WHAT HAS THRINGS BEEN UP TO IN 2019?
We’ve been involved in some great deals, among them: assisting the financing of significant retail developments in Bristol and the South West; securing investment for Stonewood Builders to develop 38 new homes in Wiltshire and; supporting the ever-evolving shared economy by closing a first round of funding for innovative ‘pay per stay’ insurer, Guardhog.
In terms of mergers and acquisitions (M&As), the buying of specialist packaging manufacturer Honeywood by top-20 South West growth company, Wasdell Group, was a standout corporate transaction for us.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS?
Career progression is something most people aspire to and it’s integral to Thrings’ success. We were therefore delighted to announce our largest ever round of promotions this autumn, adding three partners, a legal director, six associates and eight senior associates (a brand new role for the firm).
We actually received a double endorsement for our approach to recruitment, training, learning and development this year. Firstly from the AllAboutLaw Awards, where we’ve been shortlisted in six categories and, secondly, from our exceptional rankings in the Legal Cheek’s ‘Firms Most List’, which assesses the UK’s top firms from a trainee and junior lawyer perspective.
We came out particularly well for training opportunities, quality of work offered, peer support, partner approachability and work-life balance.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS LOOKING AHEAD INTO 2020?
Our relationships with key national and South West banks and lenders have been going from strength to strength. Thrings’ expert Banking, Finance and Secured Lending team will be building on that, with exciting collaborations already on the horizon.
We’ll be continuing our great work with the tech sector and fully embracing the world of blockchain and cryptoassets, swotting up as a firm to help our clients seize new opportunities (and mitigate the risks). We’re also looking forward to seeing TechSwindon, Switch on to Swindon’s new initiative, come to life, with our own Head of Commercial (and Tech), Kate Westbrook, doing her bit as part of the steering committee.
WHAT IS GOING TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN THE NEXT YEAR?
Blockchain! It’s not just about bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. The technology is going to shake up every sector, including our own. Smart contracts have arrived and we expect them to take off in a big way.
You can view Thrings’ interview in Business Leader’s Legal Directory feature, published in the December 2019 issue of the magazine.
