a staff meeting photo at davis blank furniss

We are delighted to announce that Richard Hamilton, head of the property team, is the firm’s new managing partner. He takes over from Kate Oldfield who had been in the post for 15 years.

Kate will be taking up the role of senior partner and will be working alongside Richard on a number of leadership duties including business development, client liaison and marketing. She will also remain head of the personal injury and clinical negligence department.

Richard and Kate – along with their fellow equity partners, Andrew Ryan and Sonio Singh – have been preparing for the transition over the past few months. In his new position, Richard will focus on the firm’s day-to-day operations, driving its strategic growth, and continuing to develop its people and working practices.

Richard joined the firm as a trainee in 2001, he qualified into the property department in 2003, became a salaried partner in 2008 and then an equity partner in 2010. His key areas of expertise include all aspects of commercial and residential property; from commercial property sales and purchases (offices, warehouses, retail, and licenced premises), to all aspects of commercial leases, lender security work, as well as Option Agreements, SIPP and SASS transfers and nationwide sales, purchases, and the re-mortgages of residential properties.

Kate Oldfield said: “After 15 years as managing partner I felt now was the right time to pass the baton on. Richard is an exceptional lawyer and has natural leadership qualities so I know he will do a fantastic job. He joined Davis Blank Furniss as a trainee and his career journey is testament to the fact that we are committed to developing talent from within. I’m looking forward to supporting him as we enter our next phase of growth.”

Davis Blank Furniss has also announced that Martyn Gee – the longstanding head of its Glossop office – will be retiring at the end of March. Martyn joined the firm in 1979 and over the past 44 years has become one of the High Peak’s most renowned businesspeople. Debra Kelly – who is a partner in the private client team – will be leading the Glossop office from April. She joined the firm in January 2022.

Richard said: “Kate has done an amazing job steering the firm through the economic crisis in 2008 and then COVID. Her professionalism and vision have laid the foundations for a strong future, and I am now focused on driving that forward over the coming years.

Richard added: Our decision to remain fully independent allows us to treat our clients as individuals and to always strive to deliver an outstanding level of service that is based squarely on their needs. That bespoke and caring approach will remain at the core of everything we do.

He concluded: I’d also like to thank Martyn for his dedication and service. He has been the face of Davis Blank Furniss in Glossop for over 40 years so I – along with everyone at the firm – wish him a very happy retirement. Moving forward, we are delighted that Debra is picking up the baton and I’m confident that she will lead the Glossop team to even greater successes.”

 

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Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
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