IFSDG: How long have you worked at Insight Legal Software
Ltd?
Brian: As a Director and Shareholder I
have worked for Insight Legal on a "part time" basis since May
2012. I have another job as Managing Director of CPL Software Ltd,
which is based wholly in Scotland, and I now split my working week
between the two.
IFSDG: How many people work at Insight Legal
Software Ltd?
Brian: Insight Legal has 15 staff based
in England, the majority of which are in our Farnborough office,
two staff based in our Belfast Office and currently myself in the
Glasgow office.
IFSDG: What is the vision for Insight Legal
Software Ltd in Glasgow?
Brian: The vision is to become the
supplier servicing the most law firms in Scotland with accounts,
case and practice management software. As the client base grows we
will invest heavily in software and people in the office in
Glasgow.
Insight Legal is a very different proposition for Scottish Law
Firms. We have no up-front software costs, our training rates are
reasonable and we are offering free migrations from other
mainstream legal products for a limited period to celebrate the
opening of the office. Our monthly licensing fees are also
extremely reasonable with increases set in advance so that
everybody is aware of what to expect in the future.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Brian: On an Insight day I am mainly
taken up with managing the UK sales team, and dealing with the
marketing and operations direction of the business. Now that
Insight Legal has moved into Scotland I'm working on getting in
front of as many legal firms as possible to let them know about our
products and services.
IFSDG: Why did Insight Legal Software Ltd
choose to locate in the IFSD in Glasgow?
Brian: The other companies I have an
interest in are based in Glasgow and therefore it was logical to
base Insight Legal here as well. Transport links are amazing, our
office is minutes from Central and Queen Street train stations and
there is a good talent pool to pick from when staff are
required.
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
The people, the transport links and the places to eat.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Brian: My biggest achievement has been
growing the businesses I'm involved with. CPL Software started in
2010 and now serves over 90% of the private Scottish factoring
market. Insight Legal started from nothing and now serves in the
region of 500 firms across the UK, an achievement I have been
involved with since 2012.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Brian: Currently Insight Legal; I funded
it when I got involved and although we currently re-invest all our
profits back in the company the pace at which the business is
growing and we are putting clients live and moving into new
geographical areas is proving extremely successful.
IFSDG: Which businessperson or company do
you most admire and why?
Brian: There isn't one person or company
that stands out but I admire Richard Branson because of his many
successes. Having said that I admire Apple, Microsoft and Google
for the way they built market share and in many cases retained it
by being innovative and building products and services that their
clients want and need.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were
a child?
Brian: Probably a racing driver.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Brian: I-phone
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Brian: I don't really have a favourite
although I love going to festivals and listening to new stuff and
old stuff and visit the Hydro as much as I can.
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Brian: Golf although I am very bad at
it.
IFSDG: Favourite movie?
Brian: I don't really have one but
anything with a bit of twist / thriller / action type movies.
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Brian: Snow, if I'm on holiday in the sun
I hide under an umbrella.
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Brian: Ambitious, driven, pragmatic.