“It’s a low-risk business which can be run from home with minimal overheads”

Over 50 per cent of current franchisees have been part of the X-Press Legal Services family since the company became a franchise in 2005

Delivering over 400,000 property searches and reports every year, which identify any local authority, property and environmental issues to solicitors and other professionals within the conveyancing sector, X-Press Legal Services is trusted by more than 500 legal practices nationwide to perform an essential role in the property buying process in the UK.

Searches are fundamental to every property sale, development, remortgage and repossession. In brief, they’re required as part of every residential and commercial property transaction.

So whatever the state of the property market, an X-Press Legal Services franchise is low risk, with franchisees benefiting from regular, repeat business.

Confidence returning

Indeed, based on recent search report orders received across the X-Press franchise network, franchisees have seen an increase of at least 50 per cent month on month, which shows that home buyers have definitely bounced back with confidence post-COVID-19. Many have also seen their best trading month ever.

Since forming X-Press Legal Services in 1998, Dave and Lynne Lister have built a successful business consisting of a head office operation based in Warrington and a national network of 27 franchise offices.

Over 50 per cent of current franchisees have been part of the X-Press Legal Services family since the company became a franchise in 2005.

Essential skills

Lynne Lister, managing director, explains what the company looks for in a franchise owner: “Becoming an X-Press Legal Services franchise owner is easier than you might think. Importantly, you don’t need any previous legal experience, as your clients will be the legal professionals. It’s a low-risk business which can be run from home with minimal overheads.

“Our franchise owners come from all walks of life and a diverse range of backgrounds and former careers. But as the reports we prepare for clients are legal documents, it helps if you have good attention to detail, excellent communication skills and are computer savvy.

“We are a friendly, supportive franchise and we make sure we all work together to ensure current franchisees are successful and new franchisees get off to the best possible start.”

Franchise package

X-Press Legal Services franchisees receive exclusive rights to a territory in either England or Wales. Territories correspond to local authority areas and are always locations where potential has been identified.

Almost exclusively, X-Press Legal Services clients are legal professionals, so franchisees are able to develop lasting relationships with long-term clients who come to rely on them. A healthy business needs around 10-20 clients, made up of solicitors and conveyancers.

Ongoing sales support, mentoring and the X-Press Academy training programme creates a nurturing environment, where franchisees are able to maintain their independence while also feeling part of a larger network.

There are currently territories available in the following areas: North East, Lincolnshire, West and East London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Dorset and Wales.