Gwen Christie (Jones)

• Built the department from scratch to now having £480,000 turnover in 2023/24 with an 80% Fee Recovery rate.
• Deal with: portfolio landlords

- commercial refinances

- commercial property sales and acquisitions

- all aspects of commercial leases across all sectors

- asset sale and purchase agreements

- Care homes/GPs/dentists with their commercial needs

- HMO properties for landlords

- Pension Fund transactions

- Petrol Station transactions

• Firm and departmental strategy for growth
• Initiated business development activities, expanded client base and referrers across the firm
• Implemented operational changes for improved efficiency in respect of obtaining initial money on account and with debt collection.

In addition to general commercial property practice, I assisted on a number of larger corporate transactions in the energy sector advising on the property side of the transaction. I was also acting as a panel solicitor for a lender and the main lead for a national retailer on all of their commercial property needs.

At GBLF I was responsible in creating "Core" a service within the commercial team which provided advice to smaller, growing businesses and to new start ups. I developed the branding, created all templates and rolled the offering out to clients, working alongside organisations such as TEDCO and with the business hub at NatWest.

This provided initial advice to clients starting out on their commercial property journey where we worked with them every step of the way as their business grew.

In addition, I lead the team on commercial property matters, carrying out all aspects of commercial property and supervising a team.

• During my time at Mincoffs I was the lead solicitor for two national retailers dealing with all of their commercial leases.
• I also gained experience in property insolvency, building relationships with administrators and liquidators
• Worked alongside commercial agents and petrol station clients dealing with their acquisitions, sales and refinances.
• Enhanced client and referrer relationships through effective communication and empathy.
• Drafted detailed legal documents ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Assisted in business development activities, bringing new clientele to the firm.
• Conducted frequent meetings and catch ups with clients and referrers for improved understanding of their requirements.