22 minute read
Happenings in Hampshire
Happenings in Hampshire
Biscoes Solicitors Relocates after 22 years
After 22 years at their North End head office, Biscoes Solicitors will be embarking on an exciting new chapter as the firm prepares to move to Lake House, Port Way in Port Solent. This significant milestone marks not only a physical relocation but also a symbolic transition towards further growth and development in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
Lake House, with its modern amenities and strategic location, provides an ideal setting for Biscoes to continue to deliver a bespoke legal service to all clients, all while embracing the future. The new modern office space not only offers an enhanced environment for Biscoes’ employees and clients but also represents a commitment to client-centric innovation.
Alison Lee, Managing Director at Biscoes, says ‘2024 marks the 170th year the firm has serviced clients’ legal requirements across the south coast and further afield. It’s an opportune moment for us to transition to modern premises, where we hope to embrace innovative ways of delivering our great service to every client every time!’
Alongside the relocation of their head office, Biscoes will be incorporating the Portchester-based family department into Lake House.
The firm’s acquisition of Hudsons in Fareham and the office with Byrne Runicman Estate Agents in Wickham will give our clients from these areas locations where they can access our services.
Blake Morgan advise Emsworth Yacht Harbour on the creation of Employee Ownership Trust
We are delighted to announce that award winning Blake Morgan has advised on the transition of Emsworth Yacht Harbour (EYH) to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
Blake Morgan advised on the transaction, which included a creation of the EOT and subsequent sale and purchase of a majority stake to the EOT in a move believed to make Emsworth Yacht Harbour the UK’s first employee-owned marina.
EYH has been in operation in 1965 and was acquired by the Wakelin family in the 1990s. Alison Wakelin has been Managing Director since 2006 and overseen significant growth. The family now hold 20 per cent of the shares and as part of the move, Tom Marfleet will become managing director and Alison will move to a non-executive director role. Alison commented:
“As a family, we wanted to find a succession plan that would allow EYH to stay as an independent marina for the foreseeable future. Becoming an employee-owned business presented a perfect opportunity to safeguard the future of our community and allow us to continue to deliver a fantastic experience to our many loyal customers. We would like to thank Mat Wilson and the team at Blake Morgan for their expert advice and guidance throughout the process.”
The Blake Morgan team were led by corporate partner, Mathew Wilson, with corporate colleagues Katie Newham and Rob Thomas assisting. Corporate consultant to Blake Morgan, David Daws has been appointed as the independent trustee to the EOT. Menzies LLP provided tax advice to EYH.
Corporate Partner, Mat Wilson commented: “We are delighted to have advised Emsworth Yacht Harbour on this milestone deal for them. Working with Alison has been an absolute pleasure and I wish her, Tom and the team every success. EOTs are a fast growing form of business ownership and they can really help motivate employees to drive further growth and innovation. With an organisation’s people being key to the culture and success of its’ business, to enable the staff to be part of the long-term success of the organisation, involved in governance matters and to benefit from future profits can be empowering and rewarding.”
THANK YOU ANDREW!
The man who took on a pioneering challenge, steps down as Managing Partner
After devoting 30 years of his legal career to the firm, eight of which have been in the role of Managing Partner, staff across all departments and offices of Dutton Gregory Solicitors are expressing their gratitude and respect for the dedication, innovation, and care of Andrew Tilley as her retires from its Partnership.
In April 2015, the then Head of Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution of Dutton Gregory Solicitors, Andrew Tilley, agreed to take on the role of Managing Partner. Soon after, he attended a Law Society Conference where a speaker asked how many of the Managing Partners in the room were still carrying out legal work?
‘I raised my hand, along with half those in attendance, and the speaker immediately challenged us,’ Andrew remembers. ‘He explained why being a Managing Partner was a full-time role, so I returned to my fellow Partners, and they agreed to my following the advice.’
It proved a timely and correct decision. Within weeks, three Partners announced their retirement, the leases of offices across Hampshire and Dorset were coming to an end at similar times and Andrew was tasked with creating and executing a strategy for the firm’s future.
‘It was a real ‘Baptism of Fire’,’ he recalls. ‘Most of my contacts and legal work were from London, and there wasn’t the collaborative approach amongst regional associations we have now, so I did feel rather alone. However, I was convinced of two things – to be outward looking and focus on people. Whether it was our staff, referrers trusting us with cases or the clients we were supporting, the legal profession is all about people.”
Andrew conducted a survey of clients who said, though the firm was professional, diligent, and reliable, it was also somewhat dated, fusty, and old-fashioned, hiding its success of the previous seven decades and the abilities and expertise of its staff.
From the point on, Andrew became a champion of growth, innovation, and reputation. Monday to Friday, he would be investigating paperless working, new technology and internal processes, while at weekends he found himself stood in skips outside former offices surrounded by the accumulation of decades of office activity.
It was whist on honeymoon in Maldives in March 2020, that Andrew received news of the global pandemic and, acting with speed and instinct, returned to the UK on the last flight that landed in Gatwick airport before the country’s first lockdown.
Immediately chairing emergency COBRA-style meetings, Andrew led an accelerated rollout of technology, made decisions regarding furlough, and successfully guided the firm through a period where other businesses struggled.
‘We had already introduced laptops for remote working, were in the Cloud and had implemented new software, so we were in a robust position that enabled us to achieve growth during the two years of COVID lockdowns.’
When asked about the secret to his success as Managing Partner, Andrews immediate response returns to his focus on people. ‘Having the support of colleagues and trusted people to advise and share thoughts with allows you to stand back and see the big picture. Once you have that, you can think about how to react to challenges and have clear idea of what needs to be achieved.’
‘It is a demanding role because, once you start to show successful delivery on objectives, people soon expect you to know absolutely everything. Your reactions and facial expressions are suddenly scrutinised, there are numerous decisions to be made every day, and there is so much psychology that comes with the leadership. I sometimes think I would recommend a degree in the subject for upcoming Managing Partners.’
Though retiring from the Partnership. Andrew will now be working as a consultant to continue his work on internal improvement projects.
‘I am so grateful that Andrew has agreed to stay with us a bit longer,’ says his successor, Paul Sams. ‘What he has achieved has been nothing short of a revolution and I know I will personally be seeking out his wisdom in the months ahead to maintain the drive and motivation he has created. Dutton Gregory is the firm it is today due to his leadership.’
‘It has been an absolute rollercoaster,” concludes Andrew. ‘Scary at times, exhilarating in others, but you must leave your ego at the door, overcome any Imposter Syndrome you may feel, and enjoy learning new things every day with a wide variety of people. I hope I have laid the foundation on which the firm can build and achieve its tremendous potential.’
Churchers Solicitors announce newest partner in the Child Law team
Churchers Solicitors is proud to announce Louise Jack as the firm’s newest partner in the Child Law team. Louise joined the firm in September 2015 as a Trainee Solicitor, qualified as a Solicitor in 2017 and was promoted to Associate in 2022, and gained her higher rights in 2024!
Louise specialises in Children Act matters, and undertakes a wide variety of private and public law cases. Additionally, she is an accredited member
of The Law Society’s Children Law Panel. The accreditation is designed for children law practitioners who are able to demonstrate awareness, knowledge and expertise in children law proceedings and the representation of children in such proceedings.
It has been an honour to see you grow in our firm and we are incredibly proud to have you as part of our team. Congratulations!
Julie Gowland is officially properly retiring
Well, that time has finally arrived and Julie Gowland is officially properly retiring! Julie has been with Viva-Law / Jasper Vincent Solicitors since 2005 having worked in the Southampton legal scene for more than 45 years. She started her career working with Nicolls and Co and it quickly became apparent that she had an aptitude for the law and for working with people. Over the years she has worked for Kirklands, Footners and O’Hara’s before coming to VL/ JV some 19 years ago.
Julie has been a staple within the firm throughout her time with us. She has always been supportive, pragmatic and loyal and it is with sadness that we will be saying goodbye to seeing her regularly within the office.
Julie grew up in Southampton and attended school locally. She got married and had her children and took a break from the law whilst she raised them. Once they were sufficiently settled she returned to the legal work place and save for a brief sojourn to run a pub she has remained there since. Many people will have worked with and / or known Julie over her years of practice and we are sure that they will want to wish her well in her retirement.
Julie is one of a kind, the sort of person everyone hopes to have as a colleague and a friend and we are deeply grateful to have worked with her. We wish her all the very best for the next stage and are sure she will keep in touch.
Congratulations Julie – have a wonderful retirement.
Jasper Vincent Solicitors - New Lyndhurst Branch Now Open
The partners at Jasper Vincent Solicitors are delighted to announce the official opening of a new Lyndhurst branch. A jubilant Matthew Robbins, senior partner of the firm, had this to say:
“We are truly excited for the opportunity to expand our offerings to Lyndhurst. Opening in the New Forest seemed the natural next step for the firm to grow, having recently gone from strength to strength in the Waterside area opening our office there in 2022. As a firm, we pride ourselves on our personal approach to legal work; what better way to serve the local community than to open on the High Street and to be at the beating heart of the town”
Jasper Vincent Solicitors offers a wide range of practice areas for clients new and old. We have a busy Conveyancing team who can assist with the buying and selling of property, both residential and commercial. Our Wills and Probate team can advise on a wide range of different matters, including lasting powers of attorney, trusts and tax. We are also able to offer assistance to clients who need help navigating litigious matters, with solicitors able to handle dispute resolution, family and matrimonial issues, as well as contentious probate work.
Partner of the firm, Angela Pelleschi, will be at the forefront of the expansion, assisted by Associate Solicitor in Wills and Probate Edward Kennard and Conveyancing Solicitor Louise Blacker as well as of course our other dedicated staff. Angela had this to say: “It’s a great chance to help local people who have not had access to lawyers so nearby for many years. Staff from each of our departments will be available to assist clients from this great new base and we look forward to being of service”.
Parker Bullen LLP and Kirklands Solicitors LLP join forces to strengthen position across Hampshire
Two leading law firms with offices in Romsey are thrilled to announce their merger, reinforcing both firms’ presence in the legal landscape across the South. As of 1st May 2024, Parker Bullen LLP, a highly respected legal practice who have made a real mark in Romsey since opening in 2021, will merge with Kirklands Solicitors LLP, a well-established firm boasting an impeccable reputation with over 40 years in Romsey and Totton.
This merger brings together the collective expertise, experience, and resources of two esteemed firms, creating a synergy that will benefit clients and the community at large due to their commitment to excellence and client-focused values.
The current Kirklands offices in Romsey and Totton will be known as Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands from 1st May 2024, with Parker Bullen LLP retaining their current office on The Hundred in Romsey, in addition to their premises in Andover, Salisbury and Witney.
Gareth Horner, Managing Partner at Parker Bullen LLP, spoke of the merger, “As a firm we have grown significantly over the last few years; expanding from two offices at the beginning of 2021 to a firm of six offices and over 100 employees from May. Our history and the reputation we built up in Andover and Salisbury served us well when opening our Romsey office in 2021 and our Witney office in 2022, and this merger with Kirklands will allow us a new exciting avenue into Totton and the wider New Forest area. Having met the Kirklands team on many occasions, we are convinced that their values align keenly with ours in relation to looking after our clients and colleagues to deliver the best legal services we can.”
Peter Slade, Managing Partner for Kirklands Solicitors LLP, commented, “We are excited to embark on this journey with Parker Bullen LLP and unite our strengths to deliver unparalleled legal services to our clients. This merger represents a significant milestone for both firms, and we are confident that together, we will continue to set new benchmarks in the legal industry.”
Parker Bullen Incorporating Kirklands will continue to offer legal services to individuals, families and businesses across the South with the current Partners and staff from Kirklands continuing to practise after the merger.
All change at Scott Bailey LLP
Hot on the heels of the news of their new satellite office in Lyndhurst, and significant new additions to the conveyancing team, Scott Bailey are now pleased to announce that Richard Wadsworth and Ben Ironmonger became full Equity Partners of the firm from 1 April 2024.
Since joining the firm in 2019, Ben quickly saw the potential for building a dedicated Company and Commercial Department to build on the business law services already offered by the firm’s litigation and commercial property teams. Since then, the client base has grown consistently, and they are one of the only law firms based within the New Forest to offer dedicated corporate law support. Ben also heads up the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.
Since joining the firm in 2017, Richard Wadsworth has continued to develop his outstanding reputation as an expert Private Client Solicitor, dealing with all aspects of will writing, complex probate and trust administration, and powers of attorney, as well as building Scott Bailey’s sizeable Private Client Department. Whilst his contributions in that regard have been substantial, he has also recently taken on the COLP role.
With their deep understanding of the legal and commercial landscapes, Richard and Ben are both well-equipped to help drive the firm’s growth and elevate its standing both within the New Forest region, and further afield.
These investments not only mark personal milestones for the pair, but also demonstrate a confidence in the bright future of Scott Bailey LLP. There is still a place for local, independent, high street law firms.
Head of Conveyancing, and longstanding Equity Partner James Burford said: “We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals within our team, whose expertise clearly strengthen our capabilities and bolster our commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our valued client base. We continue to evolve, innovate, and deliver outstanding results, with a view to solidifying our position as a leading legal force in the New Forest and across the South Coast region”.
Please join everyone at Scott Bailey in congratulating Ben and Richard on their well-deserved new standings. Exciting times lie ahead!
Mark Osgood joins Trethowans as a Partner to further strengthen dispute resolution offering
Trethowans is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Osgood as a Partner. Mark brings over 25 years of extensive experience in commercial litigation and contentious insolvency to the firm.
In his new role, Mark will be instrumental in supporting the dispute resolution team. His wealth of experience includes advising major UK and international corporates, private companies, insolvency practitioners and individuals, across a broad spectrum of disputes.
Mark has garnered a reputation for his expertise in handling professional negligence claims, successfully representing clients against solicitors, surveyors, architects, accountants, insurance brokers, and other financial sector entities. His deep understanding of insolvency legislation and company law equips him to provide invaluable guidance to companies, individuals, creditors, debtors, lenders, borrowers, and other insolvency stakeholders and professionals on general commercial litigation as well as contested insolvency.
Mark’s reputation is exemplified by his Tier 1 ranking for professional negligence in the prestigious Legal 500 guide. Mark is praised as an expert strategist and the guide highlights his exceptional interpersonal skills, noting that he is “fantastic with colleagues, clients, and opponents alike”.
In addition to his legal expertise, Mark is also a qualified Business Coach, reflecting his passion for helping business owners and directors develop their business structures and attain their objectives with confidence.
“It’s great to have Mark on board,” said Mike Watson, Managing Partner at Trethowans. “His extensive experience and proven track record in commercial litigation and contentious insolvency will further enhance our capabilities in delivering outstanding legal solutions to our clients.”
Mark’s appointment underscores Trethowans’ strategic growth initiatives and commitment to providing clients with exceptional legal services across a wide range of practice areas.
Trethowans announces Partner level promotion
Trethowans is celebrating the promotion of Linden Talbot to the position of Partner..
Linden Talbot joined Trethowans in 2018 as a property litigator and has been pivotal in growing the firm’s property litigation offering. He has extensive experience in his field and has acted for clients in the Court of Appeal, High Court, County Courts and the Upper and FirstTier Property Tribunals.
Linden said: “I am very pleased to have been promoted to Partner. It has been an exciting time growing the Firm’s property litigation services and we now have four dedicated specialists in the team with expertise ranging from providing advice on landlord and tenant disputes (including renewals, dilapidations and rent reviews) to working on complex disputes through the property tribunals and the courts. I am grateful to our valued clients and our network of external professionals which includes surveyors, barristers and agents, and I would like to thank them all for their continued support of the team.”
Linden services work across the region, including Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his sector.
Managing Partner Mike Watson said, “We offer our congratulations to Linden on his promotion to Partner. It is very satisfying to develop and promote the talent that we have within the firm, allowing us to continue our growth across the business.”
Prioritising Wellbeing in the Legal Profession: A Commitment at Paris Smith
The legal profession is known for its demanding nature, with complex cases, urgent deadlines, and a highly varied workload often meeting simultaneously. In such a high-pressure environment, fostering and promoting staff wellbeing has become increasingly crucial for any organisation that truly values its people. At Paris Smith LLP, we recognise the vital importance of employee wellbeing in our fast-paced legal roles.
The Pressures Faced by Legal Professionals
While many sectors are inherently stressful, legal professionals face unique challenges due to the client-facing nature of their work. Clients can be demanding, or may be acting in response to difficult circumstances of their own. Balancing the needs of clients and the business’s demands can potentially compromise employee wellbeing if not managed effectively.
Moreover, in today’s world, where performance is measured and reported more than ever before, the constant stream of activity and instant messaging across various media platforms can create a sense of needing to be ‘always on’, blurring the lines between work and personal life.
Mental Health at Work: Lessons from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced significant changes in how and where we work, leading to a prolonged period of adjustment and uncertainty. Mental health, already a major part of society prior to the pandemic, became even more important during and after the crisis.
At Paris Smith, we recognise that each individual is unique, often at different life stages with varying circumstances that evolve over time. A one-size-fitsall approach to wellbeing will never suffice. Instead, we strive for a tailored, personalised approach to meet the diverse needs of our team members.
A Commitment to Wellbeing at Paris Smith
Inspired by our solicitor Adam Hughes’ original idea, we formed a dedicated Wellbeing Committee run by staff members from across the firm. The committee’s vision is clear: “To help our colleagues find balance in their lives to support their happiness by establishing and maintaining a workplace that encourages positive lifestyle choices through the promotion of wellbeing activities and information materials.”
Under the leadership of Chair William Downer, the committee organises regular activities that promote wellbeing, such as yoga, breathing classes, wreath-making at Christmas, lunchtime walks, funded gym sessions, painting, healthy eating workshops, board game nights, and subsidised visits to wellbeing product shops.
Additionally, we have a dedicated section on our intranet that provides advice and information on various topics, including financial wellbeing, focus and motivation, menopause support, resources for young families, maintaining mental and physical health, and managing stress and anxiety.
Our HR Team’s Commitment
If you are feeling overwhelmed now is not the time to volunteer for extra duties. Learn not to automatically agree to do things you don’t have time to do or you will find yourself promising to turn up to every zoom meeting,
offering to take notes, volunteering to check someone’s emails when they are on leave. Don’t feel the need to explain why you can’t do something or have an excuse – a simple ‘Thanks I can’t this time’ is fine.
Be honest
Our HR team, led by Paula Al-Yousif MCIPD, Charlotte Del Grosso (Assoc. CIPD), and Amy Stickland, has been instrumental in driving our wellbeing initiatives. Our private healthcare package includes specific mental health support lines, and through our Employee Assistance Programme, all colleagues have 24/7 access to a counselling team that provides instant information and advice on issues at home or work.
We also offer specialist support services, such as menopause support, with trained menopause first aiders and peer group sessions to enable colleagues to share experiences related to menopause, young families, or other identified needs. Our private medical scheme membership provides a range of treatments and approaches for those in need, with the crucial ability for members to self-refer without seeing a GP.
Additionally, we have made training available to all managers, covering the signs of mental health issues, raising awareness, signposting resources, responding to crises, making adjustments, and self-care.
Prevention: A Proactive Approach
At Paris Smith, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. To this end, we regularly organise firm-wide wellbeing activities, such as sessions on nutrition, peer support groups, sleep hygiene, exercise, and maintaining healthy relationships. We emphasise the importance of taking breaks, restoring calm, ensuring a suitable working environment, taking annual leave, and maintaining clarity of roles and expectations.
We understand that energy must be restored, and that each individual gains energy in different ways. Making time for joyful pursuits is key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Our commitment to wellbeing has been recognised by our winning the Workplace Wellbeing category of the Modern Law Awards 2024. Whilst the award was most welcome, the real win for our business is the amazing and ongoing effort of our Wellbeing Committee and HR team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that Paris Smith nurtures its people. We remain committed to getting better.
Together, we strive to maintain a workplace that prioritises the wellbeing of all our people, enabling them to excel in their demanding roles, for clients and themselves, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
