A Welsh law firm has secured £10,000 of funding from the Welsh Government to aid the development of its employees and the future growth of the firm.
Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, was awarded the funding from the Welsh Government’s Workforce Development Programme, after demonstrating how the firm’s growth is intrinsically linked to the development of its workforce.
The money will be used to fund CPD courses to allow the firm’s 40 employees to stay at the forefront of their profession and individual area of expertise, as well as continue to meet the requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
As part of the funding, Watkins & Gunn will have access to an external workforce development advisor who will also help the firm identify any additional training development needs outside of the legal sphere.
Managing Partner Clive Thomas said: “With the legal services market undergoing substantial change, it is essential that our staff stay at the forefront of the profession so that we can provide our clients with the most accurate, up-to-date and informed advice.
“Our mission is to constantly exceed our clients’ expectations. We realise that this can only be achieved with a culture of continuous improvement within the firm. We therefore encourage our team to excel in all areas and, consequently, place a great deal of importance on developing and nurturing our talented workforce. We’re delighted to have secured this vital funding which will allow our team to continue to deliver an exceptional service to our clients.”
To aid future growth plans, which include the launch of a UK-wide eCommerce platform called Gateway2Law, the company has strengthened and expanded its administration team by appointing two new receptionists.
Clara Frost, 22, a fluent Welsh speaker from Ceredigion, joins the Cardiff office whilst Danielle Jameson, 20, from Cwmbran, joins the Pontypool office.
Clive continued: “Over the course of the next twelve months, we plan to increase our headcount. Clara and Danielle are the first of these new employees. Without the support of a strong administration team, our lawyers would be lost so Clara and Danielle play an extremely important role within the firm. Furthermore, as a Welsh speaker, Clara will be a huge asset to our Cardiff office as we have a strong Welsh speaking client base in the Llandaff and Pontcanna areas.”
Led by partners Clive Thomas, Sophie Hughes, Jonathan Wellington and Sarah Williams, Watkins & Gunn Solicitors offer a wide range of legal services including Accident Claims, Medical Negligence, Wills and Probate, Employment Law, Business Law, Divorce and Family Law, Childcare Law, Criminal Law, Road Traffic Law and Property.