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GORDON BROWN JOINS EQUITY RELEASE SOLICITORS ALLIANCE
The Equity Release Solicitors’ Alliance is delighted to announce that Gordon Brown Associates become its latest member taking the number of members to eight. This action confirms ERSA’s dedication to client care and satisfaction. Gordon Brown Associates is based in the North-East of England and was established almost 30 years ago. Gordon Brown Associates have undertaken Equity Release cases on behalf of borrowers for many years and have within the last two years set up a dedicated team which completes over 50 Equity Release cases per month. Its offices can be found in Chester Le Street, Low Fell, Houghton Le spring, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Sunderland. The firm has been recognised by the Legal 500 for the last two years in a row. ERSA is a group of established law firms that specialise within the area of equity release and Gordon Brown Associates joins the seven current members; Equilaw Ltd, Ashfords LLP, Gwyn James, Goldsmith Williams, Birchall Blackburn LLP, Blacks LLP and Scotland-based Caesar & Howie. ERSA members believe that homeowners have the right to access an expert solicitor who offers an unbiased, fixed fee service. The Alliance was formed to promote the importance of specialist legal advice within equity release and each member has committed to a 12-point Charter which guarantees the best legal advice to consumers buying equity release products. Claire Barker , Chairman of ERSA commented: “ Gordon Brown Associates is one of the North-East’s most progressive firms of solicitors and we are delighted to have them on board as the newest member of ERSA. “Our members are committed to providing independent, specialist legal advice to consumers considering equity release, and Gordon Brown Associate’s membership enables us to continue to provide high levels of service for clients regardless of where they live.” Gordon Brown , Senior Partner, at Gordon Brown Associates added: “Gordon Brown Associates has been working in the property market for nearly 30 years, building a high level of expertise that is reflected in this appointment. Our residential conveyancing department complements the wide range of other legal and property services, both private and commercial, delivered to clients across the North East and further afield from our offices across the region.”
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GORDON BROWN HELPS BILL AND AMANDA BUILD A HOUSE OF CARDS Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped a builder and his partner to build a new business venture. Bill Turner and Amanda Matthews have bought Cards & Co, in Low Fell, with the help of commercial property lawyer Martin Donnelly, who is based at the firm’s Newcastle office in Hadrian House. As well as helping Bill and Amanda to purchase the business, Martin worked on their behalf to negotiate the lease agreement with the landlords of the Durham Road property. Bill said: “I looked at property, but the market was uncertain, so with low interest rates I decided to find an existing business to buy that would provide a good return on the inheritance. Christie & Co, the selling agents of the property, recommended Gordon Brown Associates and Martin has helped the deal to go through very smoothly.” Amanda has taken over the running of the business, while Bill continues in his job as a civil engineering supervisor. Martin said: “Cards & Co is a thriving business and while it is a change in direction for both Bill and Amanda, they have really grasped the reins and made a good start to life as business owners. We wish them well for the future.”
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LAW SOCIETY RECOGNITION FOR FAMILY LAWYER
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GROWTH CONTINUES AS GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES BRINGS IN NINE NEW FACES
Leading North East law firm, Gordon Brown Associates has continued its growth with the recruitment of nine new members of staff. The new team members are based at the firm’s head office in Chester-le-Street, as well as at the offices in Newcastle and Sunderland. Their addition takes the Gordon Brown Associates team to 88, plus five partners. The firm’s new business development manager, Amy Whyte, will work across all of Gordon Brown Associates’ offices, which also include Houghton le Spring and Lowe Fell, Gateshead. Janet Frater has joined the residential conveyancing team in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, along with family team administrator Samantha Jefferson. File store administrator Stuart Berkenfield is based at the firm’s site in Birtley. In Newcastle, where Gordon Brown Associates has just opened a new office in Hadrian House, there are four new team members: dispute resolution secretary Rebecca Robinson, commercial property secretary Yvonne Bishop, and reception and administrative supports Elaine Langley and Kat McGill. Nicola Adamson joins the team at the office in West Sunniside, Sunderland, providing typing, reception and administrative support. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “The opening of the new office in Newcastle, and moving our commercial property team from Chester-le-Street to Tyneside has increased the space we have available in both offices to expand our teams. Next year sees the 30 th birthday of Gordon Brown Associates and to be able to continue our growth as we move towards that milestone cements our position as a leading player in North East legal and property practice.” |
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GROWTH CONTINUES AS GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES BRINGS IN NINE NEW FACES
Leading North East law firm, Gordon Brown Associates has continued its growth with the recruitment of nine new members of staff. The new team members are based at the firm’s head office in Chester-le-Street, as well as at the offices in Newcastle and Sunderland. Their addition takes the Gordon Brown Associates team to 88, plus five partners. The firm’s new business development manager, Amy Whyte, will work across all of Gordon Brown Associates’ offices, which also include Houghton le Spring and Lowe Fell, Gateshead. Janet Frater has joined the residential conveyancing team in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, along with family team administrator Samantha Jefferson. File store administrator Stuart Berkenfield is based at the firm’s site in Birtley. In Newcastle, where Gordon Brown Associates has just opened a new office in Hadrian House, there are four new team members: dispute resolution secretary Rebecca Robinson, commercial property secretary Yvonne Bishop, and reception and administrative supports Elaine Langley and Kat McGill. Nicola Adamson joins the team at the office in West Sunniside, Sunderland, providing typing, reception and administrative support. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “The opening of the new office in Newcastle, and moving our commercial property team from Chester-le-Street to Tyneside has increased the space we have available in both offices to expand our teams. Next year sees the 30 th birthday of Gordon Brown Associates and to be able to continue our growth as we move towards that milestone cements our position as a leading player in North East legal and property practice.” |
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LAW FIRM LENDS SUPPORT TO HYDROTHERAPY APPEAL
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates is aiming to raise thousands of pounds for the Percy Hedley Foundation’s Hydrotherapy Appeal. The Tyneside charity launched the appeal in memory of former Sunderland goalkeeper Tim Carter in September 2008 and is backed by Sunderland Football Club. Its aim is to build a hydrotherapy pool at the Percy Hedley Sports Academy, to help disabled children from across the North East. The Percy Hedley Foundation runs a wide range of services for disabled children and adults, currently based on six sites in and around Newcastle. The Foundation’s work with children includes pre-school and nursery provision, schools, sixth form centres and day and residential respite. Its work with adults includes a specialist college, day care services, employment projects and residential care. The Foundation also pioneers the development of disability sport through its specialist sports academy. Gordon Brown Associates has legal offices in both Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as Chester-le-Street and Houghton le Spring, with estate agencies in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Low Fell. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “The Percy Hedley Foundation is a great charity and its Tyneside operations, the Sunderland links to the hydrotherapy appeal and the fact that it helps people from across the North East makes it a perfect choice for Gordon Brown Associates to adopt as its charity for 2010. We look forward to holding a number of events and activities during the course of the year and helping to make a difference.” Des Bustard, director of fundraising at the Percy Hedley Foundation, said: “The generous support of Gordon Brown Associates is hugely welcome. The Tim Carter Appeal, which we are running in conjunction with Sunderland Football Club will help young people from across the region and I am sure that the money raised by Gordon Brown Associates will go a long way towards making a difference to the lives of many children in the future.”
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THREE NEW ASSOCIATES FOR LEADING NORTH EAST LAW FIRM
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has rewarded three of its most senior fee earners with promotions to the position of Associate. Kathryn Taylor, Sharon Walker and Barry Hutchinson all joined the firm within the last three years, becoming valuable additions to the growing team. Conveyancing solicitor Kathryn and family lawyer Sharon are both based at Gordon Brown Associates’ Houghton le Spring office, while employment expert Barry works from Newcastle. Blyth-born Kathryn joined Gordon Brown Associates from a large regional law firm in 2007 and has been a key member of the growing team at Houghton le Spring. A former psychiatric nurse, Barry joined the firm’s Newcastle team at the beginning of 2009, 12 years after relocating to his native North East to retrain for the legal profession. Sharon conducted her training contract with Gordon Brown Associates in 1998 and qualified in 2000. Following a time away with another firm, she returned to Gordon Brown Associates in 2008. Gordon Brown Associates also has legal offices in Chester-le-Street and Sunderland, as well as estate agencies in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, and Low Fell, Gateshead. Gordon Brown, senior partner, said: “It is important to recognise the growth of individuals, as well as of the firm itself, and to acknowledge their development and ability to play a greater role here at Gordon Brown Associates. Kathryn, Sharon and Barry have all been key contributors to the continued success of this firm and I wish them the best with their new Associate status.”
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GORDON BROWN INVESTS IN NEWCASTLE EXPANSION WITH NEW UNIT
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates showed the way in expanding its Newcastle office by adding 8 staff to undertake residential conveyancing. The firm, which has offices in the city’s Mosley Street, as well as in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Houghton le Spring and Low Fell, moved into Newcastle at the start of 2008, adding new employment law and dispute resolution capabilities to the firm. Prior to this latest expansion, the firm had seven team members in the city. The new unit is part of larger investment in their Newcastle operation, with the firm also looking to find larger premises in the city. Senior Partner Gordon Brown said "We are delighted to welcome both our new staff and new clients to the firm. We have been well managed through the credit crunch and we are now positioning for the upturn by investing in staff, new premises in Newcastle and ICT.” Head of Residential Conveyancing Geoff Hall said "The market is improving and the new team gives us complementary new skills and capacity.” Anna Barton, Unit Manager, concluded "My team and I have been made to feel very welcome at Gordon Brown Associates and we look forward to developing through them our local and national client and business relationships.”
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LEASE DEAL IS JUICED THE BUSINESS FOR DURHAM FRUIT AND VEG VENTURE
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped a businesswoman set up her new venture in Durham city centre. Jeeves, run by Denise Browne, is a fruit and veg shop with a difference: not only does it also double as a florist, it has a juice and sandwich bar inside as well. Denise, who has run fruit and veg shops in the past, was introduced to Gordon Brown Associates during the process of investigating the lease. Moya Mason, partner at Gordon Brown Associates, is based in Sunderland, Denise’s home city, and helped her to secure the lease for the new shop in North Road, Durham. The shop is open seven days a week and Denise has employed four part-time staff to help her to run Jeeves. Moya Mason said: “Denise has created a very diverse business in Jeeves, giving something for everyone and it is great to see a new business taking off and creating work in the area. We wish her all the best for the future.” Denise added: “The service from Gordon Brown Associates was excellent, I can’t fault them. The firm helped me through the process of getting the lease and I would recommend their friendly service on the basis of what they have done for me.”
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GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES DELIVERS POST OFFICE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR NORTH EAST COUPLE
Gordon Brown Associates, one of the North East’s leading law firms , has helped a North East couple secure the future of one of the region’s village post offices. Brent Smithson, 35 and his partner Emma Louise Mitchell, 29, have purchased the Easington Post Office in the Country Durham colliery village, which was on the verge of closing after being neglected by its previous owner. An important resource for the local community, the post office has been transformed through a £30,000 upgrade. In addition to a modern post office counter service, the post office features a convenience store offering groceries, newspapers, fruit and vegetables and confectionary. The post office is Brent and Emma’s first business acquisition. However, in Brent’s previous role as a Business Agent for Newcastle-based Christie & Co, he had worked on many commercial property deals on behalf of other companies. Gordon Brown Associates, which has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Newcastle and Houghton-le-Spring, provided professional services and advice to the couple for the completion of the purchase. Originally from Coxhoe, County Durham Brent moved to Easington with Emma and their two sons to be close to her family. Brent said: “When we moved to the village we were looking for a business that Emma and I could run together. The post office is the perfect opportunity. A lot of local people rely on this post office, but it had been neglected for several years with many people in the village thinking it was closed. “It was in serious need of refurbishment and was very dark and old fashioned. It actually gave the impression it was closed, even when it was open. “With the support of Gordon Brown Associates we have not only been able to save the post office, but transform it into an important local amenity.” Martin Donnelly, commercial property lawyer at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Brent and Emma have made a life-changing decision to embark on their first business enterprise and I wish them well. They have made major changes to the post office, which will be to the delight of the local community.” |
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LEGAL 500 Gordon Brown Associates recognised by the Legal 500 for a second successive year. Senior Partner Gordon Brown said "I am delighted the Legal 500 continues to be aware of the development of the firm. This recognition reflects on all who work for us. We continue to be optimistic about the future and envisage further advancements in 2010." http://www.legal500.com/firms/4678-gordon-brown-associates/offices/7703-durham
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PUB SALES SHOW LIFE IN THE TRADE
North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates and licensed premises business sales agents Christie + Co believe news of the death of Britain’s pubs has been grossly exaggerated. Having completed the sales of four pubs from a major chain to individual owners, both Gordon Brown Associates and Christie + Co argue that it is simply a case of finding the right combination of landlord and premises to make many pubs work. The recent sales, on behalf of national pub chain Punch Taverns, indicate a reversal of the trend of the early 2000s of pubcos buying up freehold pubs as all 4 pubs, located in Gateshead, Blaydon, Consett and Birtley have been acquired by private individuals and as going concerns. Punch Taverns has been willing to sell these properties, at attractive prices to existing temporary tenants, to a well known local businessmen and also to a local publican, because they are among its less profitable properties. Christie + Co conducted the sales of the properties, while Gordon Brown Associates acted on behalf of the buyers. Martin Donnelly, commercial property lawyer at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “The common misconception is that pubs are going under at a rapid rate because they aren’t commercially viable, but that is often not the case. These four aren’t the only pub deals we have worked on recently, but they are typical in that they have gone through because the purchaser sees them as good business.” Mark Worley, licensed negotiator at Christie + Co, added: “The public perception that Punch Taverns and other companies are selling off all of their pubs is wrong; the truth is a far cry from that assumption, indeed they have just lately turned down some very good offers for pubs because it is simply not in their interest to sell profit making pubs and the fact that we have had a number of unsolicited offers for pubs in their portfolio just goes to prove that there is still real life in the trade.”
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FORWARD THINKING LURES HELEN TO GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has added a new family lawyer to its team. Based in the firm’s head office in Chester-le-Street, Helen Holmes will work with clients from across the region, through Gordon Brown Associates’ offices in Newcastle, Sunderland and Houghton-le-Spring. Originally from Newcastle, Helen studied law at Durham University before returning to Tyneside to carry out her training contract north of the river. She then spent two years with the city’s largest legal aid firm before joining Gordon Brown Associates. Since starting her legal career, Helen has used her spare time to help a number of charities and voluntary organisations, including time on the North Tyneside Women’s Aid Committee and another smaller charity aimed at helping victims of domestic violence. Helen is currently helping the Sara Hope Foundation, a charity whose aim is to build a holiday getaway in Crete for children and teenagers with cancer, in memory of a teenage who lost her battle to cancer. Helen said: “I heard a lot about Gordon Brown Associates and was impressed with their forward-thinking attitude and the way they are moving ahead. “The network of offices allows me to reach out to clients across the North East and I am looking forward to being part of a team which embraces new ideas and has grown without losing the feel of a family firm.”
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GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES HELPS RESTAURANT PLANS HEAT UP
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped a brand new restaurant fill a gap in the market in a Northumberland town. Former North East Chef of the Year, Richard Sim has teamed up with father and son team Les and Mark Jones to open Zecca in Amble. Mark, a financial advisor, and his father, Les, an estate agent, had worked with conveyancers at Gordon Brown Associates, so decided to take advantage of the firm’s multiple disciplines to help set up their new venture. Commercial property solicitor James McEwen was drafted in to carry out the legal side of the purchase of the building, 47 High Street, and related issues, while the restaurant is also using Gordon Brown Associates for its employment contracts. The restaurant will specialise in Italian food with a modern twist, catering for up to 80 people, with a traditional wood fired pizza oven and open kitchen. Richard trained under the world renowned Marco Pierre White at the Berkeley Hotel, Piccadilly, and also spearheaded the Treehouse restaurant for the Duchess of Northumberland. The three directors came together after Amble’s Market Town Initiative highlighted that the town needed to capitalise on tourism, as many simply passed through due to a lack of things to do or places to go. Mark said: “The idea was that we would set up a quality restaurant, something Amble has lacked in relation to places like Alnwick, and suddenly a building in the ideal location came up. We had been very impressed with the work Gordon Brown Associates had done on the conveyancing side, so we decided to see if that extended through the other areas of the firm and have been genuinely pleased to see that it does.” James McEwen at Gordon Brown Associates said: “It is great to see people coming together to fill a gap in the market and help their area to capitalise from tourism. We wish Mark, Les and Richard all the best in their venture.”
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LEGAL LADIES TAKE A MIDNIGHT WALK FOR HOSPICE
A group of 15 women from leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates have helped to raise more than £800 for a hospice in the region. The women, including staff from the firm’s offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Newcastle, Houghton le Spring and Low Fell, took part in the Midnight Walk in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham. The ladies only Midnight Walk was an event complete with live entertainment, a complimentary breakfast, optional fancy dress and fun merchandise on sale. Taking the participants around the Aykley Heads area of Durham City, the walk covered a 10km route. The walk was the second recent event Gordon Brown Associates has held in aid of the hospice in recent weeks, coming hot on the heels of a charity night at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club centred around the Champions League Final. Based in the historic Park House, St Cuthbert’s Hospice provides a range of care and support services to individuals, as well as to their relatives and carers, reducing the distress associated with life limiting illnesses. The combined total raised from the two events was £890. Gordon Brown, Senior Partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Both the football night and the midnight walk were great ways to get people involved in raising money for St Cuthbert’s Hospice. It’s not only a good opportunity to socialise in aid of a good cause, we were also joined by clients for the Champions League final so we were able to engage others in our fundraising.”
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HOSPICE BENEFITS FROM GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES’ ACTIVITIES
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped one of the region’s hospices by raising more than £500 at a football event. A charity night for St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham, organised to coincide with the Champions League Final, raised £560. The football themed night saw staff from the firm, which has offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Newcastle, Houghton le Spring and Low Fell, join clients and other friends at Chester-le-Street Cricket Club for an evening of fundraising. The success of this event will be followed up by a group of 13 ladies from the firm taking part in the Hospice’s Midnight Walk on June 20. The ladies-only event includes live entertainment, a complimentary breakfast, optional fancy dress and fun merchandise on sale. Gordon Brown, Senior Partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a fantastic charity and we are very happy that we are able to help with these two fundraising events. Hospices do wonderful work in the community and most people know someone who has benefitted from their care in the past, or who will need it in the future, so they really do deserve support.” Any women who wish to support the Hospice by taking part in its Midnight Walk can download a form from http://www.stcuthbertshospice.com/PDF/Midnight%20Walk%20form_Final.pdf or contact Lucy on 0191-3861170.
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ASSOCIATE STATUS AFTER 20 YEARS AT GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES
Gordon Brown Associates, the leading North East law firm, has promoted Geoff Hall to Associate status. Geoff has spent 20 years at Gordon Brown Associates and is head of the firm’s residential conveyancing unit, which was broadened upon his return to the firm in 2006 to provide residential conveyancing services nationwide as well as regionally. Gordon Brown Associates is a multi-discipline law firm, with legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Newcastle, Sunderland and Houghton-le Spring, as well as property shops in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Gateshead. Geoff is the first new Associate to be appointed by the firm since 2006. Having originally joined the firm in 1986, Geoff spent three years away before returning to take up his current role. The development of the residential conveyancing team reflects the considerable growth in the firm since Geoff’s first arrival as a conveyancer working alongside Senior Partner Gordon Brown. Geoff said: “While the firm only employed around 20 people in those days and didn’t have such things as property shops or financial services, conveyancing had quite a large team. There are now more than 70 people with the firm and we offer all of these services and much more from a much wider base of offices across County Durham and Tyne and Wear, so I have seen a lot of change. “It’s great that this Associate status has been given to me; what a great way to celebrate 20 years with Gordon Brown Associates.” Gordon Brown added: “Geoff has been a great servant to Gordon Brown Associates and thoroughly deserves his Associate status. Having worked closely with Geoff since 1986, I have come to know him very well and his hard work, dedication and professionalism have shown him to be a great ambassador for the firm.”
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ONE-DAY COAST TO COAST IN MEMORY OF COUNTY DURHAM SCHOOLGIRL
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I LIKED THE FISH SO MUCH, I DECIDED TO BUY THE COMPANY
Gordon Brown Associates, the leading North East law firm, has helped a customer at one of the region’s top aquatic stores to buy the business. Stephen Douglas, from Chester-le-Street, started to help out at tropical and cold water fish specialists Fish Alive, on Durham’s Dragonville Retail Park after being a customer for a number of years. So, when the owners decided to “hang up their nets”, Stephen turned to Gordon Brown Associates, the law firm which had previously helped him with his house purchase to help him buy the business with his wife, Christine. During more than 30 years of business, Fish Alive has built up a reputation as the region’s premier tropical fish specialist. Stephen said: “I have kept fish for 35 years and travelled to Fish Alive from Chester-le-Street because of the quality of the fish, customer service and after sales, so when the opportunity arose to buy the business I took it. Gordon Brown Associates are my local law firm; they had done a good job with the purchase of my home and have helped this deal to go through quickly and smoothly, which has been great.” Martin Donnelly, commercial property lawyer at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Stephen’s love of fish has created a strong attachment with Fish Alive, so much so that he has decided to take a leaf out of 80s entrepreneur Victor Kiam’s book and buy the business. I am sure his drive and passion will help to continue the excellent reputation that has been built up over the years.”
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ENGINEERING BUSINESS GROWS WITH GORDON BROWN’S HELP
A commercial property expert at leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates is helping an engineering business to expand in 2009.
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FROM PSYCHIATRIC NURSING TO LAW, BARRY JOINS GORDON BROWN IN TIME FOR 1 ST BIRTHDAY
Gordon Brown Associates, one of the North East’s leading law firms, is celebrating its first year in Newcastle with the appointment of a new employment lawyer. Former psychiatric nurse and magistrate Barry Hutchinson has joined the team at the firm’s Mosley Street offices, taking the total number of staff there to six. Gordon Brown Associates, which also has offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Houghton le Spring, Stanley and Low Fell, moved into Newcastle in January 2008 when it merged with Jonathon Stokes (Solicitors). Having started his first career as a psychiatric nurse in Gosforth, Barry relocated south and moved into a job in social services and serving as a magistrate in Wimbledon. In 1997, he returned to the North East to study towards a postgraduate diploma in law, as well as a legal practice course, at Northumbria University. Having served his training contract in North Yorkshire, he moved back to the North East and has now joined Gordon Brown Associates. Jonathon Stokes, partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Since the merger, our Newcastle based team has trebled, from the two of us who were here at the time to six now, with the addition of Barry. “While Gordon Brown Associates was already a leading law firm in the region, by moving into Newcastle we have positioned ourselves in a thriving city where demand for the skills we have continues to grow.”
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MOTOR DEALER DRIVES FORWARD WITH THE HELP OF GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES
Gordon Brown Associates, one of the North East’s leading law firms, has helped a well-known regional business to expand with the acquisition of a fourth motor dealership. The firm had already acted for Richard Hardie for more than a decade when it helped the business to buy its Sunderland dealership in 2001 and now it has carried out the acquisition of its latest site. The business has acquired Gainmanor Ltd’s Fiat dealership at Silverlink, North Tyneside, not only expanding its geographical reach, but also the range of vehicles it offers. Gordon Brown Associates has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Newcastle, Houghton le Spring and Stanley and its commercial conveyancing team conducts a wide range of deals on behalf of clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Richard Hardie already has Peugeot dealerships in Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and Ashington and the new venture will also see the introduction of the Fiat range into that latter site. The Silverlink dealership will be managed by Nick Hardie, son of managing director Philip and who has been with the business for more than a decade. It employs a team of 35, with many of the staff having been retained from the acquired business. Philip Hardie said: “We have been looking to add a Fiat franchise to our business for some time, because they offer an attractive range of economically and environmentally considerate models, which are becoming increasingly desirable and affordable. We have worked with Gordon Brown Associates for almost 20 years and, as a happy client, continue to use their legal services for our business needs.” Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “This is a great deal for Richard Hardie. The firm is in a strong position as one of the region’s most successful motor dealers with a great product range, featuring some of the sector’s most popular brands. We are proud to be entrusted to advise them.”
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THE ROCK CAN OFFER FOUNDATIONS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS: GORDON BROWN
A leading North East lawyer has sent a video message to the Chancellor about how the Northern Rock can help the housing market. The nationalised Northern Rock could be used to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder and generate movement in the market, according to Gordon Brown – in a letter and video to the Chancellor. Mr Brown, the author of the letter, is a leading North East lawyer with 31 years’ experience in the legal sector and housing market and is senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates. In his letter to Alistair Darling, Mr Brown has outlined a proposal based on the system of lending used in the late 70s, when some buyers used multiple lending sources such as insurance companies and local authorities to part-finance their purchase. In his letter to the Chancellor, Mr Brown proposed a top-up system provided by either Central Government or via local authorities. The letter read: “The taxpayer now owns an organisation that until last year was handling more loan applications than any other – Northern Rock. Its administrative capabilities could be used to handle top-up loan applications. I don’t suppose that European legislation would allow the top-up loans themselves to be channelled through Northern Rock?” A copy of the web video to accompany this news release are available to download from: http The letter has been copied to the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, and has received a response from the office of Conservative MP Grant Shapps, Shadow Minister for Housing, which stated that his ideas for a top-up loan system would be fed into the discussions being held on the issue. Mr Brown said: “After the initial set of measures to help the market were announced in September, I wondered just how much expert opinion and input had gone to shaping the plan and I thought about my own experience. “In the 1970s, many first-time buyers were helped onto the property ladder by insurance companies using the market for top-up loans secured by second mortgages and local authorities also helped with the process. “With the Northern Rock, we have a tool to bring in a similar process, but I doubted very much whether this approach had been considered.” Gordon Brown Associates has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Newcastle, Sunderland, Houghton le Spring and Stanley, as well as estate agency services in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Low Fell. Mr Brown added: “I’m gratified that I have had one letter back from the main political parties and that at least someone is prepared to listen to more than three decades of experience as the country, and indeed the world, looks to deal with the current crisis in the housing market following the recent measures intended to deal with the credit crunch.”
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NORTH EAST LAW FIRM MAKES LEGAL LIST AT FIRST TIME OF ASKING – TWICE!
Gordon Brown Associates, one of the North East’s leading law firms, has had double success in its first attempt to enter the prestigious Legal 500 list. As well as being recommended in the commercial property law section, the firm was also recommended in the commercial litigation section. Inclusion in Legal 500 is on merit alone. A large team of researchers interview commercial clients and rival law firms and research the transactions and deals the firm has been involved in. Until this year’s list, Gordon Brown Associates had never put itself forward for Legal 500. As the firm has grown, it was decided to submit an entry for 2008. The firm has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Newcastle, Sunderland, Houghton le Spring and Stanley, as well as property shops in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Low Fell. From its legal offices, the firm provides legal services across a wide range of issues, from residential and commercial property, to family and wills, dispute resolution, child protection, civil litigation, licensing, and starting or buying or selling a business. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “I started the firm 27 years ago and it has grown organically and through mergers and acquisitions to become a multi-discipline agency spread across seven branches. “We decided that this year we would go through the process of making a submission to Legal 500 and it has been a great success, especially for our first attempt. I am sure that as we continue to develop our one-stop legal service, we will build upon this presence in future years.”
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NEW FAMILY LAWYER JOINS HOUGHTON LE SPRING PRACTICE
Gordon Brown Associates has appointed a new family lawyer to work in its Houghton le Spring office. Ten years after taking up her first legal position with the firm, having given up a career in social services to study law, Sharon Walker has rejoined the firm. Sharon had spent 16 years in social services before taking a law degree part time and joining Gordon Brown Associates for a two year training contract, mostly covering children and family issues, including both private and public law. In 2004, she left to broaden her experience in the public sector and in child care law, joining Durham County Council’s legal services team. Having moved back into private practice in 2007, she has now rejoined Gordon Brown Associates. David Coombe, partner and head of family law at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “It’s always good when someone returns to the firm after some time away, especially when it is someone like Sharon who started her career here. We are pleased to have Sharon back on board at Gordon Brown Associates and I am sure she will be an excellent addition to the team at Houghton le Spring.” Gordon Brown Associate has legal offices in Chester-le-Street, Houghton le Spring, Sunderland, Newcastle and Stanley, as well as property shops in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and Low Fell.
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GORDON BROWN ASSOCIATES EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN NEWCASTLE
Leading North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates is expanding its position in the Newcastle market. The firm moved into the city in January when it merged with Jonathon Stokes (Solicitors) in Mosley Street and has now tripled its presence at the Newcastle office. Jonathon Stokes had been operating his own firm from offices in Mosley Street, Newcastle for 12 months, having established himself as a specialist employment lawyer in the region. The merger has brought employment law experience and a new business model for dispute resolution to the already extensive portfolio of services offered by the firm, which also had offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Houghton-le-Spring, Low Fell and Stanley. The firm’s dispute resolution service has been expanded across the civil litigation team, which has also now spread from the office in Chester-le-Street to Newcastle. Having started with only two people in the Newcastle office, this move will see the firm have six people operating from the site, linking with the teams in the other offices. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “Merging with Jonathon Stokes (Solicitors) has given us a real foothold in Newcastle, as well as helped Gordon Brown Associates to enter the area of dispute resolution. “By moving some of our civil litigation team to Newcastle, we are able to expand on that service and increase our presence in the city, building upon the growth of the firm across the North East during recent years.”
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INVESTMENT IMPROVES SERVICE FOR CONVEYANCING CLIENTS
North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has invested in a new software system which will help conveyancing clients get up to the minute information about their cases. The firm has selected the OchreSoft Technologies Intelliworks conveyancing case management system to streamline residential conveyancing for sale and purchase, increase fee earner productivity and minimise risk involved in the conveyancing process. Gordon Brown will also use Intelliworks for the electronic submission of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) returns online, direct to HM Revenue and Customs. Intelliworks will be used by 19 fee earners at Gordon Brown Associates, based across its offices in the North East, to manage an initial 200 - 250 conveyancing cases per month. Using the Intelliworks online information exchange portal, users and their clients can access up to the minute information on any case via an internet connection. The information portal will also be used by Gordon Brown estate agency staff and also by outside providers of work to report progress back to their clients. Gordon Brown Associates has offices in Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Newcastle, Houghton-le-Spring, Low Fell and Stanley, with estate agencies in Chester-le-Street, Low Fell and Sunderland. The merger with Newcastle’s Jonathon Stokes (Solicitors) to the firm in January was the latest move in ongoing expansion by merger, acquisitions and organic growth. Designed by solicitors, Intelliworks has over 1,200 pre-prepared letters and documents, plus integrated electronic legal forms. The system supports all the key processes in residential conveyancing workflows, including: the issue of contract papers ; the requesting of searches; mortgage offer received and the associated reports required in relation to this process; and preparation of registration. Intelliworks is fully risk managed through automated tasks. The automatic preparation of letters and documents eliminates mistakes, while risk management features are controlled through over 2,000 separate sub-tasks run from hundreds of processes. Intelliworks also includes complete traceability for audit purposes. The system will assist Gordon Brown Associates to work proactively by use of an automated reminder system which will benefit clients and providers of work alike. Geoff Hall, conveyancing manager at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “We knew we had to upgrade our case management system to remain competitive and keep up with market developments. After reviewing many providers it was evident that OchreSoft could offer the highly developed solution that we had aspired to. Intelliworks is a complete case management system that’s risk managed, resilient and extremely user-friendly. The system is fully developed by solicitors so the letters are ready to use and cover the options that we need; it would take us years to get to the same stage with a framework system. At a time where the property market is not as buoyant as it has been in the past the installation of the Ochresoft system represents a significant investment by the firm in order to ensure that we are at the forefront of modern technology and ensures that we will continue to provide a first class sevice to both our providers and clients alike well in to the future” Scott Duncan, CEO of OchreSoft Technologies, said: “Intelliworks for residential conveyancing means there is no longer any need for solicitors to set up workflows, or search for the correct letter to use. As a result, law firms like Gordon Brown Associates can make significant savings in fee earner time processing files and ensure quicker turnaround times, ultimately enhancing profitability.” Intelliworks has been designed for solicitors by solicitors and is used by many of the UK’s leading high street law firms to process thousands of residential property purchases every year. It is available as an on-site or hosted solution offering a pay per use pricing model.
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YOUNGSTERS GET THE CHANCE TO CREATE A PICTURE OF CHESTER-LE-STREET
North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates is offering a local artist and young people the chance to help create innovative artwork for display in its busy Chester-le-Street office. The firm, which has six offices in the region, is launching a special creativity programme, which will allow local children from the Chester-le-Street district to develop their design skills before their ideas are put on display. Over the next couple of months the firm will host a series of eight one-day workshops, led by Durham based digital photography artist Stuart Flude. The attendees, to be invited from local secondary and primary schools, will be asked to design photographic images representing the local area. From these workshops Stuart will then develop up to ten pieces to a professional standard, incorporating the ideas of those who attended. The finished pieces will be unveiled at a special exhibition opening at Gordon Brown’s Chester-le-Street office at Front Street in June, as well as going on display at the annual Chester-le-Street Arts Festival from June until September 2008. Gordon Brown, senior partner, said: “These pieces will be initially used in the public and work areas of our Chester-le-Street office and will symbolise the imagination and skills of our local young people. We are already very excited about seeing the finished results and expect our clients to be similarly impressed.” Jo-Anne Simpson, Arts Officer, Chester-le-Street District Council, said: “Art can make a real difference to the quality of life of both the individual and the community. It offers many long-term benefits for all people who live, work or visit the District and we are delighted to be supporting this initiative from Gordon Brown Associates.”
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LAW FIRM WELCOMES MAGNIFICENT 7 Gordon Brown Associates, the fast-growing North East law firm,
has welcomed seven new appointments into its team in the early weeks of 2008.
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Law Firm Expands With Merger
Chester le Street law firm Gordon Brown Associates and Newcastle-based Jonathon Stokes (Solicitors) have agreed a merger which will expand the reach of both firms. The merger, which will be effective from January 1, 2008, will see the Gordon Brown Associates name remain and give the firm a presence in Newcastle, having moved into the Sunderland market in 2005. Jonathon Stokes has been operating his own firm from offices in Mosley Street, Newcastle for 12 months, having established himself as a specialist employment lawyer in the region and been a partner at Mincoffs. The merger brings employment law experience and a new business model for dispute resolution to the already extensive portfolio of services offered by the firm. Gordon Brown, senior partner at Gordon Brown Associates, said: “The merger is great news for our clients, and we welcome a partner of Jonathon’s stature. Gordon Brown Associates has expanded through acquisitions, mergers and organic growth in recent years and this move brings many benefits. “The merger gives the new firm a base in the Newcastle market, which we look forward to developing and adds a specialist employment lawyer to our team of experts. Jonathon Stokes added: “I am coming together with a forward-thinking firm which has become a major player across the North East. “We are boosting the commercial services of Gordon Brown Associates by adding a further specialism to the commercial litigation department. This will make the firm an increasingly attractive option for people from across Tyneside, County Durham and Wearside.”
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Sunderland Property Shop opens June 25th 2007 North East law firm Gordon Brown Associates has continued its expansion on Wearside with the opening of a new Estate Agency service in Sunderland.
The firm has recruited three new members of staff, with a combined 50 years of expertise in estate agency on Wearside, to add to its team and run the new service.
The experience of Jackie Constable, Marina Neale and Julie Proud will be added to that of Moya Mason, Gordon Brown Associates partner and head of Residential Conveyancing, and Stephen Pybus the firm's head of Estate Agency.
The expansion is expected to continue, with the firm looking to add a Financial Services Manager to the Sunderland operation and also build its Litigation team further in coming months.
As well as the new Estate Agency service in Sunderland, Gordon Brown Associates already operates Estate Agents in Chester le Street and Low Fell.
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Interest Rates If you are concerned about further increases in your mortgage payments then
speak to me about a move to a Fixed Rate Mortgage. |
For more information please contact:
Craig Armstrong
craig.armstrong@gordon-brown.co.uk
0191 389 5166
