NEWS
Andrew Richardson
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Downs Solicitors LLP has announced several new significant hires and promotions at its three Surrey offices
ndrew Richardson, who has worked at Downs as Finance Director for the last 8 years, will become the leading law firm’s CEO from 1st July. This is a brand-new role that will see him take responsibility for the management and strategic direction of the firm working with its Partners and Managers. Passionate about Downs’ vision to foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, Andy will be overseeing the day-to-day operations including finance, marketing, IT and HR to drive growth, profitability and client satisfaction. Andy said: “I am honoured to be starting as Downs’ first ever CEO role and taking the firm in a new direction. It’s been a pleasure working closely with the management team, who drove the business forward through the pandemic, and coming out the other side stronger than ever. Now’s a great time to be looking at how we
can build on that past success, and I am really looking forward to taking things to the next level.” With Andy’s move into the CEO role, Katie Gemmell will be stepping up to manage the firm’s day-to-day finance function as Financial Controller. Chris Millar, Senior Partner at Downs, is delighted with the new promotions at the firm. He said: “A new CEO is a brave move for us, but, with the worst of the pandemic now behind us, we’re starting our new financial year with a strong vision, and I am confident we’re putting our best foot forward with Andy at the helm. Downs Solicitors LLP is a Surrey-based law firm with roots spanning back to 1836 and now has offices in Dorking, Cobham and Godalming. For more information, please visit www.downslaw.co.uk ■
Making A Splash: Local Lawyers swim The Channel to raise £21,000 for spinal injury charity L-R: Clair Phillips, Emma Williams, Danielle Cranstone, Louise Campbell, Maxine Winfield and Fiona Hampton
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n all-female team of six lawyers from Southampton-based Moore Barlow have raised more than £21,000 for spinal injury charity Aspire, after swimming the English Channel. Louise Campbell, Fiona Hampton, Clair Philips, Danielle Cranstone, Maxine Winfield and Emma Williams completed the challenge in a relay format, swimming on a rota of one-hour intervals from Dover to France, covering 32 miles. The team entered the 16-degree seawater at 02:15 am on Sunday 20th August and completed the swim in 14 hours and 54 minutes. The lawyers have spent the last nine months preparing for the swim with a mixture of sea, lake and pool training sessions three times a week. The team also completed medical and physical assessments with the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CSPF) in order to qualify for the channel crossing. Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries result in the loss of muscle and sensory control and a large majority will become full time wheelchair users for the rest of their lives. Moore Barlow along with Aspire, formed Aspire Law - the only UK law firm to specialise solely in representing and supporting people with spinal cord injury claims.
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Louise Campbell, partner in the commercial property team at Moore Barlow, said: “Swimming across the English Channel is seen as the Mount Everest of all swims, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved. Since November last year, the six of us have dedicated our evenings and weekends to prepare for the challenge – often balancing our legal work with gruelling training sessions. Andrew Richardson “Adverse weather conditions forced our original swimming slot back a few weeks and we remained focussed until we were given the go-ahead with 36 hours notice to make our way to Dover. Entering the water under the cover of darkness in the early hours of the morning was utterly terrifying. If it wasn’t for our team spirit and support for each other, I don’t think we’d have completed such an impressive feat!” Paul Parish, head of funding at Aspire Law, commented: “The achievement is nothing short of incredible. I know how hard the ladies have worked, dedicating hours of training to put themselves in the best position to complete the swim. “The funds the team have raised will have a life-changing impact for the charity, allowing us to offer more support and practical help to people who have been paralysed by a spinal cord injury – supporting them from injury to independence.” For more information on the channel swim and to donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/aspireeagles ■
