May 2012 - Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Member’s News
Premier Regional Law Firm Lands National
Award
South West Law Firm Foot Anstey has won the highly
prestigious Regional Law Firm of the Year award at the
British Legal Awards.
The British Legal Awards recognise the achievements of
law firms, teams and individuals who have responded
most successfully to the demands being placed on
them in the new post-recession business environment.
They celebrate achievement, excellence and innovation
in the industry. The Regional Law Firm of the Year
category was open to all UK commercial law firms
based outside London which had to convince the
judges that they were leaders in their chosen markets,
and had made significant progress over the past 12-18
months. Foot Anstey beat off significant competition to
land the award.
Commenting on the announcement, Managing Partner
John Westwell, said; “I am delighted with the result
which confirms the success of our strategy and further
extends our position as one of the region’s premier law
firms. We believe that this type of objective and
independent recognition is particularly important as it
helps organisations and professionals to choose the
right firm. We have grown by 30% in the last five years
and by 7% in the recessionary years and have invested
heavily in bringing the best talent to the region. We
pride ourselves on participating with our clients rather
than merely commentating and this, I believe, is why we
have been so successful.”
He added; “We understand that clients and
professionals who use and recommend us have a
vested interest in our success and we treat them as
valued stakeholders in our business.
“We have grown by 30% in the last five
years and by 7% in the recessionary years “
Our approach has helped to secure a growing regional
and national client base which includes Halfords,
Progressive Digital Media, Odeon/UCI Cinemas,
Screwfix and Which? Ltd. This year alone we have had
over 30 lawyers recognised as being leaders in their
field.
10
Clerksroom Help Create New Fundraising
Initiative
Chamber member,
Clerksroom based at
Taunton, have linked up with
local charity, Headway Somerset to create a novel
scheme called ‘Project 2012’ to help meet a funding
gap of £20,000 following cuts from Somerset County
Council.
The charity, which works with head/brain injury
survivors living in the county, have pledged that they
won’t let a cut in their funding mean a cut to their
services.
The plan is to get £20k in 12 months by asking 200
businesses, clubs or individuals to sign up for £100 to
join the special Project 2012’ website created and
designed by Clerksroom’s web team.
Clerksroom’s MD Stephen Ward said; “Our company is
already involved as members of the charity’s ‘21 Club’,
a corporate networking scheme with Headway
Somerset. I want to encourage smaller business, local
groups and individuals to also get involved. Project
2012 seemed a simple solution.”
“Brain injury can be devastating, not only for the
survivor but for their families too and I have been really
impressed with the services they provide at their three
Brain Injury Outreach Units across the county.”
Alison Mills, Fundraising Manager
Headway Somerset with Stephen Ward,
MD of Clerksroom
For more information contact Alison Mills on
01984 656769 or visit www.headwaysomerset.org.uk