Business Profile: MJ McIvor Solicitors
Name: Martin McIvor
Business Name: MJ McIvor Solicitors
E: martin@mjmcivorsolicitors.co.uk
T: (028) 8225 3370
L: Omagh Enterprise Centre, Great Northern Road, Omagh
Can you describe your business?
MJ McIvor Solicitors is a general practice law firm with the aim of providing expert legal services and flexibility to the needs of our clients. We deal with residential conveyancing, commercial conveyancing, wills and estates, personal injury and medical negligence and general matters. Our primary focus is on providing a high standard of customer service and to respond to the needs of clients quickly and efficiently. We will go the extra mile for our clients whether that is a home visit or an out of hours appointment or whatever might be required in any given situation.
Why did you start your own business?
I started my own business as it felt like the next natural progression for me personally. I have been a solicitor for 11 years and I knew the time was right for me to take on the challenge of establishing my own legal practice. I always had a vision of running a general high street practice in a modern office environment where there is plentiful parking for clients. I am also acutely aware of the importance of client care and looking after the needs of clients and that is part of our overall firm ethos.
What are the best things about running your own business?
There is a certain amount of satisfaction about owning my own practice and having my name and logo above the door. At the end of the day I have overall responsibility for everything. I have found that this has increased my personal drive to provide a good customer service for my clients as I know it is my name that is attached to the firm. I enjoy being able to offer clients flexibility and what motivates me is the feeling of personal reward when a client has placed their trust in my hands and the desired positive outcome is achieved.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
There are all sorts of challenges facing every business every day and it is all part of the process to be able to deal with challenges effectively. Probably one of the biggest challenges is dealing with time and managing time effectively. We all wish there was more time in the day! We are constantly challenging ourselves to provide our clients with a good service and experience and to maintain that high standard in a busy environment. When speaking to new clients I always promise them a good service and this is important because in this day and age clients have their choice of solicitors, like in any industry, and it is vitally important to constantly and continually work hard to strive to maintain that level of service to keep our clients happy.
What advice would you give to someone starting a business?
The advice I would give is to plan, plan and plan again! It is absolutely crucial to have everything thought through from the beginning. Furthermore, it is also really important to be able to adapt to changing circumstances as no two days are the same. All that aside, if you are thinking about it then go for it!
Can you describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Satisfying, challenging, busy!
