Long-term employees plot expansion after taking the reins at AFG Law

A law firm with offices in Bolton and Bury is laying foundations for future expansion as two of its long-term employees take on leading roles.

With the help of a six-figure refinancing package from Yorkshire Bank, Greg French and Anita Boardman, existing directors at AFG Law, have taken the reins from retiring MD Isobel Grey and now plan to open new offices and expand geographically.

Together, the pair have worked at AFG Law for 40 years, with Greg joining the firm in 2002 and Anita starting almost 25 years ago. Both have now taken on the role of managing director.

The funding was arranged by Keith Smith, a commercial relationship manager based at Yorkshire Bank’s offices in Bolton.

Greg French said: “We were introduced to Yorkshire Bank by our accountants, CLB Coopers, as one of the major challenger banks. We offer a friendly, personable service to our customers and were seeking the same sort of experience from our bank.

“Anita and I have no prior experience of running a business but the team at Yorkshire Bank genuinely listened to us and believed in our capabilities.”

He continued: “They were enthusiastic about hearing where we wanted to take the firm and explaining how they could help us get there.

“Our goal is to become one of the leading law firms in the North West.”

AFG Law has operated in Bolton for over 120 years and currently employs 50 people, including six directors. In 2013, the firm expanded with a second office in Bury.

The head of commercial, small business and private banking across Manchester and Bolton for Yorkshire Bank, Paul Grace, commented: “AFG Law has served the legal needs of the Bolton community for more than a century and has recently extended this service to the people of Bury too.

“With a knowledgeable team possessing a diverse range of experience across many legal areas, I believe Greg and Anita will grow the business even further, expanding their presence in the North West.”

Paul added: “We look forward to working with the new managing directors to help them reach this goal.”