14 focus on winchester Winchester: a very special place Peter Taylor, managing partner, reflects on the first six months of Paris Smith’s office in Winchester
I had the pleasure of sitting in one of the many wonderful hostelries in Winchester. While quietly supping a glass of wine and watching the people of Winchester going about their lives, it gave me a moment to reflect on the six months since Paris Smith opened its office building in the heart of the city in Parchment Street.
Winchester is undoubtedly a very special place. What makes it so is its vibrancy derived from the blend of tremendous history, the wonderful mix of businesses, many of which are in close proximity to the centre of the city, the people and their recognition of the strength of the brand of 'the City of Winchester', culture and arts, and perhaps above all, a real sense of community.
I spent much of my childhood in a rural town in West Devon where one could wander around the shops, be greeted by shopkeepers who recalled your last visit to them, and showed a real interest in one’s wellbeing. That is no doubt reflective of many communities up and down the land. However to see and more importantly feel it in a city of the stature of Winchester is not only refreshing but energising.
The sense of community and togetherness was palpable on a Friday in April. At 9 am on April 15, a jewellery shop in Winchester was the subject of an armed robbery (all be it that it appears that the weapon was imitation but that was not known to the staff in the shop at the time). Fortunately
three people were quickly arrested and the jewellery recovered. The reactions I witnessed were shock that such an incident could happen in Winchester but more importantly the immediate concern for the wellbeing of those who were going about their lawful business in the shop. This demonstrates a real sense of togetherness.
Owning and running a business in Winchester is both a privilege and pleasure. The atmosphere of the city inspires all within Paris Smith to want to deliver great service and to be part of the life of the city, whether it be supporting the arts at the Theatre Royal, the city’s Christmas celebrations, a founding partner of the Hampshire Cultural Trust, engagement with the Winchester committee of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the Winchester BID and sponsorship of the award for New Business of the Year at the Winchester Business Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony on June 3 will be a night of celebration of business within Winchester. Being part of the judging panel enables me to see the breadth of talent and innovation within the city which bodes for an exciting future both in the short and longer term.
Paris Smith’s purpose is to enable success for its clients and contacts, through the legal skills and network it has developed over its 198 years of history. Culture, values and beliefs are at the heart of the firm. The firm enjoys interacting and working
with individuals and businesses which share the same values and approach to life founded on trust, respect and professionalism. There is a wise saying: “Integrity is always doing the right thing even when nobody else is looking,” and that is key to Paris Smith’s approach. We are passionate about adding value and enabling success not only to our clients in and close to Winchester, but also to our clients across the central south of England and beyond. Long-term relationships are important to us. It is by creating deep and meaningful connections that we can best understand what success looks like to clients, what challenges they face and how we can enable them, through positive and cost-effective solutions to attain their goals and dreams.
We are proud, happy and indeed excited to be part of the business community of Winchester and extend our thanks to those new friends we have made in the city and who have made us feel so at home. The school report can read – “A great first six months“.
Details Winchester: 01962-679777 Southampton: 023-8048-2482
www.parissmith.co.uk
Winchester is undoubtedly a very special place. What makes it so is its vibrancy derived from the blend of tremendous history, the wonderful mix of businesses many of which are in close proximity to the centre of the City
Paris Smith’s purpose is to enable success for its clients and contacts, through the skills and network it has developed over its 198 years of history
Paris Smith's office at 9 Parchment Street, Winchester
www.businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH COAST – MAY 2016
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