Chapter 17

Two years later.

Some eighteen months ago Richard bought a substantial property in St. Margaret’s square in Hannisford. It comprised two floors, the lower floor was a shop of over 2,000 square feet, above which was an extensive suite of office space. The two floors were completely self-contained. The office area was reached by a separate entrance. The entrance was enhanced considerably by a modern lift to the offices above, which had influenced Richard to go ahead with the purchase. The owners of the property were very keen to sell due to other serious financial problems. The property was up for sale for just under one million pounds. Richard made an offer of £800,000. The agent handling the sale advised the sellers that the offer was from a sound buyer who could complete with the minimum of delay. To Richard’s surprise, the offer was accepted.

The first thing Richard did was to find a tenant for the ground floor shop. The agent had told him that the shop premises were located in a prestigious area and generally, in most respects, had been well maintained by the previous tenants.

A few weeks later a lease was granted to a company who were keen to extend their number of pharmacies. Richard discussed this with Tom saying: ‘This means we can now push ahead with the development programme for the first floor.’

The first floor had previously been used by an Insurance Company had an ideal layout with a Reception area and various rooms. Another strongpoint was the telephone system had links to all rooms. All that was now required was for the telephone line to be re-connected. So the Practice of Richard Reynolds was up and running.

Business was slow to begin with but six months later things started to pick up, by which time they had taken on a Receptionist/Typist called Monica Jones. She proved to be very capable and a most useful addition to the Practice. The Practice was also beginning to benefit from its location in the Square being nearby to several business concerns, not least of which was an Estate Agents across the Square.

Richard, during a serious discussion with Tom, said: ‘Tom, I think we have reached the stage where we need more staff. Firstly we need a Secretary. Monica is working her socks off to keep up with us. I think also, by the way it is going, we could use another Solicitor. Your input, Tom, would still be invaluable and so I suggest that you become Office Manager with an increased salary.’

Tom smiled and replied: ‘Which I am happy to accept.’