16 minute read
Happenings in Hampshire
Happenings in Hampshire
The Churchers team participate in the Great South Run
The Churchers team participated and finished the Great South Run on Sunday 15th October!
We managed to raise a total of £1687 for our chosen charity which was Wessex Cancer Support.
Thank you so much to all the runners and supporters for such a fantastic day! We are ready to sign up again for next year!
Lester Aldridge Achieves ISO 14001 Environmental Standard Certification
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge is proud to announce that it has achieved ISO 14001 certification. This internationally recognised standard demonstrates Lester Aldridge’s proactive commitment to environmental management and sustainability.
ISO 14001 is a globally acknowledged framework for environmental management systems (EMS). This certification demonstrates that Lester Aldridge has established and maintains an effective environmental management system to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Implementing an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) adopts a continuous improvement approach. It involves a systematic evaluation of the positive and negative environmental effects resulting from an organisation’s operations. This assessment allows businesses to prioritise changes and enhancements in the short, medium, and long term to minimise their environmental impact.
Managing Partner at Lester Aldridge, Matthew Barrow, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are immensely proud to have obtained ISO 14001 certification, underscoring our dedication to environmental stewardship. This accomplishment reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices, and we will continue to seek opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.”
Lester Aldridge’s achievement of ISO 14001 certification reflects the firm’s commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices, focusing on making a positive difference in the legal industry and the community it serves.
Lester Aldridge Welcomes Partner Sam Wylie to Bolster Real Estate Development Team
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge is thrilled to announce the addition of Sam Wylie as a Partner in the Real Estate Development team.
Sam Wylie has worked in the real estate industry since 2007, and his expertise spans a broad spectrum of property matters. He specialises in providing advice relating to the residential and commercial development of land, including option agreements, contracts conditional upon planning permission and promotion agreements. He also works with landlords to manage investment portfolios.
Sam commented on his new role: “LA has long had a strong reputation for being a market leader in offering clients a professional and value-added service. I feel my approach to law and business is well aligned to LA, and I am privileged to be joining such a fantastic firm and highly regarded team of experts.”
Sam’s outstanding track record has earned him a loyal following among local and regional housebuilders, commercial property developers, and property investors in the Dorset and Hampshire areas. His in-depth knowledge of the regional real estate landscape and his passion for facilitating successful business outcomes are a testament to his reputation as a trusted legal advisor.
“We are delighted to welcome Sam Wylie to the partnership,” said Matthew Barrow, Managing Partner at Lester Aldridge. “Sam’s experience, commercial approach and dedication to his clients make him a natural fit for our firm, and we look forward to his contributions in further enhancing our Real Estate team.”
Four Trainees Qualify at Lester Aldridge
Leading South Coast law firm Lester Aldridge is pleased to congratulate Elliot Leadbeater, Scott Smid, Finola Whelan and Chris Bond, who have qualified as solicitors.
The four newly qualified solicitors completed their two-year training contract with the firm, spending four six-month placements in various departments across the firm.
Elliot joined Lester Aldridge in 2021 and is qualifying as a solicitor into the Real Estate team based in Southampton. He said: “After a varied and enjoyable training contract, I am delighted to be qualifying into the Real Estate Development team at LA. I am looking forward to building upon my existing knowledge and continuing to provide the best possible service to our clients.”
Chris has worked in the legal sector since 2016. He said: “I think I’ve really benefitted from the collaborative working environment at LA, which has allowed me to work closely with partners and gain experience in complex matters throughout each of my seats. I’m looking forward to continuing my work in the Residential Property team and taking on the additional responsibilities of a fully-fledged fee earner.”
Managing Partner Matthew Barrow, who also completed his training contract at LA, commented: “I am delighted to congratulate our four newest solicitors on their qualification. They have all worked exceptionally hard to get to this point, and I look forward to seeing how their careers develop at our firm.”
Why a unified narrative for Hampshire is the key to devolution
Paris Smith today released a special report on how to unlock Hampshire’s potential
Paris Smith today released their white paper, ‘Unlocking Hampshire’s Potential’, which uncovers the key to successful delivery of a unified narrative for Hampshire.
Peter Taylor, Senior Partner at Paris Smith: “Hampshire’s diverse assets provide the ingredients for a compelling story. However, it is vital that stakeholders speak with one voice to attract and retain investment. The findings in this report provide a roadmap grounded in the insights of local leaders. I am grateful to the many contributors for sharing their expertise; together we can build on this momentum to champion the county’s immense potential regionally, nationally and internationally.”
The report engaged with a diverse group of stakeholders representing government, local industries and non-profit organisations, to identify the key opportunities and challenges facing Hampshire’s economic growth and development. The report makes clear that collaboration and balance will be key in capturing the public and private sector imagination – and ensuring that the county continues to thrive for generations to come. Promotion of Hampshire’s many attractions must receive equal weighting to deprivation issues, where external economic and political support is needed for levelling up. The report concludes that fallout from Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with the cost-of-living crisis and the competition for levelling up funds, means that complacency isn’t an option; the time to act is now.
Ross McNally, Executive Chair of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce:
“We’re all looking at the same mountain but from different perspectives. Just think how powerful it would be if we could all work together.”
The key recommendation of the report is to aim for devolution. A strong mayoral office and infrastructure will provide the necessary central leadership, putting Hampshire on the map with external stakeholders, while promoting internal progress.
In the wait for devolution, the report outlines the steps that will be required:
Levelling up – There is an imbalance between funds heading to the North and South of the country. This needs to be redressed with a sustained campaign that focuses on Hampshire’s strong Return on Investment.
Southern Gateway – In the absence of, or in conjunction with, a devolved mayoral power, a lobbying group with a strong voice is needed. Hampshire is the UK’s Southern Gateway and this needs to be emphasised both at home and abroad.
Solent Freeport – A long-term plan is needed to ensure transport infrastructure is available to support the Freeport zone. Businesses that open within the zone must provide high skill STEM jobs that add value.
Maritime, transport, green technology and defenceHampshire should encourage hubs that leverage off existing strengths, such as the maritime industry. Initiatives such as the Solent Cluster, organisations like the National Oceanography Centre and hubs along the M3 corridor will help establish a selfsustaining environment while providing a strong foundation for attracting foreign investment.
Skills & education – Gaps exist, particularly at the school level. Support in STEM and vocational subjects will help nurture talent and attract high value industries. Greater collaboration is needed between businesses and educational bodies to build appropriate curriculums and invest in local programmes.
Culture, tourism & lifestyle – A joined up, county-wide approach (including an LVEP bid) is needed to push the tourism agenda, retain cruise passengers and make Hampshire an attractive place to visit and live for high value workers. Greater investment into housing and retail are required.
The report can be downloaded for free: www.parissmith.co.uk/ whitepaper2023
Contributors to the white paper:
Aaron Butson, Assistant Principal, Havant & South Downs College, Alastair Welch, Regional Director for Associated British Ports, Alice Kloker, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at the National Oceanography Centre, Carey Moore, Senior Manager, NatWest Group, Southampton, Claire Whitaker, CEO Southampton Forward, David French, CEO University Hospital Southampton NHS, James Cretney, CEO Marwell Wildlife, Julian Gray, PWC Regional Market Leader for the South East, Laura Read, General Manager of the Westquay shopping centre, Professor Mark E Smith, President & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Matthew Wragg, CEO international recruiter, Gattaca, Roy Humby, Hampshire County Council Leader, Ross McNally, Executive Chair, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Stef Nienaltowski, CEO Shaping Portsmouth.
Wannops LLP is expanding its presence across the South
West Sussex & Hampshire law firm Wannops LLP is expanding its presence across the South by merging with two historic Hampshire firms.
One of the longest established legal firms in Hampshire based in Fareham, with origins traced as far back as 1785, Brutton & Co have agreed to become part of Wannops LLP. Brutton & Co specialise in Company, Commercial & Development Property, Residential Conveyancing, Private Client and Charity matters.
Furthermore, historic firm Saulet Townsend based in Portsmouth, have also agreed to become part of Wannops LLP. Saulet Townsend specialise in Company, Commercial Property, Residential Conveyancing, Private Client and Litigation matters.
The two mergers will provide further career progression and development opportunities as Wannops continue to recruit teams and individuals from across the region.
James Brotherton, Managing Partner at Wannops LLP, said: “Brutton & Co is a long-standing firm with an excellent reputation. I started my legal career there, and so am personally delighted to come full circle and welcome Brutton & Co into the Wannops family.”
“I have known John Saulet & Robin Townsend for many years and so look forward to working with them and their team. Their experience and knowledge of the Portsmouth market will be very beneficial to the business.”
“These mergers increase our presence across Hampshire where we remain ambitious to grow Wannops further.”
Hilary Tyler, Senior Partner at Brutton & Co commented “I have known James for more than thirty years, so welcome the opportunity to be working with him again. We are pleased to be joining another long established local firm after some years of discussion.”
John Saulet and Robin Townsend, directors at Saulet Townsend said “we are very pleased to join with Wannops, an ambitious and expanding solicitors’ practice. This will help to establish them among the leaders in the legal world on the South Coast.’
With a target completion date of late September 2023 for both deals, this will take Wannops LLP to more than 100 people and become their sixth and seventh offices.
Jasper Vincent Solicitors Introducing Louise Blacker
Jasper Vincent are happy to announce the appointment of Louise Blacker. Louise is a qualified Solicitor and previously worked as a high street practitioner in Milford-on-Sea.
Louise is local to the area and in recent years she has been working as the Administrator for her local parish, where she remains an active volunteer within along with her husband and children.
Louise has joined our Waterside Office in Holbury.
“I am really looking forward to working locally having lived here for 14 years and despite the reported dip in the Conveyancing market, this always picks up and I am delighted to join Jasper Vincent Solicitors with its excellent reputation for client care”.
Louise can help with any aspects of Conveyancing including:
• Sales and Purchases
• Transfers of Equity
• Equity Release
• Remortgages and Legal Charges
• Shared Ownership
• Independent Legal Advice inconnection with residential property matters
Laura Trapnell joins Trethowans
Laura Trapnell joins Trethowans to create one of the largest specialist TMT and Intellectual Property teams in the South.
Trethowans has continued its growth with the appointment of specialist intellectual property partner, Laura Trapnell, to join its TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) and Intellectual Property team, strengthening its position as one of the largest teams of its kind in the South of England.
Laura Trapnell is already well known in the region, having led the Commercial and IP/IT team as a Partner at Paris Smith for many years. Her reputation and expertise in intellectual property law and in technology law adds strength to an already formidable line-up.
Laura’s practice covers all aspects of intellectual property and technology law for multinationals through to SMEs and individuals. She advises businesses on the lifecycle of their intellectual property from creation through to disposal and exit, including ownership issues, IP audit and strategy, protection and exploitation, and enforcement.
The Trethowans technology team is headed by Partner Julian Hamblin. He is a vice-chair of The International Bar Association’s technology law committee and is a member of the Society for Computers and Law. Both Julian and Laura are ranked as leaders in their fields in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
Laura said: “I am delighted to be joining one of the most comprehensive TMT and Intellectual Property teams in the region. The team, and in particular Julian, are recognised for handling cutting-edge matters in the TMT sector and I look forward to complimenting the team with my own expertise in intellectual property and technology law.”
Julian Hamblin, Partner, said: “Laura is a prominent and highly regarded intellectual property and technology lawyer. With 25 years’ experience she brings invaluable experience to our growing team. We are delighted to welcome Laura to the firm.”
Trethowans ranks highly in Chambers UK Guide 2024
Trethowans has ranked highly once again in the Chambers UK Guide, with clients praising the “excellent service from Trethowans” and their “sound, sensible advice”.
The firm, which has offices across the South, has seen 26 of its lawyers individually ranked, including Band 1 ranked Marcus Thorpe (Agricultural & Rural Property), Julian Hamblin (Information Technology) and Clare Carter (Clinical Negligence).
Building on the firm’s strong performance in previous years, Trethowans this year saw its Agricultural & Rural Affairs and Banking & Finance teams recognised for their excellent client work by achieving top tier status as they were ranked Band 1 in The South for the first time.
Dutton Gregory Solicitors Annual Quiz and Curry Night
Last month Dutton Gregory Solicitors returned with their annual quiz and curry night in Winchester. Now in its third year, the quiz was the biggest one yet, selling out and seeing 24 teams from businesses across Hampshire taking part.
After a closely fought battle the Southampton Solent University Subpoena Coladas were able to retain their title by just one point. The night also included a raffle with prizes donated by local business, including a football signed by the Southampton Football team
The night raises funds for the Romsey Opportunity Group, a local charity which supports children with additional needs and their families. Due to the generosity of those in attendance the night also raised more money than previous years, a fantastic £3,729.15.
Janine Hollands, Manager at the Romsey Opportunity Group said, ‘we were absolutely blown away by the amount of money raised, which is going to be used to upgrade our sensory room. We thank Dutton Gregory for their continued support year after year in arranging such a fantastic evening.’
Jon Whettingsteel, Partner, Head of the Family Department at Dutton Gregory, and Quiz Master for the evening said, ‘It is amazing to see how our quiz and curry night has grown in just three years. We’re looking forward to next year’s event, and will need to find a bigger venue!’
SPOTLIGHT ON PHILLIPS LAW
Phillips Law: A Year of Triumphs, Growth, and Community Engagement
As we bid farewell to 2023, Phillips Law reflects on a year filled with remarkable achievements, accolades, and a commitment to community service.
Supreme Success in January: The year kicked off on a high note with a monumental triumph at the Supreme Court. Max Hope and Simon Arneaud achieved a historic overturning of a case, showcasing the litigation team’s expertise and dedication.
Max Hope Crowned Lawyer of the Year: In May, Max Hope was honoured with the prestigious Lawyer of the Year award at the Hampshire Law Society Awards, recognising his victory at the Supreme Court.
Sweeping Awards in July: July brought a wave of recognition as Phillips Law was crowned Professional Service Firm of the Year at the Central South Business Awards. The firm’s excellence extended to the Inspire Awards in North Hampshire, where Phillips Law proudly accepted the titles of ‘Business of the Year’ and ‘Winner of Winners.’
October Triumph for the Private Client Team: Adding to the firm’s accolades, the private client team secured the title of ‘Law Firm of the Year’ at the Wills and Probate Awards in October, underscoring Phillips Law’s commitment to excellence across diverse legal fields.
Organic Growth and Leadership: Internally, Phillips Law has experienced organic growth, marked by strategic hires and the promotion of three talented individuals to the position of Partner. These advancements reflect the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering leadership.
Charitable Commitment to St Michael’s Hospice: In 2023, Phillips Law dedicated time and resources to fundraising for St Michael’s Hospice, its chosen Charity of the Year. Staff members actively participated in volunteer days at shop distribution centres as well as organising charity quizzes, cake sales and participating in sporting challenges. The Basingstoke Half Marathon and 10k, where Phillips Law proudly serves as headline sponsors, emerged as a key fundraising opportunity taking the total money raised to close to £4,000.
Community Engagement: At Phillips Law, we understand the importance of giving back. Our continued sponsorship of the Grange Festival’s charitable outreach initiatives has inspired young minds in local schools, introducing them to the world of art. Additionally, our partnership with the Basingstoke Consortium through the Step into Law days emphasises our dedication to supporting education and the next generation of the legal profession.
As we conclude this remarkable year, Phillips Law remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, growth, and making a positive impact in the community. Here’s to a year of achievements and looking forward to 2024!
