It is with mixed emotions that I confirm David’s retirement as a Director and shareholder in the business. That will take effect from 31 December 2023.

Being a Solicitor wasn’t David’s first choice in life. He worked for his father before setting off on his own for a while. Later, he decided to study law at Nottingham Trent University, before completing the Legal Practice Course and a Training Contract. David was admitted as a Solicitor in November 2008. As a newly qualified Solicitor, David specialised in private client matters, provided Wills, Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration advice to clients. That is where our paths crossed and a new chapter began.

David and I started the business on 6 April 2011, originally trading as a partnership under the name of ‘Killingworth & Parrott’ from our tiny office on Bridge Street. At the time, we had the benefit of David’s two daughters, Claire & Phillipa, and my mother in law, Pam, also came out of retirement to help out. David generally concentrated on helping clients in the local community with their private client needs and property matters, became involved in community groups and helped raise the profile of our small firm.

We started with nothing, took each day as it came and applied the fundamental beliefs we held dear to us. Like other businesses, we’ve taken a few beatings, weathered some storms, and generally had our up’s and down’s. We’ve faced many challenges along the way. We learnt lessons from things we think we could have done better, and we’re proud of the things we think we did well. One of the defining points for us was the purchase of the derelict building on Chapel Street. We put even more blood, sweat and tears into that project, bringing the property back to life, knowing that the space and location would help reduce the pressures on us and our staff, whilst also improving our business profile.

Whilst retiring from the business, David will remain as a consultant, providing his knowledge and skills to the rest of us in the firm. Others in the firm will take on the responsibility of matters typically assigned to David, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the levels of service our clients have come to expect.

David and I have been supported by a number of colleagues over the years and we would like to thank him for his significant contribution to the firm. I am sure you will join us in wishing David all the best for the future.