Shakespeare Martineau goes for the gold standard

BIRMINGHAM law firm Shakespeare Martineau is hoping to bask in the limelight of Britain’s Olympic heroes after unveiling hockey gold medal-winner Alex Danson as a new ambassador.

Through her role, Ms Danson will work with the firm to inspire and motivate its clients and employees and teach them how to apply the same sporting principles that took her and her teammates to gold medal winning status, to achieve their own sporting or professional successes.

The law firm isn’t the only one to have been impressed by the team’s tactics, England rugby coach Eddie Jones is also looking to see what he can learn and pass on to his own Grand Slam winners.

The partnership between Ms Danson and Shakespeare Martineau follows the launch of the firm’s health and wellness programme, Walk to the Gold Coast Challenge, through which staff are being challenged to embark on a number of team-based activities designed to promote a healthier workforce.  

Staff have been issued with a step-monitoring Fitbit activity tracker in order to measure the success of various challenges that are being introduced over the next 18 months.

The programme will conclude with a final challenge, which will see teams attempt to walk 20,000 miles – the equivalent distance to the destination of the Commonwealth Games’ 2018 in Australia – and back again.  
 
Joanna Thornell, Client and Markets Director at Shakespeare Martineau, said: “We’re thrilled to announce Alex as ambassador for the firm. When you look at the tenacity, dedication and shared vision that is commonplace throughout her team, it’s clear to see why they were so successful and it’s hard not to be inspired by that.   
 
“Alex’s meticulous approach to training, game-planning, mental preparation and, of course, teamwork, is something that everyone can learn from, both employees and clients. Meeting Alex and listening to her advice will hopefully inspire our people as they work towards surpassing their own ambitions, be it achieving their sporting or career goals.”
 
Ms Danson said: “Everything Shakespeare Martineau is doing to encourage employee engagement through its wellbeing programme is fantastic, and I can’t wait to work with the firm through my role as ambassador. I’m a huge advocate for businesses participating in sport. It puts everybody on a level playing field, regardless of age, skills, position or department.

“Getting outside of the usual working environment can do wonders to allow the people who are driving that business forward to let off steam, express themselves and bond with other team members. I hope my involvement and encouragement helps to spur them on both on and off the playing field.”
 
The law firm is the Official Legal Partner for Commonwealth Games England.