Jade Campbell
Lester Campbell Solicitors

“Julie is a great listener and a lovely person – nothing is ever too much trouble.”

My business partner, Rodney, and I began Lester Campbell solicitors back in February 2016. We provide conveyancing services and aim to deliver exceptional levels of client care at competitive prices.

The majority of our business comes to us as a result of our online reviews and following recommendations from clients and introducers. Looking after people and charging fair fees is important to us, so we don’t ‘buy in’ work by paying large referral fees or by joining introducer panels where prices are set externally. This gives us flexibility to set our own fees and remain competitive, whilst also reducing workloads, so we can focus on providing high levels of service.

It’s a niche offering and, to deliver it well, we need to get our figures right. For that, we’ve come to depend on Julie.

‘‘I didn’t have the headspace to take on our finances – but I knew Julie did.”

Conveyancing work is generally turned around quickly, and can be very volatile in response to external influences. Since establishing Lester Campbell, we’ve experienced Brexit turmoil, Covid lockdowns, the Covid furlough scheme and stamp duty holidays, all of which have made it incredibly difficult to manage cashflow and forecast accurately. To support this, Julie was recommended to us. I joined a networking group in the Leeds area for small legal firms, like ours, and others in the group had worked with Julie. They spoke incredibly highly of her, both as a person and of her services.

At the time, Rodney was handling most of the firm’s finances. Yet when he decided to work towards retirement, he passed financial responsibilities to me. Though I was keen to step up, I simply didn’t have the capacity to dedicate time to proper financial planning. I knew I needed someone I could work well with and trust, so I gave Julie a call.

“Thanks to clear forecasts, Julie helps us to manage our financial expectations.”

Julie’s biggest role with Lester Campbell is working with us on our forecasting. This is invaluable as Julie prepares forecasts a full 12 months ahead, so we always know what to expect and can plan for the difficult months. Together, we set income targets to understand exactly what the firm needs to be doing not just to break even, but to turn a good profit.

Julie’s cashflow forecasts also mean she can flag any potential concerns with our VAT and tax bills, which allows us to plan carefully. She also compares our annual accounts to our cashier accounts to make sure everything stacks up. Then, she carries out any investigations necessary to get to the bottom of any discrepancies, making sure all our accounting records are in sync. That gives me so much peace of mind.’

“Our standards are high – but Julie meets them, every time.”

‘It’s only our second financial year with Julie on board. Yet I can certainly see that relationship continuing as she’s so approachable, amenable and easy to work with. She’s very good at providing advice and support. For example, Julie has prepared a pie chart to show how our income is spent, with calculations to illustrate exactly what is left over for the Partners once all outgoings have been paid. She’s also offered to run training sessions with our team that, whilst not yet in place, we know we can call upon the moment we need to.

As one of two partners at Lester Campbell, it’s safe to say my job is a busy one. There are never enough hours in the day! But Julie makes my workload lighter, sets my mind at ease, and gives me the ability to plan ahead.’

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