Loyal Lorraine has proud 45-year record

When long-serving DM Hall stalwart Lorraine Pearson first walked through the firm's doors to begin her career 45 years ago the world was a very different place.

Lorraine Pearson is celebrating her 45th year of working for Edinburgh chartered surveyors DM Hall

The average price of a house in Scotland, for example, was just £7361 in 1972, up from £5592 the year before.

As she settled in to meet her new colleagues at the then office in Melville Crescent she may well have listened to them discuss the football the following day, when Rangers took the European Cup Winners Cup by beating Moscow Dynamo at Camp Nou amid riotous scenes.

She said: “So much has changed over the years in the profession. We have evolved from pen and paper practices – which were not so different from when the firm was founded 120 years ago – to a connected world of the internet and instant communication.”

Lorraine, who has spent the whole of her career in cash handling and has seen accountants come and go, is looking forward to joining in the Capital-based firm’s 120th birthday celebrations.

Lorraine said: “I remember the first move out to Gogar a few years after I joined, when the firm had only five offices and Mr James Hall was in charge.

“There was a real feeling that it was a family, and I like to think that ethos has been at the heart of DM Hall over the years.

“I have watched the firm grow throughout Scotland, to its current 26 offices.

“I saw the last Mr Hall leave the running of the firm to younger heads back in 1991. I’ve always loved it here. I’d never even thought of working anywhere else.

“I know DM Hall will go onwards and upwards, getting bigger and smarter and better. I will always have fond memories of my time here.”

Eric Curran, managing partner at DM Hall, said: “Lorraine has not only devoted decades of sterling service to the firm, she has also been a cornerstone of quality and continuity, bringing younger people on and sharing her experience.

“She has always carried out her responsibilities in a crisp and professional manner, but she is also known throughout our office network as a delightful person who will go out of her way to help wherever and whenever she can.”

Established in 1897, DM Hall now has offices from Aberdeen to Dumfries, and is one of Scotland’s leading multi-disciplinary independent chartered surveyors.