Haroon Qayum has joined the award winning Roche Legal team and will be adding his succession planning expertise to the York based solicitors while also embarking on an 18 month international Executive MBA dual award programme at the Durham University Business School and the EBS Universität in Germany.
Haroon is relishing the challenge of his new role as a senior solicitor at Roche Legal and has instigated “military” style planning to ensure he also deals with the demands of university work while also spending time with his wife and young son.
Haroon said: “I believe this is an ideal moment to join Roche Legal and the Executive MBA deals with a wide range of skills drawing on both the UK and European experience with a module on new venture creation in the USA. I will then be able to bring the insight gained into leadership in today’s international business world to my role at Roche Legal.
“The Executive MBA starts in September with a seven day residential stay in Durham followed by three days a month in Germany over an eight month period and further class time in Durham.
“It is almost a military exercise in terms of planning my time. I have a two-and-a-half year old son and I have discussed the coming 18 months with my wife who is very supportive. We have planned our weekends for the next six months in terms of family time, writing up dissertations and assignments, and I am relishing that challenge.”
Haroon, who is a trustee of the Solicitors’ Charity, is a succession planning expert and believes family businesses need to broaden their vision and recognise the need to plan ahead.
He explained: “Over 80 per cent of British businesses are family businesses. These range from small businesses to multi-million pound operations. I assist business owners often working in collaboration with other professional advisors on their business succession. This involves ensuring that estate planning is in alignment with placing the business in the most advantageous position going forward.
“I specialise in advice for family business owners and have also gained experience in dealing with cross border estate work and have built up an extensive network of trusted lawyers in overseas jurisdictions which I call upon when structuring cross-border estates for clients.
“Rachel has established strong connections in the USA and expanded the business through internationalisation. Her passion for technology and her personal brand have positioned her as a leader in the industry. This is an exciting time to join her, as our international expertise presents a unique opportunity for significant growth and the potential to become the top choice outside of London.”
Haroon has been impressed with the cutting edge technology owner Rachel Roche has utilised at Roche Legal, while retaining the personal touch necessary when dealing with clients.
He added: “Having worked at three different practices over the last 12 years, I have never seen anything like Roche Legal in terms of utilising new technology. It is important to retain the traditional values of going the extra mile for the client while also being at the cutting edge of using technology.”
Roche Legal owner Rachel Roche said: “We are delighted to be adding Haroon’s expertise in succession planning for family businesses and cross border estates to our team. Haroon brings an impressive skills set that will be enhanced by the MBAs he is taking over the next 18 months.”
Gary Lumby MBE the CEO of Roche Legal added: “I am delighted that Haroon has agreed to join us at an important time in the company as we increase investment in people, marketing and technology to continue our high growth journey”.
Note to editors:
Haroon Qayum is available for interview and can be contacted through Chris Jones Media on 07774 772820.
