Record award short listing for Welsh solicitors firm

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors has topped off a successful two months by being shortlisted for its fourth award in eight weeks.

The firm that has offices in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypool has been recognised for creating a happy, healthy and skilled workforce as a finalist in the People Development category of the Business in the Community (BITC) Wales Impact Awards, part of the Awards for Excellence 2012.

Sponsored by Wales & West Utilities, the Awards are a prestigious annual showcase of the best of responsible business in action.

Now in their 15th year, the Awards highlight the best examples of the positive impact businesses are having in the environment, amongst their employees, through their supply chains and in the local communities where they operate.

Waktins & Gunn is one of three finalists in the People Development category as a business making a difference by nurturing the talent and skills of its 40 strong team.

Simon Harris, Director Wales, Business in the Community, said “I congratulate all the companies who have made it through to the shortlist for Business in the Community’s Wales Impact Awards.  This year, we have seen a great quality of entries from companies in Wales which tells me that businesses in Wales are working hard to incorporate responsible business in all they do and benefiting their business and society.”

This award comes after an outstanding few months for Watkins & Gunn which has seen the firm and its staff pick up and be short listed for a number of prestigious awards and accreditations. The personal injury team of the firm was crowned Legal Services Team of the Year (1-10 partners) beating off competition from around the UK at the Claims Innovation Awards. Practice Manager Vivienne Vermeire won an ‘Extra Mile’ award from Newport City Council, Managing Partner Clive Thomas was shortlisted for a Institute of Directors award, while Lindsay Taylor, a solicitor in the family team at Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, was a finalist for the 10th anniversary Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) awards.

Managing Partner Clive Thomas said: “The firm has gone from strength to strength over the past few years despite the tough financial climate.

“We have worked extremely hard to create a culture of continuous improvement in the firm with our aim of constantly ‘exceeding our client’s expectations’. In doing this, we have placed a great deal of importance on developing and nurturing our talented workforce so that they can continue to deliver an exceptional service to our clients. I am very proud of my team for rising to the challenge, despite an increasing competitive legal market. We have had a successful start to 2012 and going forward we fully intend building upon our success.”

The winners will be announced at Wales Awards for Excellence gala dinner at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff.