Bristol-based Elm Legal Services, a leader in will-writing and estate planning, is celebrating 25 years of business success.
What began in a back bedroom has grown into a thriving company with two offices, a team of 12 staff, and a loyal client base of 45,000. Now with an annual turnover of £1 million, the business is a testament to the vision and determination of its founder, Jim Emsley.
Emsley attributes the company’s longevity to its mission to make will-writing an easy and accessible process. “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.”
A driving force behind Elm Legal Services’ success has been Emsley’s ADHD, which he sees as a unique asset. “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.”
The company’s journey has been shaped by Emsley’s personal story. Despite a challenging start, including time spent in Local Authority care and a lack of formal qualifications, he turned his life around by earning a law degree from the University of the West of England (UWE). This accomplishment provided the foundation for the launch of Elm Legal Services, which has since navigated economic downturns, a global pandemic, and significant industry changes.
As it celebrates 25 years, the company is looking to the future. Having expanded its services to include probate, Elm Legal Services is now exploring new technologies, such as AI and digital signatures, to continue innovating in the will-writing and estate planning sector.
Elm Legal Services’ achievements have been recognised by the industry, with the company recently shortlisted for Boutique Estate Planning Company of the Year at the Today’s Wills and Probate Awards.
For further information, email info@elm-online.co.uk or visit elm-online.co.uk.