focus on M27 & southampton 23 Golden year already exceeding expectation
With a new website, innovative services, increasing staff, office expansion and an addition to the firm’s partnership, the golden anniversary year of Southampton law firm Eric Robinson Solicitors is shaping up to surpass all expectation – and it’s only half way through
Managing partner Catherine Maxfield promised that Eric Robinson Solicitors was going to be putting its foot firmly on the accelerator pedal for growth in 2014 and it is already clear that this was far from wishful thinking.
After unveiling a new website and visual identity at the start of the year, the firm has been pursuing a strategic plan that was born from a programme of consolidation and analysis.
“We took stock of what we offered as a firm, evaluated the best performing areas and then discussed what more we could offer businesses, organisations and individuals,“ she explained. “Some ideas were exciting and ambitious, others unique and ground- breaking and designed to fill a perceived gap in the market.“
After investigation and targeted market research, the firm started to employ niche specialists to develop new offerings in addition to its well-established, traditional services. Examples include the
In May, Eric Robinson Solicitors opened its sixth branch in the SO postcode, in the historic city of Winchester, and also announced a new partner, Emily Taylor, who first entered the doors of the firm 15 years ago, keen to get work experience to support her desire for a career in the legal profession. Now, aged just 31, her determination, hard work and success has seen her become one of the firm’s youngest-ever partners, making an equal gender split in the partnership of three men and three women.
The Eric Robinson partnership (from left): Geoffrey Onoufriou (senior partner), Jennie Swaby, Paul Sams, Emily Taylor, Catherine Maxfield (managing partner), and David Lawrence
firm’s new ’environmental & business regulation’ department, development of a commercial immigration service, and expansion of its client sectors. For example, being in Hampshire and in close proximity to a wide range of rural enterprises, the firm is nurturing its reputation for work in the agricultural sector.
15 more companies sign up to fitted-out OVIC
A fit-out programme at Southampton’s thriving five-storey Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC) has taken place after the first and second floors became fully occupied within just three years of conversion from open plan to partitioned offices.
Due to demand, a further 42 offices have been created, ranging in size from 14 sq m to 93 sq m; and15 companies have signed up for space. Work by Southampton- based Hampshire Interiors includes the provision of break-out areas and hire meeting rooms with audio-visual facilities.
Stephen Brownlie, senior centre manager for OVIC and the Portsmouth Technopole, commented: “We’re experiencing strong demand, with 15
businesses moving in since the second phase was completed and a further three companies looking to lay down roots here. With two converted floors occupied, it made strong commercial sense to divide up the remaining three into flexible office space. With the installation of 72 offices, we have 63% occupancy.
“OVIC is creating job opportunities related to innovation, research and development in knowledge- based industries, and the occupiers currently employ 100 people between them.“
OVIC and the Portsmouth Technopole at the other end of the M27, are operated by Oxford Innovation.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – JULY/AUGUST 2014
Eric Robinson Solicitors also made the decision to become Champions of Business South, to help promote business and enterprise in the region. “Reaching the milestone of 50 years in business, we felt we had a contribution to make and could provide useful support.“
“We are truly delighted Emily has decided to get involved in the management of the firm,“ said Maxfield. “Over the years she has shown real dedication and loyalty, and we hope this opportunity will reflect our appreciation for all her effort and hard work.“
Details:
023-8022-6891
enquiries@ericrobinson.co.uk www.ericrobinson.co.uk
Hellier Langston opens new doors in Southampton
South coast agent Hellier Langston has opened a new Southampton office to meet increasing demand for its services along the M27 corridor.
The firm, which has its head office in Fareham, has also appointed two new directors to lead its expansion into the Southampton market. Jason Webb and Matthew Poplett have extensive experience in the south coast commercial property sector and join Hellier Langston from JLL’s Southampton office.
Hellier Langston’s new office is based at Enterprise House in Ocean Village, an area popular with many of the city’s professional services firms.
Poplett has specialised in advising on industrial and warehouse
properties across the south coast for the past eighteen years, working for Chesterton, King Sturge and Vail Williams.
Webb started his career at the Southampton Valuation Office and has spent more than fifteen years with south coast-based firms, specialising in office agency as well as development and investment consultancy in the commercial and residential sectors.
Director Derek Hellier commented: “Hellier Langston celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and the opening of our new Southampton venture and the addition of two key figures from the south coast property market to our executive team, reflect the degree to which we have grown and developed as experts in all areas of commercial property in the region.“
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