Welcome

WELCOME TO

Jonathan Moreland Managing Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution and Employment teams

Welcome to the latest instalment of Prism, Swinburne Maddison’s very own publication bringing you the latest news and insights from our team, clients and the local community.

With the Christmas break upon us, there is always a lot to reflect on, and this year is certainly no exception. As I look around our newly-reorganised offices, I’m struck by two things: firstly, what an adaptable and good-natured team we have (either decamping back to their home offices or patiently working alongside builders and re-fitters for the second time in just a few years) and, secondly, just how many new faces have joined us since this time last year!

Our people have always been central to the DNA of Swinburne Maddison and a key part of the client experience. From the warm welcome that our clients receive when they first enter the office to the pragmatic and sure-footed legal advice they receive from our lawyers and the care and attention delivered by our support staff throughout their matter. Every member of our team gives 100% in the delivery of their role and it is important to us that we recognise this loyalty and hard work with a career that they can all find challenging and, above all, rewarding. That is why we decided to put our money where our mouth is this year by going for the Investors in People accreditation, and I’m delighted to say that we were successful. You can read more about the result on page five of this issue, but suffice to say, we were very happy with the outcome and look forward to building on this success when we launch our new values programme next year.

Looking beyond Swinburne Maddison for a moment, it is coming up to a full year since my appointment to the Business Durham Advisory Board – a role which has proven to be every bit as engaging and thought-provoking as I’d expected – and I am immensely grateful to the Managing Director of Business Durham, Sarah Slaven, for taking the time to come and speak with us about what makes County Durham such a great place to set up a business.

A huge thank you also to Corryn Wild of Three Counties who sat down with Partner and Head of our Private Client Team, Anna Stephenson, to discuss some of the most popular methods of mitigating the impact of Inheritance Tax and explain why Business Relief might apply to more of us than we think.

We also have coverage of some of our biggest corporate deals this year, including the acquisition of The Protector Group on behalf of US-based Argenbright Group, a deal which will help to facilitate Argenbright’s expansion plans into Europe.

And, of course, it wouldn’t be a December edition without me wishing all of our staff, clients and professional contacts a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. As 2022 draws to a close, there is certainly a sense of trepidation about what may lie around the corner, with talk of another recession coming our way and ongoing financial hardship for many individuals and businesses. Whatever challenges or opportunities the year has in store, we’ll be here to support and guide you through it.