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legal focus 17 Breaking into Basingstoke


With an impressive history spanning over 50 years, six offices across Hampshire, and representation from a bright blue owl, one of the Solent’s most well-known law firms is breaking new ground by opening its seventh office in the heart of Basingstoke


In a time of consolidation, down-sizing and acquisition, it is unusual to find an independent law firm investing in physical expansion at the rate Eric Robinson Solicitors has done over the past three years.


Catherine Maxfield ... now the firm is


making its debut in the Thames Valley ...


Having firmly established itself in the city and surrounds of Southampton, the first offices to be opened in 2014 as part of its expansion plans were in Winchester and coincided with the firm’s golden anniversary celebrations. Last year, Eric Robinson Solicitors announced its arrival in the town of Lymington in The New Forest and now the firm is making its debut in the Thames Valley region with new offices located on the outside of Festival Place in Basingstoke.


‘We pride ourselves on innovation, originality and having established an identity that


stands out from the crowd ...'


"Each office has been chosen after suggestion, thorough investigation, discussion and a programme of due diligence," explains managing partner, Catherine Maxfield. "We have a long-term strategy and, though we give each office the freedom to adapt to different environments, communities and audiences, there is one overarching theme – being available for the client."


In an era of professional service firms merging to further geographical reach, Maxfield refused to endanger the integrity and trust Eric Robinson Solicitors has built over the past five decades by risking the dilution of the firm’s ethos.


"We pride ourselves on innovation, originality and having established an identity that stands out from the crowd. Some people see it as a more courageous path, but I am not sure we could have achieved all we have to date if we were negotiating with or thinking about appealing to other law firms."


‘Basingstoke has a thriving community of business owners and entrepreneurs that needs support ...'


At this point, there has to be mention of a certain bright blue owl that has become a well-recognised and much loved character around Eric Robinson Solicitors’ existing offices.


"That would be Eric," says Maxfield with a smile and glint in her eye. "It all started when we were looking for something fun to send to clients and give out at events during our golden anniversary. We saw some hand-sized, owl-shaped foam models that we could have in gold and, since the owl has always been a sign of wisdom and knowledge, we thought it was a good fit for a law firm. We had absolutely no idea they would be such a hit with the public."


Basingstoke office:


21, Chelsea House Basingstoke RG21 7BE


"The owls gained incredible momentum over the year, so we evolved the idea into a full-time ambassador –‘Eric the Owl’. Eric has his own website, erictheowl. co.uk , ‘Top Tips’, and makes appearances, both in person and in advertising campaigns, to highlight the role that regional, independent firms still play in the legal profession. He even has his own membership scheme, ‘Ask Eric’, which offers free legal advice and is proving very popular."


So what else will Eric Robinson Solicitors be bringing to Basingstoke?


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH COAST – JUNE 2016 businessmag.co.uk


The firm is pioneering its first ‘seven day opening’ in the town so people can meet with staff to discuss legal matters in person on any day that suits them.


"Whilst it is important to embrace modern technology and the many advantages the digital world offers in terms of efficiency and communication, the feedback we receive constantly reinforces the value our clients place on personal interaction and relationships,"says Thomas Hunt, head of employment and immigration and the partner responsible for the firm’s Basingstoke office. "Our ambition with seven day opening is to combine the expectations and convenience of the modern world with those who still appreciate a personal, traditional service."


The desire to provide the same people-orientated service across all legal disciplines is also evident in Eric Robinson Solicitors’ approach to its commercial clients.


"At a time when many are chasing the largest corporations, we take pride in supporting a wide range of SME businesses that often need guidance, reassurance and a helping hand," says Hunt. "Basingstoke has a thriving community of business owners and entrepreneurs that needs support from companies that can demonstrate empathy and understanding for what they are trying to achieve."


"With an impressive track record for innovation, a clear focus on client needs and, as the firm’s logo states, the mission to ‘make law make sense’, there can be no doubt Eric Robinson Solicitors is set to be a great asset to the business community in the town and region of Basingstoke."


Details: thomas.hunt@ericrobinson.co.uk www.ericrobinson.co.uk


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