Beyond Professional Services Group has announced its second investment within four months of taking a majority stake in corporate boutique Atticus Legal and launching the Beyond Corporate brand. McAlister Family Law will become part of the group, which was established to challenge the structures and approaches adopted by traditional law. Beyond has backed a management team led by Amanda McAlister, Slater and Gordon’s former head of national family practice, having recruited a number of Slater and Gordon’s team in the run up to completing the acquisition and investment. The Beyond Group, led by former managing partner of Fieldfishers’ Manchester business, Matthew Fleetwood, will take a majority stake in the business and provided equity for the new management team.

Niche and specialist

Commenting on the move,  Amanda McAlister says: 'Having worked in a large national practice for five years, I wanted my next venture to be something unique, something different. I was looking for an opportunity that not only supported the client base that we service but also one that would provide a platform to build a dynamic team. Whilst there is undoubtedly a market for large, national, multi-disciplined practices, it is my view that the future belongs to the more niche, specialist practices that are able to offer not only competitive pricing but a more personable service.' 

Separate business

The McAlister Family Law brand will be a separate business within the Beyond Professional Services Group portfolio, with Ms McAlister and her team based across Manchester and Alderley Edge. Matthew Fleetwood, who grew boutique practice Heaton’s before selling to international firm Fieldfishers in 2014, added: 'The investment in Amanda and her management team confirms, and to some extent validates, our model and approach.  We said that we would invest in complimentary professional services businesses led by strong management teams and that is exactly what we are doing.  We are moving fast, having made our second acquisition within four months and are committed to growing something special for both our people and our customers.'

Different approach

He said that it would take the market some time to understand 'what we are trying to achieve and the positioning of the brands within our portfolio.  It is a different approach to traditional law firm structures but having grown the business from six to over 30 people in just four months, and with a corresponding growth rate, we feel we are tracking in the right direction.  That said, we always remain very humble and minded of what the Group is about; its people, culture and customers.  We will need to take a breath over the next few weeks whilst we continue to integrate and make further improvements to our IT infrastructure, and to ensure we do not compromise our values for growths sake.'

Branding 

Mr Fleetwood added that the firm made no secret 'of our ambition to have a business that focuses on family and child law within our portfolio.  We wanted to ensure the branding resonated with the business’ core market and of course, are also leveraging off the strong reputation of Amanda. Using the McAlister name as the brand was an obvious choice. Having a tier 1 family team led by Amanda is a coup for the Group and we are confident that this team’s ambition, drive and determination will see the business grow and expand.Strategically, McAlister Family Law will allow the Group to confirm its position within Manchester and expand into Cheshire over the coming months.'

Corporate model

He said the acquisition was evidence of the group’s ability to operate a corporate model, offer real equity and ownership to its management teams, and enable the businesses within its portfolio to leverage off each other. 'Amanda’s team bring excellent marketing and business development skills, particularly in the digital arena, which the wider Group will benefit hugely from.  Likewise, McAlister Family Law will be supported by the Group’s infrastructure and its central and senior team as we continue to invest in the technology, culture and people.'