law 33
Legal centre of excellence in the Thames Valley
As Blake Lapthorn and Morgan Cole combine, Mike Wilson, regional senior partner at newly merged law firm Blake Morgan, reflects on the firm’s developing presence in the Thames Valley
Why did Blake Lapthorn and Morgan Cole choose each other as merger partners?
We have chosen one another carefully to ensure compatibility in terms of culture and ethos as well as heritage. As Blake Morgan and now as one of the largest firms in the region we are immensely proud to join forces.
We also enjoy a very good geographical fit. The new firm will be a dominant presence from South Wales, along the Thames Valley and southern England, right through to London. I would also emphasise that local connections form a very important part of our mix not just in the Thames Valley, but in the other regions in which we operate. Both firms are embedded in their local business communities, and are also fully committed to public service.
As we all know, the business world is changing rapidly. What provision is Blake Morgan making to be ready for future changes?
Undoubtedly the business world has become more complex and certain sectors have grown in importance, including our own, the legal sector, where there has been – and continues to be – major consolidation. These days, clients are often looking for a full range of services under one roof. As such, the merger will bring a broad range of legal skills together and will reinforce the depth of services we can offer.
To expand on this point, in a highly competitive business world it’s more important than ever before to be well connected. Our offices in the Thames Valley can benefit from the skills of those in southern England, London and Wales, and vice versa – it’s never going to be one- way traffic from London outwards. To take just once example, we are working closely with our healthcare colleagues in Wales to exploit our shared expertise. Our offices
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JULY/AUGUST 2014
are not arranged in a hierarchy: we expect each to be a centre of excellence.
What would you say are the principal areas of practice for you locally?
First of all I would say our growing banking and finance practices in Reading and Oxford: these two cities are really becoming regional hubs and we are now the largest firm in Oxford. We’re excited about taking on the most challenging work the region has to offer, which is becoming more internationally focused year on year.
Our corporate, intellectual property, healthcare and public sector teams are also very strong. For instance, we are extremely well placed to serve the needs of the burgeoning technology market along the Thames Valley. Together, we have many of the leading lawyers in these fields of practice – and many others – in the region.
I must also say that the more traditional client sectors – for example private client, landed estates, property, and charities – remain very much at the heart of our firm and are very important to us.
As well as your new branding, what will make Blake Morgan different and how will clients benefit?
Day-to-day it will feel very much business as usual for our clients. For existing clients, their points of contact within the firm will remain the same. That said, the merger provides real opportunities to offer enhanced breadth and depth of service. In addition, shared services and infrastructure for the firm will enhance efficiencies and support competitive pricing.
All in all, we offer a compelling combination of a modern outlook with longstanding roots in the regions we serve, and we have ambitious plans for the future.
About these longstanding local connections you mention for both firms – with clients based right across The Thames Valley, from Reading through Oxford to the Cotswolds – what is the history of these firms?
Morgan Cole traces its local lineage through brothers Maurice and Raymond Buxton Cole, who established their Oxford office in 1945. The firm expanded to become one of the pre-eminent Thames Valley firms by the 1980s, with a Reading office opening in 1987.
Blake Lapthorn, meanwhile, merged with Linnells – a leading Oxfordshire firm for more than 90 years – in 2003. Since then, we have furthered Linnells’ legacy of advising businesses, charities and private clients alike.
'We’re excited about taking on the most challenging work the region has to offer, which is becoming more internationally focused year on year.'
Blake Morgan is one of the dominant full-service legal providers across the south of England and Wales with 120 partners and over 900 staff and operates from seven locations: Reading, Oxford, London, Southampton, Portsmouth, Cardiff, and Swansea.
Details: MIKE WILSON 01865-248607
mike.wilson@blakemorgan.co.uk www.blakemorgan.co.uk
www.businessmag.co.uk
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