In this episode of The Purposeful Strategist, Belden Menkus speaks with James Maxey, Founder and CEO of Express Solicitors, about building one of the UK’s largest specialist personal injury firms in a market shaped by regulatory change, fragmentation, and increasing institutional investment. From starting with just 22 clients in 2000, Express has grown into a 900+ person organisation handling around 45,000 live claims — combining scale with a tightly integrated, client-focused operating model.

In their conversation, they explore:

• How to build and scale a specialist law firm in a fragmented, competitive market.

• Why in-sourcing key parts of the value chain, from barristers to medical reporting, drives both quality and control.

• How regulatory change has reshaped the personal injury landscape, and how to respond strategically rather than reactively.

• What private equity enables beyond capital, including succession planning and accelerated growth.

• Why training, process, and performance standards are central to delivering consistent client outcomes at scale.

• How to balance efficiency with quality in a system where better legal work can materially change client outcomes.

Express Solicitors

MenKus & Associates

Supported by Norman Broadbent

Belden Menkus is the Managing Director of Menkus & Associates, a London-based advisory firm working with CEOs and senior teams to align strategy with purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in strategy consulting, leadership, and organisational transformation, he helps mid-sized firms—particularly law firms and membership bodies—tackle complex decisions and unlock long-term value.

Belden hosts The Purposeful Strategist, a podcast exploring how business leaders bring purpose into strategic action. His work is marked by intellectual clarity, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to practical results. A strategic thinker with wide intellectual range, blending business acumen with curiosity and cultural literacy. He brings a distinct mix of consultant, historian, and explorer of ideas.