Law firm promotes stalwarts to MD level
A LAW firm in Bolton is planning future expansion as two long-term employees take up leading roles in the business.
AFG Law directors Greg French and Anita Boardman who share more than 40 years’ experience at the firm are taking over from retiring Isobel Grey as managing directors.
French joined the firm in 2002 and Boardman began as a secretary almost 25 years ago, completing her training and qualifying as a solicitor before progressing to director level.
The firm has secured a six-figure refinancing package with Yorkshire Bank in May, with five company directors additionally moving their personal banking.
The funding, which was arranged by Keith Smith, commercial relationship manager at Yorkshire Bank in Bolton, will allow the business to focus on growth.
AFG Law was established in Bolton more than 120 years ago and employs approximately 50 staff including six directors. The firm opened its second office in Bury in 2013.
The firm caters to individuals and businesses, offering a diverse range of legal services including family, property, criminal defence personal injury and employment law. The firm also offers legal aid, runs regular free drop-in clinics and operates a 24-hour emergency advice line.
French said: “We were introduced to Yorkshire Bank by our accountants, CLB Coopers, as one of the major challenger banks. We offer a friendly, personable service to our customers and were seeking the same sort of experience from our bank.
“Anita and I have no prior experience of running a business but the team at Yorkshire Bank genuinely listened to us and believed in our capabilities. They were enthusiastic about hearing where we wanted to take the firm and explaining how they could help us get there.
“We have ambitious plans for the future and want to open more offices, expanding geographically and growing our team. Our goal is to become one of the leading law firms in the North West.”
Paul Grace, Yorkshire Bank’s head of commercial, small business & private banking for Manchester and Bolton, said: “AFG Law has served the legal needs of the Bolton community for more than a century and has recently extended this service to the people of Bury too.
“With a knowledgeable team possessing a diverse range of experience across many legal areas, I believe Greg and Anita will grow the business even further, expanding their presence in the North West. We look forward to working with the new managing directors to help them reach this goal.”
