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Top 100 Law Firm Express Solicitors Ranked in Chambers & Partners 2023 for Clinical Negligence

Legal

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20/10/2022

Top 100 Law Firm Express Solicitors Ranked in Chambers & Partners 2023 for Clinical Negligence

Express Solicitors Listed in the 2023 Chambers & Partners Rankings

Express Solicitors are proud to announce that they have been ranked in Chambers & Partners in the 2023 edition of Chambers UK – a Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession.

The Chambers & Partners rankings are one of the most trusted independent directories of UK legal services, identifying the leading firms and lawyers in the UK in their respective areas of law.

In the 2023 edition Express Solicitors has been ranked for Clinical Negligence in Band 3, alongside other leading and national firms.

In Personal Injury, Richard Lowery, Partner and Head of Employers’ Liability at Express Solicitors has been ranked in Band 2 as a Leading individual in this field.

Richard said “I am delighted to be ranked in Band 2 by Chambers and Partners which I hope demonstrates the effort I have expended trying to help injured clients over the last 25 years.“

In relation to the firm’s position, Chambers UK states:

What the team is known for:

“Express Solicitors has an accomplished practice with a growing reputation in clinical negligence. The firm is frequently involved in negligent surgeries and delay in diagnosis claims. The team is particularly adept at assisting claimants with cases involving brain and birth injuries, including cerebral palsy cases, as well as misdiagnosis of cancer claims. It is additionally experienced in fatal incidents.”

A testimonial from both a Barrister and a client of Express Solicitors was featured to highlight strengths:

“The team has complete mastery of the clinical subject matter.”

“The team is thorough and methodical and answers any questions in a timely and professional manner.”

Managing Partner, James Maxey said “It is wonderful to see our firm ranking in Chambers & Partners. We have worked hard to develop our departments with technical legal experts to deliver the best service for our clients. We have aspirations to be ranked even higher and have more Leading Individuals ranked in the next Chambers & Partners within the fields of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.”

SLATER HEELIS CONTINUES TOP-RATED STREAK WITH RECOGNITION IN CHAMBERS UK 2023

Awards
Legal

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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SLATER HEELIS CONTINUES TOP-RATED STREAK WITH RECOGNITION IN CHAMBERS UK 2023

With six of its specialists listed in Chambers UK 2023, Manchester-based law firm Slater Heelis has received industry recognition for a twelfth consecutive year.

It’s the second time in two months the firm has received national acknowledgement within the legal sector, coming on the back of recent success in the Legal 500 rankings, which saw 16 of the firm’s solicitors listed. Together, the Legal 500 and Chambers UK are the legal industry’s most prestigious honours.

Marking a hugely successful year, Simon Wallwork, Partner at Slater Heelis, receives his first ever Band 1 ranking in Chambers UK.

This recognition is the highest standard of excellence for the legal sector, demonstrating Simon’s accomplishments as one of the foremost lawyers in the country.

The family team at Slater Heelis received a prestigious Band 2 ranking for the fifth year running, with lawyers Kim Aucott, Mark Heptinstall, Phillip Rhodes, and Patricia Robinson all receiving individual recognition.

Consultant Ken Salmon continues to be acknowledged for his significant expertise and skill in the field of construction law. He received the “Senior Statesperson” accolade for the eighth year in a row this year, reflecting his success as one of the top lawyers in the North West.

Chambers and Partners ranks solicitors and law firms across the United Kingdom based on their accomplishments over the previous 12 months, including standout work, strategic growth, and excellence in client service.

200 analysts conduct the annual study, gathering tens of thousands of responses from clients through in-depth interviews.

Chris Bishop, Managing Partner of Slater Heelis, comments:

“We are pleased that, for the twelfth year in a row, the performance and expertise of our solicitors and departments have been recognised in the Chambers Rankings. It is a significant accomplishment that gives our clients assurance they’re in the best hands, and solidifies our standing as one of the North West’s top legal experts.

“We strongly believe in continuous improvement, so it is incredibly satisfying to see the Chambers Rankings reflect this. Simon’s achievements in the last twelve months are an example to us all.”

Hollis celebrates 30 years of business in Manchester

Real Estate

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Hollis celebrates 30 years of business in Manchester

International independent real estate consultancy Hollis is celebrating 30 years of business in Manchester.

The firm first entered the North-West market in 1992, with current Director and Head of European Operations Jamie O’Brien taking over as head of the Manchester office shortly after his appointment in 2004. David McBride succeeded O’Brien as the head of the Manchester office in 2019 after more than 10 years’ working with the firm.

In the last three decades the team has grown substantially, both in service offering and workforce, now employing a team of 29 people including specialists in dilapidations, development monitoring, project management, ESG, party walls and neighbourly matters, planned maintenance and reinstatement cost assessments. During that time Hollis has worked on many of the city’s most iconic buildings and been involved with some of the largest real estate transactions, including 125 Deansgate, Media City and the CIS Tower.

Commenting on the milestone, David McBride, Director and Head of Hollis in Manchester, said: “The real estate sector in Manchester has evolved considerably over the past 30 years and continues to provide opportunities. The city and its surroundings have seen significant investment from local, UK and overseas investors in both commercial and large-scale residential property projects over that time, and there continues to be healthy growth and development.

“We are delighted to be part of this exciting and changing marketplace, and we will adapt to ensure we continue to deliver excellent professional and commercial consultancy services to our clients over the next 30 years. To mark three decades of growth, innovation and best-in-class client service, we look forward to celebrating with the people that have been pivotal to our ongoing success story, and say a big thank you to all our people and our clients who have joined us along the way. Here’s to the next 30!”

North West in short supply: Despite 62% growth in local jobs, the region is threatened by a logistics recruitment crisis

Business

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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North West in short supply: Despite 62% growth in local jobs, the region is threatened by a logistics recruitment crisis

The North West is the UK’s biggest home to the logistics sector, providing 13% of all jobs within the industry
Despite the region experiencing a huge 62% growth in available roles over the past decade, new research reveals that 90% of people have NEVER considered a career in logistics.

In the midst of a cost of living crisis, a starting salary in the logistics sector is up to 67% higher than the minimum wage for 18-20 year olds, and up to 20% higher for those aged 21 years and older.
New research reveals that two thirds of people rate a ‘good work-life balance’ as their most important consideration for a career (69%), closely followed by ‘high rates of pay’ (66%).
Launch of industry and government-backed campaign, Generation Logistics, works to plug the skills gap as it combats common misconceptions around the industry, to highlight the diversity of opportunity and career prospects, and support and encourage the next generation of talent.
The campaign is part-funded by the Department for Transport alongside various logistics companies including Amazon, DHL and more, who recognise the dire nature of the situation.

Despite being the UK’s biggest home to the logistics industry and providing 13% of all logistics jobs, the North West is facing a critical recruitment crisis, with businesses across the region significantly struggling to fill available roles. Well known for being one of the largest manufacturing hubs, with a focus on Automotive and Aerospace, Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals, the growing effects of recruitment within logistics may well have a severe knock-on effect to this, if the future of the workforce isn’t fulfilled.

A new high profile campaign, Generation Logistics, which has received backing from the government and companies including Amazon, DHL and Wincanton, urges people to consider a career in logistics; a career path that 90% of the UK have never considered.

While nearly half of all those questioned recognise that the sector is crucial to keeping the country running (40%), the new research reveals that logistics roles are currently not seen as favourably for those seeking employment as jobs in Media and Internet (27%) and Healthcare (23%), and is beaten only by Energy & Utilities (9%) for least desirable. Generation Logistics’ mission is to change this.

The recent research also showcases that the majority of people now consider a ‘good work-life balance’ as the most important consideration when choosing a career (69%), closely followed by ‘high rates of pay’ (66%). With an average starting salary for a role in logistics up to 67% higher for 18 – 20 year olds, and up to 20% higher for those aged 21 years and older, combined with double the number of jobs available in 2022 when compared to last year, the logistics industry provides valuable career opportunities for those at any stage of their career.

These new findings follow the launch of an industry and government-backed campaign, Generation Logistics which aims to challenge perceptions and raise awareness of the opportunities within the sector. Created in collaboration with Logistics UK and The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK), the new initiative aims to bring the industry together, challenge outdated perceptions, and pave the way for a new and diverse workforce.

Aimed at audiences including young adults aged 16 – 24 years, career switchers, and maternity or paternity leave returners, Generation Logistics brings to life a new platform designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the industry and outline how logistics roles can, and do, meet the highest priorities of the next generation of workers.

Offering an online hub full of resources, learning materials and job openings, alongside partnerships with leading industry bodies, trade associations and vital core businesses across all freight modes including Amazon, DHL and many more, Generation Logistics will make it significantly easier for people to kick start their career in the industry and pave the way for the future of logistics.

Phil Roe, President at Logistics UK, commented: “The pandemic truly shone a light on the logistics industry, underlining the importance of our key workers and the critical role our sector plays in everyday life. With that in mind, it’s crucial we do all we can to engage with the next generation to encourage them to bring their talents to our industry. We are hoping to puncture some of the myths around the sector, and provide a clear, practical pathway for those who want to explore whether a career in logistics could be for them – from truck drivers through to data scientists, robotics engineers and everything in-between.”

Bethany Windsor, Programme Manager of Generation Logistics, added: “Filling roles in logistics is a challenge, as many people do not know we exist, or appreciate the breadth of jobs available. Through Generation Logistics, we will raise awareness of the many opportunities available, but also highlight the accessibility of those opportunities at all levels – from school levers to those seeking a career change later in life. Over the next 12 months we’ll be highlighting all the exciting opportunities that logistics has to offer to professionals at all levels and from all backgrounds. From self-driving vehicles to state of the art warehousing, logistics has something for everyone, and we’re looking forward to sharing it!”

For more information, please visit: www.generationlogistics.org

Over half of North West small businesses make survival their six-month priority, as Meta offers free office space

Business support

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Over half of North West small businesses make survival their six-month priority, as Meta offers free office space

26% of small businesses surveyed in the North West fear that their business may close in the future, of which 51% fear so in the next 12 months.
More than a quarter (26%) used less energy in the last six months to ease the burden of spiralling costs.
Meta is launching “Space for Good Ideas”, offering North West businesses free access to office space to help with cost of living this winter.
Entrepreneur Grace Beverley to participate in free Meta Good Ideas Studio in Manchester, a two-day workshop of digital skills training, expert talks and networking sessions for small businesses

Over a quarter (26%) of small business decision makers in the North West fear their business may close, while over half (55%) say a major business priority in the next six months is survival – according to new data.

The research, conducted online by YouGov and commissioned by Meta, polled decision makers of North West companies with fewer than 50 employees. The findings cast stark light on the challenges facing firms as they seek to navigate the ongoing effects of the pandemic, soaring energy bills, rising interest rates and the cost-of-living crisis.

Almost a third (29%) of those polled worry their business won’t be able to keep up with their outgoings during the year ahead while over a quarter (26%) admit to using less energy to save on bills. Two in five (42%) say reducing costs would be crucial to their firm’s future success.

Small business support

With the cost of living expected to reach extraordinary heights this winter, Meta is launching “Space for Good Ideas,” offering small businesses in the North West the opportunity to apply for free access to office space and ease the burden of their rising costs throughout some of the toughest months. Businesses of fewer than 50 employees can apply at fb.me/goodideasstudios by November 25^th 2022.

Meta has also teamed up with successful entrepreneur and CEO of sustainable activewear brand Tala and fitness brand Shreddy, Grace Beverley who will be participating in Meta’s Good Ideas Studio – a free event where local small business leaders can attend insightful panels, talks, workshops and trainings to help them grow their businesses, primarily online. The event will be held in Manchester at 1830 Warehouse, M3 4FP on 24–25 November.

These initiatives are the latest in Meta’s long-held commitment to giving small businesses the tools they need to better connect with their audiences and drive growth. This year, the company has supported 960,000 UK small businesses with digital skills training as part of the Meta Boost programme.

Business leaders provide personal financial support

Despite the tough operating landscape faced, one in five (20%) small businesses in the region have increased their staff’s salaries in the past six months. One in ten (10%) have given their employees a one-off or regular bonus, with 4% giving pay advances or direct support with bills to staff. Meanwhile, nearly one in five (18%) say that having the office space/building costs of their business covered would see them employ more staff or give current workers a pay rise.

Steve Hatch, VP Northern Europe, Meta, said, “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the UK economy and right now they face the challenge of a lifetime just to keep the lights on. We know there’s no one fix to the challenges faced, however we believe through helping both online and offline we can provide support to local businesses in need. This is why we’re offering small businesses in the North West the opportunity to apply for free office space in a bid to ease costs.

“We also look forward to welcoming many local small business leaders to our Good Ideas Studio to learn about the many ways to help their business grow and succeed.”

INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS SEEK VALUE IN KEY UK CITIES AS POUND IS WEAKENED BY POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

Finance

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS SEEK VALUE IN KEY UK CITIES AS POUND IS WEAKENED BY POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

Following an extended period of uncertainty in the property market in recent years, caused by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021’s Indian summer, which saw house prices in the UK rise by 10.8%, recent political turmoil sparked by the ousting of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss’ disastrous Mini Budget has led to rising inflation, spiralling interest rates and a plunge in the value of the Pound.

Whilst this is causing issues for domestic purchasers it is an opportunity not lost on discerning international investors looking to take advantage of a strong Dollar.

Since the Mini Budget caused a sharp drop in the value of the Pound against the Dollar, leading International Property Consultants LH1 Global has received a significant influx of enquiries from overseas buyers within its network, with a focus on developments in key UK cities, such as Manchester, Leeds and Bradford.

Rayna Hunter, CEO of LH1 Global, commented: “We specialise in the sales and marketing of significant developments in the UK and have built a strong international network. Enquiries and sales to overseas buyers is constant throughout the year, with Asia, more specifically Hong Kong ramping up in the last few months, but the recent political turmoil has seen a noticeable rise in interest, with many looking to strike whilst the iron’s hot.

“Interestingly, we have seen buyers return to the market from South Africa, Qatar, Dubai and USA in large numbers, after a period of inactivity from these regions in recent years.”

LH1 Global developments in Manchester, Bradford and Leeds have registered the most enquiries, as international investors look for value in key growth areas of the UK to further safeguard an investment made during a period of political uncertainty in the UK.

Rayna added: “The most popular apartment types with overseas buyers looking to capitalise on the weak pound are those with lower capital values offering higher yields in city centre developments. The most popular units range from one-bedroom apartments typically priced from £120,000 to £250,000, as well as smaller two-bedroom homes ranging from £250,000 to £375,000.

“The larger units offer more of a discount with the currency exchange, but command a higher capital value, which compresses the future yield potential. This trend certainly isn’t a gold rush, decisions are being made with long-term planning, but the immediate savings are speeding up the decision-making process.”

A further factor driving international interest in UK property is a lack of reliance from overseas buyers on the UK mortgage market, meaning they are largely unaffected by rising interest rates, which allows them to be more agile than domestic purchasers.

Rayna said: “I don’t believe this is a flash in the pan, instead an aligning of factors that have led overseas buyers to make the move now. The majority of the enquiries we have received are from those that have been looking to make the move for a while, but the current situation presents an opportunity to reduce capital expenditure, whilst they are also benefitting from a slight drop off in the domestic market that has reduced competition.”

For further information on LH1 Global and its wider development portfolio contact Tel: 0207 129 7900 or Email: info@LH1.Global

Food manufacturer adds digitalisation to the menu with Made Smarter support

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Food manufacturer adds digitalisation to the menu with Made Smarter support

Firstplay Dietary Foods is adding digitalisation to the menu with £120,000 automation investment

A food manufacturer, specialising in low protein products, has boosted productivity and growth after investing in technology through Made Smarter.

Firstplay Dietary Foods, based in Stockport, makes a range of low protein products for people with metabolic conditions like Phenylketonuria (PKU) which leave people unable to eat protein without risking brain damage.

With a growing international demand from patients and dieticians, due to the increased number of countries delivering newborn screening, the business has invested £120,000 in new digital machinery, increasing its blending capacity, while replacing a manual weighing and packing process with automation.

As a result, the business has increased production capacity 10-fold, reduced human error and waste, and is forecast to increase turnover by 30%.

In addition, two operators are now focussed on more value-add activities such as sales and complex packing tasks.

Tom Fletcher, Managing Director, said: “Our growth has been organic with only occasional investment to update our production processes.

“Our partnership with Made Smarter changes that. We have a long-term strategy and a digital roadmap to follow to achieve those goals. My only wish is that we had done it sooner.

“By replacing a manual low-skilled task with automation, we are able to do much more with the resources we have, as well as upskilling our existing staff, which to a small business is extremely valuable.”

Firstplay was established in 1993 by Steve and Linda Fletcher to help people living with PKU, an inborn error of metabolism which affects roughly 1 in 10,000 people in the UK.

Over the decades the business has grown steadily, innovating its product range to include dried pasta, flavoured pasta sachets, breads, baking mixes, snacks and soups, for an increasing global market.

With ambitions to target emerging markets in China, tthe Middle East and America, Firstplay needed to address its manufacturing productivity and efficiency challenges.

But a key bottleneck in the production process was the manual weighing and packing of certain products which had a limited capacity of about 600 packets per day, and was open to errors and waste.

With grant support from Made Smarter, Firstplay invested in a powder packaging machine, which includes an automated multi-head weigher and powder filler. It works by loading the product through a hopper, digitally weighs and corrects the amount of product, and then dispenses and seals it into a bag before delivering it for boxing.

The new equipment also introduced a live data feed, giving management real-time overview of variables such as the running speed of the equipment, total giveaway, and average weights over the course of a shift.

The outcome has been transformative, increasing the number of sachets it can produce from 600 per day to 6,000 sachets per day.

Digital process control means that packets are more consistently filled, improving quality and reducing waste, both in time and in packaging materials.

With a roadmap to digital transformation in hand, Firstplay is now exploring a series of projects including data and systems integration technology to link its new machinery with a barcode scanning system for stock control, and implementing business and production software for better data analytics to improve production efficiency.

Donna Edwards, Made Smarter’s North West Adoption Programme Director, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Firstplay on the first stage of its digital transformation. It is a fantastic example of a business using technology to automate a process, creating growth and upskilling existing roles, while laying the foundation for further improvements.

“Firstplay is among hundreds of manufacturers in the region grasping the opportunities offered by Made Smarter which include expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help take that first step to transform a business, and support with technology investment. I would encourage other SME manufacturers to do the same.”

For more information, visit www.madesmarter.uk

Divorcing couples face smoother proceedings but more confusion

Finance

Dawn Jackson

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20/10/2022

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Divorcing couples face smoother proceedings but more confusion

Divorcing couples are facing financial risk because of the potential confusion around new divorce laws. The new law, introduced this year, aims to make divorce more amicable but has potentially led to thousands of divorcing couples to not seek a financial order.

UK divorce solicitors, Woolley & Co. Solicitors, have assessed recently released family court data from April to June 2022 to see how no fault divorce has affected the picture. It revealed that there have been 33,234 divorce applications since no-fault divorce was introduced – the highest quarterly figure in 10 years. Out of these applications, over 1 in 5 divorcees made a joint application, taking advantage of new laws.

However, coupled with this were some surprising revelations surrounding financial protection. During the second quarter of 2022, just 9,235 financial remedy applications were made. In the same quarter in 2021, 13,404 applications were made, which shows a significant 31% decrease compared to a year ago.

Stats like these are particularly concerning. They indicate that many divorcing couples may be misunderstanding the necessity to protect their financial position, even during an amicable divorce. Their assets are now left at risk without financial orders in place.

When getting divorced, couples have the opportunity to apply for a financial order, a legal document that outlines a financial agreement between the divorcing parties. It’s commonplace for a financial order to include a clean break clause, meaning that the ex spouses are not permitted to raise financial claims against one another in the future.

The absence of a financial order, and a clean break clause, puts individuals at risk of financial issues and disputes. Without financial remedies there is nothing preventing either spouse from making a claim against assets from their ex-partner at a future date or requesting financial support.

On April 6^th 2022, so called no-fault divorce was introduced in England and Wales. It was intended to provide divorcing couples with a more amicable divorce process, through removing the need for blame and allowing for joint applications. However, the 31% decrease in financial remedy applications since Q2 last year suggests that allowing couples to choose more amicable processes may be encouraging couples to start legal processes without first taking legal advice.

Individuals and couples may have mistakenly assumed that getting a divorce under the new rules means that their finances are protected. In fact, it remains incredibly important that those who are applying for a divorce also apply for a financial order. The process is necessary to legally establish entitlement to property, assets, and savings, and to sever any financial ties between the divorcing parties.

Andrew Woolley, Founder and Senior Partner at Woolley & Co. Solicitors, has expressed concerns about these figures. He said: “We always knew the new no fault divorce laws would change the landscape of UK divorce, but we did not anticipate such dramatic figures so soon after the fact. It’s concerning to see the apparent fall in the number of couples protecting their finances when they divorce. It suggests many UK citizens may be misinformed about how protected they are under the new divorce laws, and are becoming complacent because of it.

“Couples who are making joint divorce applications must be aware that they do not offer automatic financial protection nor guarantee the absence of financial disputes. Divorcing couples and those dissolving civil partnerships should always seek advice about their financial rights and take the necessary precautions to protect their financial position for the future.”

The team encourage those who are seeking a divorce to apply for a financial consent order, whether the divorce is amicable or not. Those who do not do so may find they are liable to face financial repercussions later down the line. Please get in touch with the expert divorce solicitors at Woolley & Co if you wish to obtain a divorce financial order, and to draw up a clean break, to ensure financial protection. Get in touch on 0800 321 3832 to discuss your case and find out how we can help.

Irwin Mitchell’s Planning and Environment Team welcomes new partner Pamela Chesterman

Dawn Jackson

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20/10/2022

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Irwin Mitchell’s Planning and Environment Team welcomes new partner Pamela Chesterman

Pamela Chesterman is joining national law firm Irwin Mitchell as a new partner. She will be working in their Planning and Environment Team based in Manchester and their newly opened office in Liverpool.

The new appointment takes IM’s specialist Planning and Environment (P&E) team to thirteen. The team has this year been boosted by the recruitment of Jill Crawford, Senior Associate and environmental specialist in February, which was hot on the heels of Tracy Lovejoy joining as a planning senior associate in Birmingham and Victoria Tague as a planning associate in Manchester.

The P&E Team sits within Irwin Mitchell’s Property Division which will now number 28 partners and over 150 qualified lawyers.

Pamela joins from Brabners where she was Legal Director and Head of Planning and prior to that was Head of Planning at Prosperity Law. She has experience across a wide area of environmental and planning law, in particular to the development sector, advising on housing and commercial led development as well as on local government issues, having spent a considerable period working at various local authorities in the Northwest.

She helped one of the UK’s largest house builders deal with local authorities’ non-determination of applications which threaten to undermine their schemes, working closely with them to negotiate amicable solutions without having to resort to legal actions and to make informed decisions.

Currently she is also retained by a large car park management company to provide planning and advertisement legal advice – acting as their Agent in applying for planning permission, advertisement consent and listed building consent, where necessary, for large heritage estates which wish to use their service to provide remote parking solutions to existing car park sites.

Adrian Barlow, Director of Property Legal Services at Irwin Mitchell said “Both Planning and Environment are currently fast-moving disciplines where our clients need up to date and strategic legal advice to keep ahead of the game, particularly at a time of political change. Our team is headed by the highly respected Claire Petricca-Riding and works as a national practice, advising clients all over the country.

Pamela has considerable contacts across the Northwest and will play an important part in helping us to fulfil Irwin Mitchell’s ambition to provide first-class advice to clients. She comes with great hands-on experience, especially her in-depth knowledge of both local government and the development sector and will be a great asset to the P&E practice and the wider property department.”

Irwin Mitchell has recently opened an office in Liverpool.

Bold employee ownership move for Oliver & Co Solicitors

Legal

Sam Allcock

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20/10/2022

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Bold employee ownership move for Oliver & Co Solicitors

Oliver & Co, a North West law firm that prides itself on promoting happiness and positivity as it’s culture, has become completely employee owned. The 85 employees of Chester-based Oliver & Co Solicitors now own 100% of the business through an employee ownership trust and will enjoy an equal share of the firm’s profits.

The former owners of Oliver & Co describe the move as a “natural progression” for the firm which will “secure the business for the future”.

Oliver & Co is the first law firm in Chester and North Wales to become employee owned and is the largest law firm in the North West of England to make the move to employee ownership.

Oliver & Co’s former owners David Owen and Kay Cook will remain with the firm in senior positions. David Owen said: “We’ve always prioritised happiness and positivity at Oliver & Co, so employee ownership was a natural progression for us.

“By selling the business to our employees we can retain that special culture and secure the business for the future. And our clients will benefit too, because if our people are happy, that is reflected in the fantastic service we give to our clients.”

Employee ownership is increasing across the UK and according to the Employee Ownership Association, companies that are employee owned, or who have a large and significant employee ownership stake, now contribute £30 billion to the UK’s GDP.

Kay Cook explains why employee ownership made sense for Oliver & Co: “Employee owned businesses tend to see higher levels of profitability and productivity, along with improved employee and customer satisfaction. Employee owned companies excel in engaging employees, who in turn drive performance and innovation.

“We’ve always encouraged colleagues to make suggestions and contribute to the way the business is run. Becoming employee owned takes that a step further and gives our people a stake in the business and an equal share in our profits, no matter what their role or seniority.”

Employee ownership is one of the fastest growing business succession solutions in the UK, where there are now more than 1,000 employee-owned businesses, with the sector more than doubling in the past three years.

The fast pace of growth amongst businesses has taken off with the use of the employee ownership trust (EOT), introduced by the government in 2014 to encourage long-term employee ownership, and one in every 20 private company sales is now to an EOT, with Oliver & CO Solicitors joining a network of EOTs in the UK that include Richer Sounds and Go Ape.

James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the Employee Ownership Association, said: “We congratulate our members Oliver & Co Solicitors on its transition to employee ownership; securing the ethos, values, and culture of the business, as well as rooting jobs in Chester.

“Businesses that give employees a stake and a say build trust and shared responsibility, uniting leaders and employees behind a common purpose, and leaving businesses in a better position to flex and adapt.”

Oliver & Co’s employees will be eligible to become employee owners after working for the business for six months.

Oliver & Co has recently received recognition in the fields of personal injury, industrial disease and clinical negligence by being ranked in the 2023 edition of the Legal 500, the independent guide to the legal profession that is based on feedback from clients.

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