More strife for Metamorph Group as conveyancer goes into liquidation

The conveyancing crisis shows no signs of abating after Beaumont ABS, with links to the Metamorph Group, appointed liquidators and Simplify announced plans to reduce its workforce by up to 5%.

The Neg reported earlier this year that hundreds of jobs could be at risk after HMRC issued a winding-up petition against Linder Myers Solicitors.

That 100-year-old firm has offices in Manchester, Chester, Lytham, York and Shrewsbury, and is one of 14 legal brands operated by Metamorph Group.

LIQUIDATORS

Now a notice in the London Gazette has revealed that Beaumont ABS appointed liquidators MacIntyre Hudson LLP on November 18 this year following agreement by the firm’s creditors.

Beaumont ABS was part of the Manchester firm bpl Solicitors, which is part of the consolidator Metamorph Group. It was previously part of the US business LegalZoom but was acquired by Metamorph in April 2020. At the time it employed 129 staff.

Staff at Beaumont had taken to LinkedIn at the beginning of November to complain that they had yet to be paid.

I should not have to beg for my wage!”

One said: “Day 3 with no pay and no response from management. Do you even care #metamorph/#bpl solicitors that we have families to feed!

“Punishing staff for handing in their notice / leaving by withholding pay. I should not have to beg for my wage!

Tony Stockdale, executive chairman at Metamorph Group, was approached for comment.

RISK

Meanwhile Simplify has announced moves to reduce its workforce with a number of roles with central, support and management put at risk.

Brands within the Simplify Group include Advantage Property Lawyers, Cook Taylor Woodhouse, DC Law, Gordon Brown Law, JS Law, Move with Us, My Home Move and Premier Property Lawyers.

Simplify were contacted for comment.