Tough tactics secure awards for LawNet firms
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The hard-hitters were out in force at this year’s LawNet awards, with the winning firms all showcasing strategies that are putting them out in front.
Leading the winners by scooping the Law Firm of the Year Awards were London and South East firm Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP in the 16+ partner category and Bath based Mogers Solicitors LLP taking the award for Law Firm of the Year with up to 15 partners.
Announcing the awards, John Thomas, chief executive of LawNet, the long-standing law firm network for mid-size independent firms, said: “Entrants this year were exceptional, across the country and from very different sized firms. It seems none of our members are waiting for the changes in the sector to hit them – they’re all out there, driving forward new customer-facing initiatives and strengthening their internal processes.”
Matthew Arnold & Baldwin has tripled turnover during the past three years and is just shy of a Top 100 listing on turnover. They’ve already achieved a profit per equity partner ratio that puts them in the Top 20 with a strategy that has seen them develop a national reputation for expertise in investment and retail banking litigation.
Said Clare Stothard, chair of the Matthew Arnold & Baldwin management board: “Winning awards such as this is testament to the stellar efforts of colleagues across the firm. Having put in place an ambitious strategy, with client service and commitment to outstanding legal advice at its heart, we are thrilled to have had our success recognised by LawNet.”
In Bath, Mogers has achieved its best ever annual turnover and net profit, with residential matters up 50%, litigation by nearly 90% and departmental cross referrals up nearly 50%.
The LawNet Mark of Excellence Award went to Midlands-based FBC Manby Bowdler LLP for incorporating the new LawNet Mark of Excellence customer service standard at the heart of a cultural shift within the firm, that has seen them secure a coveted ranking in the national Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For.
Best Use of Technology went to Fidler & Pepper Solicitors for an innovative online solution to tenancy management for landlords, with a simple system for staying legally compliant whilst speeding up action on rent arrears.
Young Lawyer of the Year winner was Judith Rountree of Gardner Leader LLP who is making a name for herself with high level contentious probate work and a strong focus on business development activities for her firm.
Best Use of Social Media went to Ashton KCJ, with a winning strategy that has included Twitter and LinkedIn; Facebook advertising campaigns and YouTube information-style videos, backed up with training for lawyers to help them take part and all delivering tangible results for the firm.
The award for Excellence in Risk Management and Compliance went to Vanderpump & Sykes Solicitors for the second year running, recognising their continuing outstanding performance and approach to quality processes.
Added LawNet’s John Thomas: “Awards recognise the achievements of the firms, whose innovation provides a valuable contribution to the standing of the LawNet network, as well as recognising the staff who are behind these outstanding outcomes.”
ENDS
Best Use of Technology : Fidler & Pepper Solicitors : sponsored by Tikit
Best Use of Social Media : Ashton KCJ : sponsored by Conscious Solutions
Excellence in Risk Management & Compliance : Vanderpump & Sykes Solicitors LLP : sponsored by QBE
Young Lawyer of the Year : Judith Rountree, Gardner Leader LLP : sponsored by Sweet & Maxwell
LawNet Mark of Excellence Award : FBC Manby Bowdler LLP : sponsored by Shopper Anonymous and Law League
Law Firm of the Year (up to 15 partners) : Mogers Solicitors LLP : sponsored by Wilkinson Read
Law Firm of the Year (16 plus partners) : Matthew Arnold & Baldwin LLP : sponsored by Wilkinson Read
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 66 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
LawNet leading the way in service delivery
Customer focus puts a smile on the face of the lawyers with a 92% satisfaction rating
LawNet members are reporting real results from a £300,000 initiative launched by the network to tackle the image of lawyers as aloof, arrogant and unapproachable.
The first of its kind for law firms, the initiative is focussed on helping the mid-size independent law firms that make up the LawNet network to stand out from the competition.
The package for member firms includes mystery shopping, online customer satisfaction questionnaires and customer service training, all designed to give lawyers lessons that are drawn from the retail sector.
LawNet’s Excellence Mark is wrapped up in a bespoke ISO standard and auditing system, so it’s robust and measurable, but designed to be more than a compliance straightjacket, according to LawNet, so as to add value for clients.
And the results to date run in the face of the latest survey from the Legal Services Board1 which suggested that consumers are likely to view legal professionals as intimidating and typically described them as ‘arrogant, disinterested or unapproachable’.
“Initial results certainly show that our firms are keeping clients happy,” said Helen Hamilton Shaw, director of services for LawNet. “We’re investing back into member firms with this initiative, which will see £300,000 being spent during the first three years.”
She added: “Research always hits the headlines about how bad solicitors are at communicating with their clients, that they’re arrogant, unapproachable and aloof, and we have set out to counter that by helping our members to embed a customer-centric approach and achieve a recognisable standard that clients can look out for.
“We can see that it’s working. The first results have shown a 92% satisfaction rate for friendliness and approachability, from customers of LawNet firms who have completed the online survey. Customers have asked for better communication and transparency on costs, so that’s what we’re measuring.”
All LawNet firms are independently audited as part of their ISO accreditation and the new Mark of Excellence will form part of all future auditing, to check that firms are keeping up with the terms of the LawNet customer charter, including completing customer satisfaction surveys, mystery shopping, response times, transparent costing, backed up by regular staff training and a focus on boosting internal morale.
ENDS
http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/public-still-sees-lawyers-arrogant
1 https://research.legalservicesboard.org.uk/news/latest-research-3/
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 66 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Expansion for local coach company with sights on county crown
EMBARGOED UNTIL 14.00 ON MONDAY 1ST JULY 2013 Download high res versions of pictures from Flickr by clicking 
here Picture/interview opportunity with Glen Pratt and staff from Monday lunchtime onwards : please contact Maggie Taylor : Maggie@primapr.co.uk or 07973767602
Lincolnshire coach operator A C Williams has announced a fifty per cent expansion with the acquisition of neighbouring Southern Holidays, building on a record year which saw company turnover soar by 40%.
And now, the company’s chairman says they are setting their sights on becoming Lincolnshire’s biggest operator.
Together the merged companies will offer a fleet of nearly 30 vehicles, ranging from executive coaches through to double deckers and wheelchair minibuses and the merger will see the two companies offering a total of 50 holiday departures and over 200 day trips next year, alongside their schools and UK and European commercial contracts.
The entire fleet will be maintained through A C Williams’ own specialist workshop, and the company has invested £500,000 in equipment and vehicles this year alone.
“The joining of these well-respected names will provide all our customers with a bigger choice from our top of the range fleet of vehicles. Corporate customers will have greater flexibility from the bigger fleet and wider range of vehicle capacities, whilst our day trip and holiday travellers will find even more choice in types of trip and new destinations,” said the group’s executive chairman Glen Pratt.
“We want to become Lincolnshire’s best and most trusted coach operator and this expansion makes us well placed for future growth,” added Glen Pratt, who took over the A C Williams business just over twelve months ago, securing 25 local jobs at the time. The combined companies will employ 35 people.
For corporate customers, A C Williams has earned its reputation as a major contractor for schools transport, and also has a wide customer base in commercial contracts and private hire. For day trip and holiday travellers, the benefits will be a huge range, with the Spanish specialists Southern Holidays perfectly complementing the UK and continental itineraries of day trips and holidays offered by A C Williams.
Southern Holidays and the expanded fleet will benefit from future investment and expansion through the strong financial standing of A C Williams, which is owned and led by executive chairman Glen Pratt, a successful fund manager.
Directors Leigh and Rebecca Robbins and all the employees of Southern Holidays will continue in the newly merged group.
The intention is that in due course, A C Williams and Southern, both local family-grown companies, will operate all the merged services from the A C Williams site in Ancaster, with Southern staff transferring to the Ancaster offices from their current Sleaford base.
ENDS
Media enquiries: Please contact Maggie Taylor at Prima PR & Marketing: Tel: 01400 251557
Mob: 0797 3767 602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Editor’s note: Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Glen Pratt is currently a Partner with a London-based fund management company, where he is a UK portfolio manager. He joined Fidelity, the world’s biggest investment house, direct from Nottingham University where he read economics, becoming one of their youngest ever fund managers at 25, and was managing a £2bn portfolio of client funds by his early 30s.
A C Williams was established in Ancaster in 1953, as a motor engineer and agricultural machinery repair business. Its first contract was transporting three children from a local farm to Ancaster Primary School. Now the company transports over 600 children every day, as well as providing transport for local football teams, service personnel and academic institutions. It also runs a year-round itinerary of leisure trips and holidays for local people, travelling throughout the UK and Europe. They bring to the merger a fleet of 24 buses, coaches and minibuses ranging from 65-seater executive coaches to specially modified vehicles which offer tables or wheelchair access.
Southern Holidays was established in 1998 with the aim of providing value-for-money Spanish package holidays without the hassle of airports. headed by Rebecca and Leigh Robbins it offers a wide choice of hotels and resort destinations from pick up points across the East Midlands, East Anglia and the South East.
Skegness and Mablethorpe lead the way in tourism skills
Tourism businesses on the East Coast of Lincolnshire are leading the way in working co-operatively to develop the skills needed to attract more visitors.
In the first initiative of its kind, caravan parks in Skegness and Mablethorpe have banded together to jointly invest in the skills they need, by staging a nationally-recognised training course especially for their staff.
The ground-breaking approach has resulted in more highly trained staff, which should lead to a better offer for visitors looking for the right choice of caravan park on the English coast.
The training targeted the potentially hazardous work of static caravan-siting and led to a nationally recognised BTEC qualification. It’s a hazardous job because as well as the safety aspects of siting the caravan itself, there is the gas, electricity and water to safely connect. On bigger sites there can be as many as 30 re-sitings of these large static caravans each week.
The three day, site-based, Safe Siting Award training was hosted by Coastfields Leisure at Grange Leisure Park in Mablethorpe, and all seven local employees taking part passed with flying colours.
The unique employer partnership approach to training was instigated by the East Lincolnshire Destination Management Organisation (ELDMO) that was set up to boost the local visitor experience, and which brings together a group of local businesses. The training programme was organised by SkillsReach, a Lincolnshire-based specialist skills development company, and supported by East Lindsey District Council as part of its local skills investment programme. The BTEC-standard training, which is accredited by Edexcel, was delivered by leisure industry health and safety specialists Leisuresafe.
David Honman of the Skills Sub Group of the East Lincolnshire DMO and Business Manager for the training hosts, Coastfields Leisure, said: “The holiday park industry is vital to our local economy and this has been a great example of DMO businesses working together to co-ordinate a high-quality training programme that 'raises the bar' for the visitor experience in Skegness and Mablethorpe.”
“The course is an excellent practical example of how East Lindsey District Council support can help improve skills levels in the District through partnership working, targeting the skills that are really vital to local businesses,” added James Makinson-Sanders of East Lindsey District Council’s Economy and Tourism team.
Roy Harper of SkillsReach, in partnership with East Lindsey District Council, worked with the DMO skills group to identify the need and provide this training solution. He explained: “Getting the right skills is one of the ways in which local businesses on Lincolnshire’s East Coast have a chance to grow and compete at a higher level. This is a great example of how everyone benefits through local business leadership and collaboration.”
The personnel taking part said the course would have a big impact on their future work performance, and that the training was highly relevant to their needs. Feedback from those taking part also endorsed the value of the shared training, with everyone benefiting from the huge amount of collective experience and the opportunity to share similar issues and find practical solutions.
Leisuresafe director John Biles who developed the three day Safe Siting course is currently acting as an expert witness in the case of a man killed whilst moving a caravan.He commented : “Caravan siting is hazardous but as long as the right controls are in place, risks can be minimised. Training, safe systems of work and the right equipment are key to preventing serious or even fatal accidents. It’s great to see businesses in East Lincolnshire investing in the skills of their caravan siting teams and taking safety seriously.”
ENDS
For further information:
Roy Harper at SkillsReach Ltd, BG Futures, Bishop Grosseteste University , Newport, Lincoln, LN1 3DY Tel: 07721 499494 www.skillsreach.co.uk Roy.Harper@skillsreach.co.uk
LawNet raises the bar with new client service standard
See coverage at: http://bit.ly/12lLZ3A
Firms in the LawNet network have a new stamp of approval to help them stand out on the high street, with the launch of an audited client care mark that’s backed by the network’s ISO 9001 standard.
Law firm network LawNet has launched a ‘Mark of Excellence’ in client service that’s designed to give member firms a competitive edge.
The Mark is set out in a client service charter and will provide a nationally-recognisable and robust measure of quality to clients. Practice performance will be measured through a suite of tools especially designed for LawNet firms, including compulsory online satisfaction surveys, training and mystery shopping. Compliance with the mark will be audited as part of the LawNet ISO 9001 standard.
All LawNet firms must, as a condition of membership, achieve and maintain the network’s bespoke ISO 9001 standard, which was updated last year to include the requirements of LEXCEL and OFR. Now, the Client Care focus has been extended, to make it more immediately relevant to clients and help firms translate compliance into client service excellence.
The satisfaction surveys will be delivered through the Law League online portal, and will enable firms to benchmark themselves against fellow member firms and others nationwide.
The mystery shopping will involve eight samples each year, both telephone and walk-in, and is being delivered through the professional services division of Shopper Anonymous, who will also provide one to one feedback and in-practice training to support their findings.
Launching the Mark, chief executive John Thomas said “Our firms are always focussed on delivering excellence, but we recognise that in the new world it’s not enough simply to be an excellent legal adviser. How you look after clients is what makes a difference, and this Mark of Excellence will give firms the tools to focus on that internally.
“It’s not just lip service to client care, or badging something without substance, this is solid. It’s backed up by ISO 9001 and involves ongoing training, measurement and benchmarking. The audit systems are already in place and proven; this will be a simple add-on for firms that will drive real benefits.”
Firms with an established client service charter of their own, which is at least equivalent, can ask to have their own system accredited, but will be required to undertake the compulsory mystery shopping and online surveying.
LawNet board member Mark Hovell of Manchester’s George Davies added: “I think the Mark of Excellence gives LawNet firms a real opportunity to listen and learn from their clients and to steal a march on their competitors.”
At Lamb Brooks LLP, managing partner Ann Davies said: “This strategy for the future is just what we wanted to hear. I think the Mark of Excellence is a fantastic move, which is going to help all of the firms within LawNet to stand up to challenges facing the legal profession.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 65 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
About Law League:
Law League was established in 2010 and is the UK’s leading benchmarking organisation for law firms. In 2013 we will host and analyse over 1.5 million individual questions.
Law League provides law firms with online surveys to monitor how they are viewed by their clients and staff. Uniquely, survey results are anonymously benchmarked. So, not only can a firm monitor its relationships with clients and staff, but it can see how well it is faring against its peer group across the UK.
Results are displayed in easy to view graphics which can be used to improve client retention, develop new business or attract and retain a motivated, efficient workforce all of which lead to increased profitability.
About Shopper Anonymous:
Shopper Anonymous are experts at offering the professional sector feedback through their extensive mystery shopping programmes. The company have franchised across the UK and have highly trained teams of mystery shoppers who have the ability to behave like a normal customer. The mystery shoppers then conduct a series of visits with tailored scenarios to all departments within the legal firm. The feedback is the most comprehensive in the mystery shopping sector. The franchisees are also highly skilled and trained at delivering quality training solutions as an outcome of the mystery shopping results to their legal customers. The company’s mystery shopping products measure the presentation of the office and staff, the customer service skills of the team and the sales skills of the legal expert. Shopper Anonymous is responsible for benchmarking the services standards of the Lawnet members through an on-going and extensive mystery shopping programme. The company has more than 18 years of experience working in the legal sector throughout Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Independents focus on putting clients first
Download photographs of the winners from Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lawnet/sets/72157632578411694/
Clients came out on top in this year’s LawNet awards, with the winning firms all showcasing strategies that put the customer first.
And the law firm network says it shows the step-change in the sector that’s being led by the mid-size independents that make up its membership.
The winner of Law Firm of the Year went to Manchester’s George Davies Solicitors LLP and Managing Partner of the Year was Kim Carr of Midlands firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, who has led the firm since 2008.
According to John Thomas, chief executive of LawNet: “George Davies stood out this year, with a range of initiatives tailored to improve service for their clients, combined with robust internal processes to keep employees on track with the business plan. The firm is delivering real results with a number of high profile cases and a real presence in the legal rankings, all backed up by strong financial performance. They’re forging their own opportunities and this is a firm that is going places.”
Speaking of managing partner winner Kim Carr, FBC Manby Bowdler senior partner Niall Blackie said: “Kim has been instrumental in the firm’s continued growth. She is an inspirational and accomplished leader and we are fortunate to have her directing our business.” Mrs Carr’s award follows hard on the heels of recognition in the most recent Legal 500 for the 35 partner firm, and “One To Watch” in the 2012 Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For survey.
Young Lawyer of the Year winner was Emma Atkins of Denison Till. Less than 2 years post-qualification she is already handling complex and high level cases in her area of specialisation. She has also taken the lead in the firm’s online and social media activity.
Best Business Development or Marketing Initiative went to Grindeys LLP, who recognised the importance of the role they play in their local community and set about developing a platform to bring together their pro-bono, charitable and fundraising activities, which has raised their profile and attracted new contracts.
Best website went to Ashton KCJ, winning for content development and site navigation that is focused firmly on the client and their needs.
The award for Excellence in Risk Management and Compliance went to Vanderpump & Sykes Solicitors, for initiatives designed to embed a compliance culture in the firm, including long term compliance planning, comprehensive firm-wide training programmesand risk registers.
And Matthew Arnold & Baldwin won the Commitment to Client Care award, for a range of initiatives that range from secondments and flexible pricing models, to relationship partners and free in-house legal surgeries and training for clients.
Added LawNet’s John Thomas: “The aim of these annual awards is to get to the heart of what makes a LawNet firm, with an innovative attitude that’s underpinned by a commitment to excellence and strong risk management. Every submission this year demonstrated how firms recognise the importance of creating meaningful client interactions, and that’s going to be a game changer in the years to come. ”
This year’s winners were:
2012 LawNet Law Firm of the Year award, sponsored by Voicepath.
George Davies Solicitors LLP
Managing Partner of the Year, sponsored by SSG Legal.
Kim Carr, FBC Manby Bowdler LLP
Young Lawyer of the Year, sponsored by Wilkinson Read & Partners
Emma Atkins, Denison Till
Best Business Development or Marketing Initiative, sponsored by Sweet & Maxwell
Grindeys LLP
Best Website, sponsored by Conscious Solutions
Ashton KCJ
Commitment to Client Care sponsored by TikitTFB
Matthew Arnold & Baldwin
Excellence in Risk Management and Compliance sponsored by QBE European Operations
Vanderpump & Sykes Solicitors
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk Twitter : @magtay
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk Twitter: @helenhshaw
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
LawNet was established in 1989 to enable a collaborative, non-competing national network where independent law firms could access big firm resources and benefit from collective purchasing, shared knowledge, best practice and expertise.
All members share a commitment to excellence and must achieve and maintain LawNet’s own ISO.9001 standard and the associated Mark of Excellence in client service.
The combined income of the 65 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £15m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, practice development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Lincolnshire coach company on track to treble holiday turnover
Some coverage of this story: Midlands Business News: bit.ly/WPD6fW Lincolnshire Echo http://bit.ly/T4Ptk0
AC Williams Coaches continues to grow following take-over earlier this year, investing in new coaches and recruiting new staff as it prepares to launch expanded holiday programme
A Lincolnshire coach company is on track to treble its holiday sales following a successful take-over earlier this year.
Under the management of new owner, businessman Glen Pratt, A C Williams Coaches is already reaping the benefits of major investment and increased staffing during the year, with the announcement of more than £100,000 worth of new schools contracts won over the summer. Together with earlier wins, that’s helped boost the total increase in contract work this year to over 35%.
Now, the Ancaster-based company is launching a hugely expanded 2013 holiday and excursions programme, which is designed to secure a bigger chunk of this valuable market, with the company planning to triple the holiday division turnover in the next 12 months.
The company committed £10,000 of investment in the maintenance workshop to ensure the fleet runs at peak potential earlier this year, and has now invested a further £60,000 in new vehicles to cope with the increased demand.
And staff numbers have increased from 25 at the time of take-over to more than 30, with recruitment now underway for another full time marketing position at the Ancaster headquarters.
Owner and executive chairman Glen Pratt, said: “We are exceeding targets across the board and now our sights are set on taking a much bigger share of the local market for UK and European holidays. We’re offering three times as many holiday trips as last year, with many new destinations and many more departure dates and pick-up points.”
He added: “Now we’re on an extremely strong financial footing, we’re attracting many contract customers as well as being able to offer additional benefits to our holiday and day trip customers. That includes a 100% commitment to the brochure price, as I’m personally guaranteeing there will be no fuel or currency surcharges and no credit card charges. It’s a tough time at the moment for everyone, and we want to show how much we value our customers.”
ENDS
www.acwcoaches.co.uk
Media enquiries:
Please contact Maggie Taylor at Prima PR & Marketing:
Tel: 01400 251557 Mob: 0797 3767 602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Editor’s note:
Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Glen Pratt is currently a Partner with a London-based fund management company, where he is a UK portfolio manager. He joined Fidelity, the world’s biggest investment house, direct from Nottingham University where he read economics, becoming one of their youngest ever fund managers at 25, and was managing a £2bn portfolio of client funds by his early 30s.
A C Williams was established in Ancaster in 1953, as a motor engineer and agricultural machinery repair business. Its first contract was transporting three children from a local farm to Ancaster Primary School. Now the company transports over 600 children every day. It also runs many leisure trips and holidays for local people, travelling throughout the UK and Europe, as well as providing transport for local football teams, service personnel and academic institutions. A fleet of 22 buses, coaches and minibuses range from a 75-seater Sykliner double decker executive coach to specially modified vehicles which offer tables or wheelchair access.
Farming sector bites back at organised crime
Coverage of this story:
Midlands Business New: bit.ly/ObVvuH
National Farmer: 
(click the image to read full size)
The farming sector is hitting back at the wave of organised crime which is now estimated to be costing UK agriculture as much as £50million per year*.
With a recent survey by the NFU*2 suggesting that more than one third of farm businesses in the East of England suffered crime in the last year, with theft of farm machinery, tools and metal the common targets for organised criminals, more farms are demanding high tech security solutions, which are being adapted from commercial situations.
A recognised authority in security technology speaking on the trend has said it’s forcing security suppliers to think outside the box to manage the different threats found on the farm.
Neil Jackson, who has been involved in a number of advisory panels for the industry regulator, the British Security Association (BSIA), explained: “It’s a big challenge, but with the level of losses being suffered by the agricultural sector, the security industry has got to find the right solutions. Figures suggest that many crimes are going unreported, because farmers think the police do not have the resources, but having the right sort of system installed to an industry-standard means you’re guaranteed a police response.“
Some of the examples given include arable farmers C F Hardy in Lincolnshire. They are using a state of the art control system to combine security with production control. The control system incorporates intruder protection, cctv and heat detection. The cctv is remotely monitored by a 24-hour control room and together with infra red lighting, it gives the farm assured police call-out as the system complies with the BS8418 standard. As well as monitoring for intruders, the heat detectors in each of the eleven ambient stores are designed to trigger cctv cameras for visual verification by the control room if temperatures change.
Another sophisticated security solution has been designed to deliver both internal and external protection for Lincolnshire horticulture business R Fountain and Sons. With cctv cameras and remote monitoring, the system also includes infra red lighting together with an integrated intruder alarm and is protecting two solar fields as well as extensive glass houses on site. Integrated access control operates in all the areas, with live monitoring of doors to ensure they remain closed and keep out animals and pests, and temperatures inside glasshouses are also being continually monitored.
Neil Jackson, who is well known in the agri-sector through his work in the East of England as sales director of GB Security Group, added: “The system at Fountains is an example of what can be done if you stretch the boundaries. Here the extent of remote control and checks is being achieved by exploiting video receiving capabilities.”
Solutions are also being adapted for smaller farm security issues, such as false alarming due to vermin chewing cables, which has been overcome for Casswells Farmers in Donington. If an intruder enters the site, external infra red beams will detect movement and activate an ultra loud masterblaster siren. At the same time as the beam goes off and the blaster sounds, a cctv camera is activated, linked to a screen in the nearby farmhouse.
ENDS
*NFU Mutual annual Rural Crime Survey – figures published 2011 related to 2010 statistics and showed a cost of £49.6million.
*2 NFU survey amongst members – published June 2012
Media enquiries:
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
GB Security Group has a 30 year track record in security and fire protection, with customers ranging from multi-site food processing plants, commercial businesses, professional firms and schools through to retailers and housebuilders. Their portfolio delivers a complete range of security products and services, backed up with leading edge technical expertise, including:
- CCTV
- Fire Alarms
- Guarding Services
- Intruder Alarms
- Access Control
- Gates & Barriers
- CCTV Monitoring
- Integrated Systems
GB Security Group also operates its own specialist 24 hour remote monitoring centre. working to the highest achievable accreditation levels with NSI and SIA, and with a proven track record since 1993. All monitoring centre staff are SIA licensed for monitoring both private and public space and the company operates under the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS), the independently assessed quality standard for suppliers of private security services.
Peak performers scoop LawNet Challenge
A group of London lawyers has taken the LawNet Challenge title, after battling with torrential rain and mud to become the only team to complete this year’s punishing 28 mile course.
The Barker Gillette team, comprising partners Steven Barker and Qaiser Khanzada and office assistant Marc De Vera, completed the gruelling trek in the Shutlingsloe area of the Peak District in 11 hours and 40 minutes.
Over 70 walkers in 16 teams had started out, all drawn from LawNet member firms across the country, but only four walkers managed to complete the trek – the three remaining members of the team from Barker Gillette and LawNet organiser George Coombes.
Qaiser Khanzada said: “Our success was down to the excellent map reading skills of Steven Barker, who is a seasoned walker and really knows how to navigate. We also took tips from the local sheep, which were sheltering by the stone walls, and we tried to do the same when Singapore-style rain was combined with biting wind. But we are very pleased we made it – although very sore too.”
Each year leading law firm network LawNet arranges a Challenge event for its 67-strong membership of independent firms. Previous events have included the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and Striding Edge to Helvellyn.
It’s organised by George Coombes, LawNet’s Marketing & Services Manager, who said: “We thought it was bad luck last June when there was snowfall just a week before we tackled Snowdon. But the weather this weekend was even worse, with already wet ground becoming impossible as we were hit by downpours from lunchtime on. The field sections of the walk were like a bog, and the up and downhill sections gradually became a mud slide.”
One team of walkers found themselves five miles off track, and despite getting back on to the route, were forced to retire when they could not reach the final checkpoint in time. The conditions saw most people forced to give up about half way through and the winning Barker Gillette team lost two members at 26 miles, just a mile before the final check point, when Laura St-Gallay was injured and colleague Penny Bax stayed with her whilst help arrived.
The challenge is overseen by a support team of mountaineering experts, and support leader Stephen Evered said: “We saw a few who were really struggling around the third and fourth checkpoint, but who carried on regardless, which was surely a huge personal achievement for them. We also were impressed by the leadership of some of the team captains who maintained their group’s morale, even though some were really struggling.
LawNet chief executive John Thomas added: “It was great to see the determination and enthusiasm of all the members who took part in such tough conditions.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Press information:
Maggie Taylor, Prima PR & Marketing
Direct line: 01400 251557 Mobile: 0797 3767602 Email: maggie@primapr.co.uk
Helen Hamilton-Shaw, Director of Services, LawNet
Direct line: 01926 834622 Email: hhamilton-shaw@lawnet.co.uk
Notes to Editor:
About LawNet:
The combined income of the 67 firms comprising LawNet is currently in excess of £250m – equivalent to a UK Top 15 law firm – with members ranging from £2m to £20m turnover.
Independent research shows LawNet is most highly valued by members for delivering in six key areas – training, networking, PII, business development, marketing and compliance. It currently places some £1.2bn worth of PI cover alone for members each year, which helps stabilise premiums for firms.
Each year LawNet delivers over 40 CPD accredited learning events at venues throughout the UK, covering a wide range of technical legal updates, practice management and business development topics, including a leading-edge strategic leadership and management development programme. All the learning days are CPD accredited, many are provided as a free service within membership, and the member-defined programme ensures that topics tackle key issues affecting that particular area of practice.
All LawNet firms must achieve ISO 9001:2008 LawNet Quality Standard certification within two years of joining, and securing and maintaining that accreditation is a condition of membership. Through a unique agreement with the Law Society, firms can also secure and hold the Lexcel practice management standard and benefit from a simplified dual auditing process for the two marks, with the independent assessment delivered through LawNet.
Twitter: @LawNetUK
Blog: http://www.lawnet.co.uk/lawnet-blog
Sunshine and showers but the Show goes on
GO TO FLICKR click here FOR THE FULL PHOTOSTREAM FROM THIS YEAR’S SHOW.
The hottest day of summer was followed by a day of stormy showers, but that didn’t stop the visitors coming to this year’s Lincolnshire Show, the county’s big day out.
Early estimates put total visitor figures at almost 60,000, an “outstanding result” in the face of the changing weather conditions, according to organisers. A lively social media feed helped to boost visitor interest, with the Show recording a mammoth 4 million Twitter hits.
Organisers also reported trade stand bookings up 5% on 2011, as well as an increased number of livestock and equine competition entries, with many entrants travelling from across the UK to take part.
For Showground Director Jayne Southall, it was her first year leading the team. She said: “We’ve had a fantastic Show and it’s been wonderful to see everything come together. The biggest highlight for me was seeing the smiles on the faces of everyone visiting.”
She added: “We had a big boost to visitor numbers with the wonderful sunshine on day one, and although numbers were down on Thursday, the showers seemed to do little to dampen enthusiasm and we had a steady flow of visitors arriving throughout the morning.
“The Show has proved itself once again as a major visitor attraction which helps to bring Lincolnshire’s wider visitor and tourism story to a national audience.”
Each year the Show is a big earner for the county of Lincolnshire and it is estimated that every £1 spent at the Show generates £20 in the local economy and the Show provides a major boost for local hotels and B&Bs, creating demand for 18,400 overnight stays locally.
A new initiative for this year’s Show was the Trading in New Markets marquee. Designed to celebrate the successes of those Lincolnshire companies already trading nationally and internationally, its aim is to encourage other Lincolnshire businesses to open up new export markets and take their products to a wider audience. Amongst those visiting was a group of 30 Australian farmers on a UK fact-finding mission. Their group leader, former State Wool Manager Frank Jones, said: “The Lincolnshire show was a real highlight of our trip, with a huge crowd and brilliant sunshine.”
This year’s Sports Zone had top billing in the run up to the 2012 London Games, encouraging visitors to try their hand at a huge range of Olympic and Paralympic sports and a visit from cricketing legend Alec Stewart was a crowd-pleaser. Stewart visited the Show as part of his role as sports ambassador for Clydesdale Bank, one of the main sponsors of the Lincolnshire Show, and during his visit he gave a master class to some of the county’s young cricketers.
More than a thousand young people took part in the Schools Challenge, demonstrating their understanding of food, farming and agriculture. Winners were Wragby Primary School, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar in Alford, and St Lawrence School in Horncastle.
The Hugh Bourn special trophy for the best agricultural machinery stand went to Louth Tractors. Presenting the award Show President Lord Taylor of Holbeach, said: “The display represented all that is good in Lincolnshire farming, energy, enthusiasm and technology.”
He added: “I attend many Shows throughout the country, and I know that the general standard at Lincolnshire is extremely high. Touring the Food Court and seeing the quality of produce, shows how lucky we are to live in Lincolnshire.”
In the equine rings, a busy programme saw top level competition with enthusiasts travelling from as far as Taunton in Somerset and St. Albans in Hertfordshire to enter the wide variety of pony and horse classes. Both days gave Chief Equine Steward Peter Crafts a busy schedule. He said: “I am extremely pleased and all the classes had a fantastic turnout, to a very high standard .”
Philip Hilton, horse ring controller commented on the highlights saying: “Last year’s Horse of the Year Show winner Danielle Heath has had a fantastic show, winning both Champion Hack and The Hunter challenge class, and a particular highlight for me was Marie Girdham winning the ex Racehorse challenge. She is a local girl who took time off from nursing at Lincoln County Hospital to compete at the Show. She won her class and qualified for The Royal Windsor Show.”
In the livestock lines, John Davies, the judge for the Texel sheep, was very impressed with the standard of sheep at the Show, saying: “All the sheep showed excellent attributes.” Judges were also impressed in the cattle section. The Bull class on Thursday had one of the largest number of entries and judge of the Limousin group Mr Tippetts said: “The class this year was really good, the best I have seen for a long time.”
As well as the county’s finest animals on show, there was an exciting mix of rural and family attractions, including the best of Lincolnshire produce at the massive Select Lincolnshire and Tastes of Lincolnshire Food Court which saw a big turnout, for the tastings and demonstrations. Exhibitor Simon Jones of Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese won the best Food Court stand. He said: ‘’We are a family run business since 1917 and we sell only Lincolnshire produce. We’re Lincolnshire through and through, and still in shock to win overall.’’
For many businesses around the county the Lincolnshire Show gives them the chance to showcase their products and services. Printing business Systematic of Caistor attend the show every year and Paul Bingham from the company said: “The wet and windy weather meant that business was slow in the morning on the second day but overall this year’s Show has been absolutely phenomenal for us, with some firm enquiries from large companies.”
ENDS
@lincsshow
Media enquiries:
Karen Malpass at Lincolnshire Events Centre and Lincolnshire Agricultural Society
kmalpass@lincs-events.co.uk - 01522 585504
Maggie Taylor at Prima PR
maggie@primapr.co.uk – 01400 251557 / 0797 3767 602
Editor’s Note:
Lincolnshire Events Centre is a major national conferencing venue, home of the Lincolnshire Show and the groundbreaking EPIC project. Just outside the historic city of Lincoln, the Centre hosts events for 10 to 10,000 visitors on its 200 acre showground site and 3000 square metres of indoor exhibition and venue space.
Outdoor events include the flagship Lincolnshire Show, antiques fairs and horse trials, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. Under cover, there are exhibition halls and conferencing facilities, including the recently completed EPIC centre, the second largest purpose-designed showcase for environmental technologies in the UK, it enables event organisers to reduce, monitor and offset their carbon footprint.