THE team at a leading York solicitors has a new addition to their number.

Haroon Qayum is joining Roche Legal and is also setting out on a challenging 18 months taking MBAs which involve studying in Durham and Germany.

Haroon said he is relishing the challenge of his new role as a senior solicitor and has instigated “military” style planning to ensure he also deals with the demands of university work while also spending time with his young family.

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He said: “I believe this is an ideal moment to join Roche Legal and the Executive MBA deals with a wide range of skills drawing on both the UK and European experience with a module on new venture creation in the USA. I will then be able to bring the insight gained into leadership in today’s international business world to my role at Roche Legal.”

Haroon, who is a trustee of the Solicitors’ Charity, is a succession planning expert and believes family businesses need to broaden their vision and recognise the need to plan ahead.

He said:  “More than 80 per cent of British businesses are family businesses. These range from small businesses to multi-million pound operations.

"I specialise in advice for family business owners and have also gained experience in dealing with cross border estate work and have built up an extensive network of trusted lawyers in overseas jurisdictions which I call upon when structuring cross-border estates for clients.”

Haroon has been impressed with the cutting edge technology owner Rachel Roche has utilised at Roche Legal, while retaining the personal touch necessary when dealing with clients.

He said: “Having worked at three different practices over the last 12 years, I have never seen anything like Roche Legal in terms of utilising new technology. It is important to retain the traditional values of going the extra mile for the client while also being at the cutting edge of using technology.”

Roche Legal owner Rachel Roche said: “We're delighted to be adding Haroon’s expertise in succession planning for family businesses and cross border estates to our team. Haroon brings an impressive skills set that will be enhanced by the MBAs he is taking over the next 18 months.”

Gary Lumby MBE the CEO of Roche Legal said: “I am delighted that Haroon has agreed to join us at an important time in the company as we increase investment in people, marketing and technology to continue our high growth journey.”

Gary LumbyGary Lumby (Image: Supplied)