Highly Commended Spotlight: Elisha Birgul

Highly Commended Spotlight: Elisha Birgul

On Tuesday 25th May 2021, professionals from across the conveyancing sector came together to celebrate the successes and achievements of the industry at The British Conveyancing Awards 2021.

The inaugural awards took to the virtual stage, and were led by the multi-award winning journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed.

As part of our winner spotlight features, we want to shine a light on those who narrowly missed out on being crowned the winner, but have been highly commended for their efforts over the previous 12 months at this year’s event.

Today we profile Elisha Birgul from Taylor & Emmett LPP who was highly commended in the New Business Champion category.

About the award

Conveyancing firms receive instructions from a variety of source, panels, estate agents, mortgage brokers, builders and housing associates as well as direct from consumer. This individual should demonstrate an excellent conversion rate against target whilst intelligently managing the expectations and needs of their introducers balanced with the pressure on those delivering the conveyancing work.

Over the last 12 months the individual must have demonstrated:

  • Extensive development and progress as a Conveyancing firm in the last year, including, but not limited to: strategy, growth, financial performance, employee development, diversity and training
  • Have evidence of active engagement with community and/or corporate initiatives
  • That they are operating in the best interests of the client and the profession.

Regarding Elisha’s submission, the judge’s said:

“A compelling submission. Elisha has achieved great things during the most trying of circumstances. I loved seeing Elisha’s video and her passion for her job really came across. She has a genuine desire to help customers and the ability to remove obstacles to new business which translates into results. She is a genuine asset to her firm and a worthy new business champion.”

The winner of this award was Manish Patel from Crane & Staples LLP, with Hannah Johnson from Aconveyancing securing third spot.

We spoke to Elisha to find out how she felt about being highly commended in the category.

How did you feel being highly commended in the New Business Champion of the Year?

Elated. It’s a fantastic achievement during what can only be described as a crazy year in conveyancing and for the whole world! I am very proud to be a part of the Taylor&Emmet New Business Team and share this achievement with very deserving colleagues.

Tell us about your team and the services you provide

Our New Business team focus specifically on converting new enquiries and onboarding conveyancing clients. We spearhead new technology that has revolutionised Taylor&Emmet’s working practises, seeing us bring in record levels of residential property clients over the last 12 months.

How has your firm developed in the last 14 months and navigated the added complexity of the coronavirus pandemic and SDLT holiday?

Our residential conveyancing team have thrived in the past 14 months. By reshaping our business structure and embracing technology, the department has seen new instructions rise exponentially. As the first lockdown gripped the nation, we took the brave decision to automate our onboarding process using Minerva by LFS to offer clients a quicker, slicker conveyancing service.

What’s next on the cards for you?

We are only at the start of the journey with an aim to improve the customer journey and our onboarding services further over the next 12 months, expanding our team to better serve our ever-changing clients.

What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the conveyancing sector?

If you are thinking about it, you should most definitely join this sector. I made the transition from Personal Injury and after working in that area for 12 years, I can honestly say it has been a refreshing change. If you enjoy working with people it is most definitely the right sector to be in as you are often in high demand with agents, clients etc

This is the very first British Conveyancing Awards, which recognises the herculean efforts of the industry, why do you think these awards are so important, especially after the last 14 months?

I think acknowledging people’s efforts and recognising what a challenge the last 14 months has been most certainly instils good moral within the team.

Everyone at Today’s Conveyancer congratulates all those who entered this year’s awards.

Join in the conversation #BCAwards2021

Jennifer van Deursen

Jen is the Senior Media Officer for Today’s Conveyancer, Today’s Wills & Probate  and Today’s Family Lawyer. Having gained a degree in Multimedia Computing, Jen fell into a content role after successfully applying for a job at Cheshire Police. During her 6-year service, she took on the role as personal Press Officer under the first Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire and worked in the busy press office for the force. Jen has experience in the marketing and communication sphere, which stems from her time in the public sector, private care sector and now here at the Practical Vision Network, where she can utilise her skills and challenge herself further.

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