Professionals: Financial planning firm marks milestone; Law firms celebrate awards success

LEEDS-based Kirk Newsholme Financial Planning is celebrating its tenth anniversary this month.

The firm, based at Thorpe Park, has grown in size to its current team of five during this time and is on the hunt for a sixth member of staff.

Director Peter Blinkhorn looks back at how things have changed in the industry over this period and how the firm has moved forward.

He said: “10 years ago, if we wanted to find the best investment solutions we would have to set up different plans with different companies. People would often find themselves with a collection of different pensions and investments that they could not easily follow and if they wanted to invest in a different company’s funds they would have to start the process again. Today we can hold all of a client’s pensions, ISAs and other investments in one place while being able to invest in any company of our choosing. We can obtain valuations in an instant, build an investment strategy across different products and importantly our clients can follow their investments online 24/7.

“Costs have also come down dramatically in the industry in the last 10 years through a mixture of improved efficiency using technology, the removal of commission from the pension and investment products we advise on and increased competition.”

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RESIDENTIAL conveyancing at Sheffield’s Taylor&Emmet was named the best in the region at the Yorkshire Legal Awards.

The firm won the residential property category at the annual celebration of legal excellence.

Taylor&Emmet was one of three solicitors shortlisted for the award by a cross-industry panel of judges, after demonstrating its significant impact on the conveyancing sector, dedication to clients and contribution to the community. Finalists were then mystery shopped to determine a winner.
 
John Outram, head of residential property at Taylor&Emmet, said: “Considering the huge number of conveyancing firms in Yorkshire, this is a fantastic achievement and reflects our entire team’s contribution and hard work. It proves everyone plays a part in making a good impression on clients and that handling an enquiry quickly, efficiently and with a friendly manner can be the difference between success and failure.”

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BLACKS SOLICITORS also triumphed at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, taking home the accolade for Best Law Firm (11 – 30 partners).

The judging panel, which included Sue Harris, deputy president of the Leeds Law Society and Judge Geoffrey Kamil, presented the award to Blacks in recognition of the firm’s continued growth, its range of experience across a variety of sectors, and its commitment to training initiatives and CSR.

This is the second time in four years that Blacks has won the accolade of Best Law firm, and has previously also received awards for Residential Property and Managing Partner of the Year.

Chris Allen, managing partner at Blacks Solicitors, said: “It’s truly an honour to even be shortlisted for Best Law Firm and to win it just shows that the hard work and commitment from the whole team is paying off.

“We wouldn’t be where we are without our loyal clients and dedicated, hard-working team, so this is for all of them.”