SRA steps in to shut down four Metamorph Group businesses


Administration: Orderly wind-down is funder’s best option

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) today took action over the financial problems at the Metamorph Group by closing down four of the firms in its network.

It has intervened in MLL Ltd and Beaumont ABS – both of which have been made subject to winding-up orders in recent weeks – as well as BPL Solicitors and Atray Ltd.

MLL trades through Terry Jones Solicitors, Linder Myers, Donnelley & Elliot, SLC Solicitors, Verisona Law, Beaumont Solicitors and RJW Legal.

BPL is Metamorph’s conveyancing arm, which operates through the same firms, except RJW Legal.

Beaumont ABS’s business was recently transferred to Knowles Benning, another group firm, while Atray (formerly Metamorph Law Ltd) is dormant after its operations were transferred to MLL in 2019.

According to a notice on the various websites, MLL and BPL are completing a “managed wind down”, with their client work being transferred to Knowles Benning, which will operate as the successor practice.

The SRA said the interventions were necessary “to protect the interest of clients and former clients of those firms”. It has appointed John Owen of Yorkshire firm Gordons as the intervention agent.

In addition to Bedfordshire firm Knowles Benning, Metamorph owns four other firms which are not subject to the intervention: Parrot & Coales in Aylesbury, Eastleigh firm Knight Polson, Browns Solicitors in Buckinghamshire, and Southampton-based Beeston Edwards.

Metamorph executive chairman Tony Stockdale last week resigned as a director of Knowles Benning, having previously resigned as a director of the other firms at the start of November.

He remains a director of Metamorph Group Ltd, however, having been reappointed three weeks after resigning.

Companies House has also recorded three resignations of Knowles Benning directors this week: Antonio Fallanca, the head of wills, trusts and probate; Kate Smith, head of crime; and Stephen Atkins, head of residential and commercial property.

The regulator said in a statement: “The SRA will now investigate further the issues raised that have led to this intervention to see if any additional action is necessary. At this stage of the SRA’s work, no further details can be disclosed.

“It is only if further action become necessary that any information is released into the public domain. There is no timescale for how long this work will take.”

Beaumont ABS’s liquidators recently revealed that it owed creditors £2.3m.

At the start of this month, marketing network QualitySolicitors left the Metamorph group following a management buy-out.




    Readers Comments

  • Philip Cooper says:

    Terry jones conveyancing have been a nightmare. We finally had a house purchase completion on 14/10/2022, We have recently received a penalty notice from the Land registry for £100 because the LTR was not received by the filing date. Have tried to make contact by email, no replies or even bounce backs.
    SRA should place the situation on Google and close all web sites advertising.
    Yes we can appeal, with no support. An absolute disgrace.

  • Little Toe says:

    And for my next trick I’m going to metamorph over £11 million quid into a blank line on the balance sheet

  • michael harris says:

    can you please advise on how i may recover information on my late brothers will and testament as we are not sure how proceed in light of the recent developments
    michael harris


Leave a Comment

By clicking Submit you consent to Legal Futures storing your personal data and confirm you have read our Privacy Policy and section 5 of our Terms & Conditions which deals with user-generated content. All comments will be moderated before posting.

Required fields are marked *
Email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Blog


How the Oldham community helped my law firm against rioters

On the evening of 7 August, we anxiously watched CCTV footage from outside the building, waiting for the mob. Our blood ran cold when we saw a group of around 150 people approaching.


Essential tips for junior lawyers

Starting out as a junior lawyer can be daunting, with the challenge of balancing the demanding day-to-day responsibilities, honing legal skills, and engaging in profile-raising activities.


What’s your problem? The cause of complaints and how to resolve them

In today’s digital age, where review sites and social media platforms abound, it’s never been easier to vent, and negative feedback can have serious consequences.


Loading animation