Following a successful career with an employer, taking the decision to create your own business is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. This was the situation for Simon Cox, Managing Director of new independent land agency Walter Cooper, who sought the support of legal teams at Taylor Walton to smooth the start-up process.
Having undertaken instructions from Simon for many years, James Khakpour-Smith, a Commercial Real Estate Partner in the St Albans Office of Taylor Walton, was on hand to provide some informal advice about what legal services would be needed to set up the new business.
James introduced members of the Employment Law and Corporate Law teams, well-versed in company formations and the necessary legal responsibilities, as the business was to start with a team of six talented individuals.
Simon Cox said of the service provided by Taylor Walton: “Getting a new business set-up right at the start will save a lot of time and trouble further down the line. There are lots of people that can help with start-ups, but you really have to trust the team you involve in this momentous step, which is why I reached out first to James.
“James was also able to help with our property and land work and working with their employment and corporate lawyers was simple and it was immediately obvious that despite this being the first business I had started, they had done it many, many times before, which instilled a lot of confidence.
“Now we’re up and running, providing a truly independent professional service designed to maximise the value of our clients land, I’m sure we’ll be working with James and his team at Taylor Walton. For me, the legals are a given, what sets James and his team apart is personality – they’re good people to deal with and I can rely on them when things don’t go smoothly.”
Walter Cooper, the UK’s newest independent land agency focussed on the South East of England, launched 22 September, with a glitzy event on London’s embankment. Amongst clients old and new, the event was attended by many of those who supported the creation of the business, including our own James Khakpour-Smith, Anna Bithrey and Tanveer Ranshi.
Featured above from the left: James Khakpour-Smith, Simon Cox MD of Walter Cooper, Anna Bithrey and Tanveer Ranshi.
James commented: “It was great to be invited to the launch and see so many people ready to help make Walter Cooper a success. If Simon’s experience and enthusiasm for talking land in the South East are any measure of potential, we are sure to witness a meteoric rise.
“For Taylor Walton to be name-checked at the event, as one of those who made it all possible, was immensely gratifying and stands testament to the broad range of skills and experience we have within the firm to help get start-ups off the ground.
“It was good to help Simon in the transition to his new business and on a personal note, I’ve known him a long time and wish him all the success in the world.”