Former Countrywide executives Paul Chapman and Paul Wareham have acquired a stake in Derbyshire-based law firm Simpson Jones.

The conveyancing, wills and probate specialist legal business has offices in Derby and Ashby De La Zouch, and was incorporated in 2010. The transaction was completed on 1 July.

Chapman says: “Following our respective departures from Countrywide, Paul and I identified an opportunity to make a difference in what we see as an underserved conveyancing market.

“We set out to combine our strategic, operational and relationship experience with an existing business.

“We have always believed in building businesses through serving the customer and introducer well and creating an environment in which colleagues can thrive.

“This is a great opportunity to develop and scale a successful business; embracing new technology to create growth in capability and instructions.”

Chapman was managing director, sales and lettings at property services group Countrywide with executive responsibility for estate agency and lettings brands, including Hamptons and John D Wood. He was also formerly managing director at Countrywide conveyancing services prior to Wareham’s appointment in 2016.

Wareham was managing director of business-to-business at Countrywide until October 2021, with executive responsibility for surveying, conveyancing and asset management.