30 law south east
Hedges Law offers small businesses the personal touch
It’s not just individuals who can benefit from a friendly, straightforward approach to legal matters. Hedges Law is building an enviable reputation among small business owners in the Thames Valley and beyond thanks to its focus on providing expert advice coupled with exceptional client care. Bea Longworth reports
You might expect a law firm founded at the time of the French Revolution to be a little set in its ways, but Hedges Law has its sights firmly on the future. Under the guidance of its dynamic management team, led by Professional Women In Business Award 2013 winner Nicola Poole, the past two years has seen the firm increase its turnover from £1.4 million to £2m.
'We’re a small business ourselves so we know it can often feel like you’re trying to keep multiple plates spinning at once'
These impressive results are due in no small part to the firm’s willingness to embrace change, explains Hedges Law director David Engwell. “In January 2013 we took the bold step of opening a new office in Oxford to complement our established Wallingford practice. I joined the firm shortly afterwards to set up Hedges’ business services department. Although we still provide a wide range of services to individuals through both offices, our offering is now enriched by an outstanding company and commercial team based primarily in Oxford.”
With a staff of 32 lawyers and support staff, Hedges prides itself on being small but perfectly formed. Small business owners represent one of its fastest- growing client bases and Engwell believes that’s because the firm truly understands the needs of owner managers.
“Of course our clients can expect the very highest levels of legal expertise, but what sets us apart is our commitment to forging client relationships based on empathy and trust. We’re a small business ourselves so we know it can often feel like you’re trying to keep multiple plates spinning at once. That first- hand knowledge lets us add a lot of value for small business owners because we can anticipate their pain points and tailor our service to relieving them.
“For example, we’ve structured our company and commercial team as a single entity because this helps us get to know what makes our clients’ businesses tick. The better my feel for what clients are trying to achieve, the better I can advise them. I find going out to see clients at their premises incredibly valuable. Nothing helps me understand how I can make a difference to their business like that personal contact.
“In many ways, the underlying needs of small business owners are very similar to those of our private clients,” added Engwell. “They’re in a stressful situation they’ve rarely or never encountered before, faced with what can seem like a dauntingly complex legal system. They need expert, tailored advice delivered in language they understand. Nobody
www.businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – MARCH 2014 David Engwell
wants to have to consult a lawyer, but when it becomes necessary this kind of supportive approach makes a tangible, positive difference. I’m proud to say it’s what gains us so much repeat business from existing clients and new business through recommendations.”
With its sights set on growing turnover to £2.5m in 2014, Hedges Law embodies the spirit of optimism that’s making a welcome return amongst the Thames Valley business community. As Engwell says, people are sick and tired of being sick and tired. “Recovery won’t happen on its own – we have to make it happen and courageous small businesses are in the vanguard. Times have been very tough but that’s forced companies to really think about how they do business and innovate to thrive. Hedges is no exception. Our constant efforts to improve how legal services are provided and make life easier for our clients are what makes us different.”
The commoditisation of their services is an issue all legal firms face. For Engwell, competing on price alone is not the answer. “When money is scarce, everyone thinks more carefully about how they spend it and that can drive a shift towards quality, not price, as the most important factor in buying decisions. This trend presents an opportunity for firms like Hedges that are able to differentiate themselves by offering genuine value. The fact that we’ve continued to grow and succeed in a recession is proof of that.
“I find working with small owner-managed businesses is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work,” Engwell concluded. “I get a real buzz from seeing first hand how the support they get from Hedges helps them achieve their goals. For me, the best compliment is when clients think of me as a trusted adviser first and a lawyer second.”
• Nicola Poole was the winner of the Women in Business awards last year, run by The Business Magazine and sponsored by Barclays, Blake Lapthorn and Deloitte.
Details: 01865-594265
www.hedgeslaw.co.uk
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