Shropshire solicitors, FBC Manby Bowdler, who have a succesful office in Telford appointed Neil Lloyd following his succesful career working in Birmingham and London. 

Neil, well-known in both the region's finance and manufacturing sectors, has been appointed in an innovative move to drive new business growth.

Neil, who was previously Head of Sales Development at Lombard, the asset finance business of Royal Bank of Scotland, has a brief that will see him working across all of the firm's departments, including its five top tier ranked teams.

FBC Manby Bowdler employs more than 160 staff at offices in Shrewsbury, Telford, Bridgnorth, Wolverhampton and Willenhall. 

He has led several teams across the West Midlands and the UK in specialist sectors such as manufacturing.

Neil said: “FBC Manby Bowdler is a forward thinking and responsive law firm and the new role of Sales Director will allow me to use the skills and techniques I've developed over the past decade to increase the amount of new business we generate.

“I am relishing the challenge of learning how a different sector operates especially one that is fast changing. The issues the legal profession faces aren't too dissimilar to that of the banking sector.

“There is increasing regulation, competition from outside the traditional sector, changing customer needs and technological advancements. All of which means the profession needs to examine its customer value propositions and develop them accordingly.”

The father-of-one added: “I've visited hundreds of businesses over the years and FBC Manby Bowdler is one of the most customer focused that I've come across, evidenced by the external recognition the firm receives.

“The partners have ambitious goals and recognise that to achieve them the firm needs to approach how it attracts new business differently.”

In his spare time, Neil is a competitive runner with Birchfield Harriers, treasurer of the Parents Association at West House School, Edgbaston, and a keen gardener.

Managing Partner Kim Carr said: “We are delighted to welcome Neil to the FBC Manby Bowdler team. Neil will work closely with the firm’s Strategic Management Board to implement the strategic vision we have for the future.

FBC Manby Bowdler are also running a HR Lunch club starting in November.

Photo: Managing Partner Kim Carr with FBC Manby Bowdler's new sales director Neil Lloyd