Martyn Morgan, head of West Midlands firm QualitySolicitors Talbots, died yesterday at the age of 60, his firm announced this morning. 

The Stourbridge-born residential property specialist was a popular figure in the Midlands law scene and was renowned for his sense of humour and commitment to delivering high-quality legal services locally.

He had just marked the company’s best-ever year in business, achieving £8m of annual fees and helping it secure its position in the top 20 conveyancing firms in the UK.

He leaves his wife Mary and daughters Abby, Charli, Danielle and Hannah and son Ben.

‘Everyone is shocked and naturally saddened by Martyn’s sudden passing and our thoughts are with Mary and their children,’ said Rachel Pardoe, practice director at QualitySolicitors Talbots. ‘He was the heartbeat of the business and wasn’t afraid to try new ideas and innovate the way we did things in what is still a very traditional sector.’

Morgan was articled to Bryan Evers of Harward and Evers in Stourbridge and was admitted in 1977. He took over Talbots in 1991 when the practice had two offices and a handful of staff; today it boasts more than 190 employees in seven offices across the Black Country and Worcestershire.

‘Despite his immense workload he would always make time for people and, more times than not, his larger than life character would brighten up the day with one of his trademark jokes or witty comments,’ Pardoe said.

‘As a business, we will continue to work hard to ensure Martyn’s vision - to remain one of the premier law firms in the West Midlands - is achieved. He always believed that local people and businesses shouldn’t have to travel to the big cities and pay extortionate fees to get the right legal advice when they need it most.’

Outside work, Morgan was a ‘massive’ Aston Villa fan and enjoyed keeping fit, running two marathons (New York and London), taking part in long bike rides and playing practical jokes. He was also a fundraiser for the Chris Westwood Charity for Children with Physical Disabilities, where he helped to raise tens of thousands of pounds.