partner feature
Elliott Evans, Managing Partner, at Keith Evans and Company, Solicitors, which has its head office in Newport and branches in Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Monmouth, Tredegar and most recently Chepstow.
I believe 2012 will see some radical changes within the legal profession. New entrants, such as the supermarket brands, will move legal business into call centre -type business models with computer-based touch screen legal advice perhaps even opening ‘legal booths’ in shopping centres offering access to a lawyer - so much for client confidentiality! Some 45 per cent of the total legal profession in the UK is made up of small, sole practitioner or two partner firms. It’s those firms who will increasingly be under pressure from these ‘supermarket legal services’ developments and also the tightening of regulation and compliance as well as tougher competition from well run, leaner firms. Locally I predict that there will be some winners and also losers in terms of survival. I believe that there will be movement from smaller firms bolting onto larger firms to survive while others may well be forced to close. Meanwhile I see a move towards multi- discipline businesses being created offering legal, accountancy and financial advice all under the one roof- a one stop shop approach. Clearer upfront cost information will be needed as well as an increase in flexibility in terms of the services that are delivered
Paul Fosh, Managing Director of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions
The number one thing that I’d like to see happen in 2012 and which would make a world of difference to my business is seeing the banks lending more money. I’d also like to see the extension of free parking in Newport city, which has already proved to be a great success, and for there to be less red tape for small businesses allowing them to operate more flexibly which, in the long term, will lead to the creation more badly needed jobs.
Clare Morgan, marketing co-ordinator at Peter’s Foods
A great start to 2012 would be that food prices plateau or even better start to fall. Inflationary pressures are at the top of everyone’s agenda at present however we at Peter’s through some targeted promotional activity will continue to offer great value and quality to our loyal consumers.
Jason Smith, managing partner at Darwin Gray solicitors
The Welsh government should open an office in London to help attract inward investment. On the back of this they should look to encourage investment in a corporate bond market. Domestically I’d like to see investment in education and skills.
Gruff Dodd, Finance & Operations Director , UES
We are hoping the government will clarify the UK energy strategy particularly on nuclear and renewables next year. That clarification will help our clients avoid our current reliance on expensive imported oil and gas by creating our own cleaner, greener and potentially cheaper mix of energy sources in the future.
Gary Parker, MD of Parker & Co Accountants
I predict Europe will be in mild recession in 2012 but will be faced with financial meltdown if it fails to resolve its issues. The bank base rate will remain the same at half of one per cent, personal credit and mortgages will get easier but there will be a continued decline in town and city high streets. What I want to see happen is for bank base rates to remain unchanged, for banks to start lending more readily to businesses and for banks to stop making life very hard for my property clients. I want them to have a little time and patience. Instill some confidence in the economy and these clients will be able to stay in business and the banks will get their money. They seem to be far too ready to foreclose ending the business and forcing a loss on themselves which is very short sighted. As for us as a business we plan to grow by 25 per in the next year.
THEbusiness QUARTER 21
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