Yorkshire Christmas catch-up: Blacks Solicitors’ Chris Allen

As Christmas is only weeks away, and the businesspeople of Yorkshire are preparing to hang up their stockings, Bdaily is continuing its December interview series with Chris Allen, Managing Partner at Blacks Solicitors LLP.

As you already know, we at Bdaily love to bring our readers closer to the stories we write. So this month, we’re asking the questions we don’t usually get a chance to ask - giving you the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the businesses you often read about.

Blacks Solicitors LLP is based in Leeds.

Your Business

What were the highlights for your business in 2015?

We recruited another 40 members of staff at Blacks in 2015. Turnover is at a record level and our investment in the infrastructure of the Firm (more IT resources, organised business development and a better appraisal system etc.) is making a real difference.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?

I should have let someone else (other than me) deal with our website update. I kept getting distracted. It’s finally ready to launch in January. At least I look young on the photos! Lesson learnt.

What’s in store for Blacks Solicitors in 2016?

It’s going to be busy and that is great. Our focus will be on maintaining the high levels of service we deliver - a nice challenge to have.

Your favourites

Have any other Yorkshire companies caught your eye this year? If so - why?

On the legal front I have a lot of time for Marie Walsh and her team at Concilia. They have set up at a time when commentators will have you believe that the days of the small firm are over. Well done to them. I’m proud of Marie - she is the one that got away. Away from ‘the law’, I tip my hat to every business that is doing their bit to regenerate my home town of Bradford. If you haven’t been, get yourself to North Parade.

When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to destress?

It never gets on top of me. I have coaching the Eldwick Juniors Under 11s football team to thank for that. #BestTeamInTheWorld

Who has been your favourite social media personality this year? Any accounts stood out for you?

@MarkShaw has led the line in promoting Periscope to businesses. Dan Snow (@TheHistoryGuy) has also used that platform to provide some really interesting views on history.

The What Ifs

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

Definitely a spitfire pilot.

If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?

“Wear super slim fit suits every day.”

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

A nice 3-0 win over our local rivals Bingley Juniors (sorry Bingley, love you really).

Thank you for your time Chris, Merry Christmas for the Bdaily team!