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Elm Legal Services, a well-established will-writing and estate planning company based in Bristol, is celebrating 25 successful years in business.
Starting from a back bedroom, the business has grown into a flourishing operation with two offices, 12 staff members, and a loyal customer base of 45,000. Now with an annual turnover of £1 million, Elm Legal Services stands as a testament to the drive and vision of its founder, Jim Emsley.
Emsley attributes the company’s success to its dedication to simplifying the will-writing process for its clients. “Our ethos has always been to take the drama out of making a will,” says Emsley. “It’s a conversation most people avoid, but it’s one of the most important decisions they’ll make – often initiated around births, marriages and deaths.”
Emsley credits his ADHD as a source of his entrepreneurial energy and resilience. “ADHD has given me a relentless energy and focus when it comes to pushing the business forward. It’s helped me thrive under pressure, constantly look for ways to innovate, and tackle challenges head-on.”
Over the years, Elm Legal Services has faced its share of challenges. From navigating economic changes and a pandemic to adapting to industry shifts and online operations, the company has continually evolved under Emsley’s leadership. Having overcome a challenging start in life, including time in Local Authority care and no formal qualifications, Emsley’s journey took a positive turn when he earned a law degree from Bristol’s University of the West of England (UWE), leading to the launch of Elm Legal Services.
As the company marks this milestone, it is also planning for the future. With the addition of probate services to its portfolio, Elm Legal Services is now exploring innovative technologies, including AI and digital signatures, to further enhance its offerings.
Elm Legal Services has also been recognised for its achievements, recently being shortlisted for Boutique Estate Planning Company of the Year at the Today’s Wills and Probate Awards.
To find out more about Elm Legal Services, email info@elm-online.co.uk or visit elm-online.co.uk.