WITH the support from a Hexham firm, two women have qualified as licensed conveyancers.

Partners at Humble and Clark Legal funded the studies of local women Bronwen Maclean and Sarah Tinning to allow them to study by distance learning at their own pace.

The study combined 1,200 hours of practical experience in order to qualify and allowed both to fit studies around their busy lives.

Paul Clark, a senior partner at Humble and Clark, said: “We are happy to recognise talented individuals and encourage them to gain new qualifications.

“This not only enhances the level of service we offer our clients, but helps improve performance and keeps talent within the Hexham area. An investment in our employees’ skill sets is an investment in our company.”

Bronwen worked in her parents’ pub, the Rat in Anick, for years but found the hours unsociable with a young daughter to care for.

She joined Humble and Clark in a part-time administrative role in 2016 and soon began the level 4 diploma in conveyancing law and practice, followed immediately by the level 6 qualification. She said: “I had the support of my work colleagues and I was able to ask questions at work and put things from the course into practice in the office, which really helped my learning. “

Sarah, meanwhile, is a law graduate from Northumbria University and joined Humble and Clark in 2016 having worked at one of Newcastle’s largest law firms.

Her law degree and practical experience meant that she was eligible for some exemptions and she was able to progress straight to the level 6 diploma.

She said: “Balancing a full-time job and distance learning is never easy, but I stayed focused and juggled everyday life with study and I am delighted to now hold my licence.”