Richard Reed Solicitors has announced a major expansion of its conveyancing department following a sharp rise in demand for property services, with new hires, internal promotions, and continued investment in talent underpinning its growth strategy
Over the past six months, the department led by Nicola Bennell, Director and Solicitor has undergone a significant transformation, driven by increasing client instructions and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service.
Nicola explains, “We’ve seen a real surge in demand for our conveyancing services, it’s been building over the last year, but particularly in recent months it became clear that we needed to expand if we wanted to maintain the standards we’re known for.
That demand has been significant enough that, at times, the team had to make difficult decisions. “We were in a position where we had to turn work away,” she says. “That’s never something you want to do but protecting the quality of our service has always come first.”
The solution was a strategic investment in people-across all levels of the department.
“We didn’t just want to add numbers,” Nicola says. “We wanted to build a team that’s sustainable for the future, with the right mix of experience and emerging talent.”
A key part of that has been recognising internal progression, including the promotion of Steven Douglas to Associate Solicitor. “Steven’s promotion was very well deserved,” Nicola notes. “He’s played a big role in supporting the team through a busy period, and it’s important to recognise that contribution.”
Alongside this, several new team members have joined, in December 2025, Kathryn Musgrove came on board as a Solicitor, along with Savannah Beckett as Apprentice Solicitor, reflecting the firm’s long-term approach to talent development. More recently, Hannah Cullen joined as Solicitor in March 2026, further strengthening the department.
“It’s been fantastic to welcome new people into the team,” Nicola says. “They’ve all brought different strengths, and that’s helped us not only manage the workload but continue to deliver a really high level of service.”
Support staff have also played a crucial role in the expansion, with Lynn Liddle and Lucy Cardy joining as paralegals. “The support team is absolutely vital,” Nicola adds. “They keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and make sure our clients have a seamless experience.”
The department’s recent growth builds on an already strong foundation. Over the past year, turnover increased by 48%, supported in part by the earlier addition of Hannah Parton, Solicitor in June 2024.
Reflecting on that progress, Nicola is clear about what has driven success: “It comes down to people. We’ve invested in the right individuals, and that’s allowed us to grow in a way that’s both sustainable and focused on client care.”
For Richard Reed, the past six months have been about more than just growth-they’ve been about building a department ready for the future.
Sarah Reid, Managing Director, Richard Reed said: “The strategic investment in people at all levels will not only address current demand but also future-proof the department as the property market continues to evolve.
We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to investing in our people at every stage of their careers. We remain dedicated to creating an environment where talent is nurtured, and success is shared.
With a strengthened team and a clear focus on growth, the conveyancing department is now well-positioned to support a growing client base while maintaining the standards that have driven success across the firm.”
richardreed.co.uk
