps in your new role?
I will be applying fresh ideas to support our skilled residential conveyancing department and preparing the department for our exciting planned period of growth. We will also be further bolstering the team with a number of promising new build specialists, who are due to join the team over the coming weeks and months. In order to successfully build this department, the correct infrastructure first needs to be in place. This allows our new team members to hit the ground running.
Do you have any long-term goals for your role at Beeston Shenton?
Beeston Shenton is well-known in the area, but I would love to see the brand become recognised outside of the Midlands, as a major provider of legal advice across both new build and residential conveyancing nationally. Whilst I would be disappointed if we don’t move up the Land Registry rankings for a number of matters completed, it is imperative that our growth does not compromise the quality of our service. I would love for us to retain our impressive ratings on the various review platforms.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about our new build or residential team and the service we can offer you, please get in touch. Call us on 01782 662424 or email us at info@beestonshenton.co.uk
