FEATURE: LEGAL SERVICES
Celebrating three decades of Portcullis
Having flown under the radar for the best part of three decades in Plymouth, Portcullis Legals celebrated its 30th anniversary recently with a celebratory thank you lunch at the Duke of Cornwall. Former colleagues, professional
partners, family and friends attended to mark a significant landmark date for the firm, and to help launch the sponsorship of the St Luke’s Hospice Open Gardens partnership, where Portcullis have been selected as the Specialist Provider of Powers of Attorney, Probate, Trusts and Wills for the next three years for the flagship St Luke’s event. Managing Director and founder
It is clear that Portcullis listen to
their customers and adapt their business model accordingly. Trevor recently won the prestigious IPW UK Will writer of the Year, which was voted by his peers across the country. The firm has also won two Herald Business Awards and three national awards including an Innovation and Excellence Award in the estate planning sector. Trevor added:
‘The past two to three years have been a bit of a whirlwind period for the firm’
“I think it’s recognition that we are completely focused upon the customer service experience, while being the most
highly qualified firm in our sector in the region. I have always wanted us to be
Trevor Worth said: “The past two to three years have been a bit of a whirlwind period for the firm. Having made the decision to try and raise our profile in 2016 and to launch our first innovative retail law store at Plymstock, it feels a little like it did at the start all those years ago. The energy and drive we have in the business again to serve our clients in the best way possible is embedded within our business strategy.”
seen as experts in one area rather than trying to offer all things to all people.” One of the firm’s proudest
achievements, according to Trevor, is how many solicitors have actually engaged Portcullis to prepare their wills and estate planning rather than through their own solicitor practice. Trevor believes this is down to the fact that Portcullis are seen as better qualified than most general solicitors, with the full STEP accreditation demonstrating their expertise to a global audience.
The firm is also well known for its
work in helping many local charities and for the mentoring Trevor provides to young entrepreneurs at Exeter University, Plymouth University and City College. “Our philosophy is we are part of the local community and none of us are here for a long time, so let’s try and be a positive centre of influence to help people up the ladder, rather than just being concerned about profit. Doing good while doing business is a fundamental part of our DNA” he reflected. On the exact date of the 30th anniversary, Trevor was in Dublin
Sir Richard Branson and Trevor Worth, founder of Portcullis
having dinner in the company of Sir Richard Branson, and a couple of comments the Virgin Boss made have resonated and prompted Portcullis to look beyond the South West. “We do have some significant
development plans in the pipeline to develop the brand and with some national key strategic partners on board, so I guess it’s watch this space! It will be a huge challenge to grow the brand out from our Plymouth base, but we are aiming high and if Sir Richard tells you to go for it, that’s good enough for me,” Trevor commented.
Specialist support for The Prince’s Trust
Womble Bond Dickinson and youth charity The Prince's Trust have organised legal clinics to support young entrepreneurs looking to set up and grow their business. The aim of the legal clinics was to deliver insightful and tailored
workshops to support small and emerging businesses in understanding key legal issues, and ensuring entrepreneurs are well equipped to respond to the challenges they will be faced with as business leaders. The legal clinics follow the success of Womble Bond Dickinson's Lunchbox Learning sessions hosted last year in aid of The Prince's Trust, where the same entrepreneurs had received guidance on GDPR, leases and contract clauses, ensuring they receive comprehensive legal advice and continued support from the firm. This year's sessions took place at the end March, with plans to roll out
the scheme in more Womble Bond Dickinson offices. Jonathan Bower, Partner and Head of CSR in Womble Bond Dickinson's
Bristol office, said: “Following the very positive response we had last year on our Lunchbox Learning sessions, we wanted to continue supporting The Prince’s Trust and their young entrepreneurs by providing tailored, relevant and clear legal guidance in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our team was very pleased to participate in the event and we were impressed by those who attended; they already had a good idea of what they needed to
18 Chamber Profile May/June 2018
have in place and asked very pertinent questions. “We recognise that fund raising is not
always the main focus to support charities and as business professionals, we have an important skill set which we want to share with young people and entrepreneurs to help them progress and succeed.” Dan Phillips, Volunteering and
‘We wanted to continue
supporting The
Prince’s Trust and their young
Secondments Manager at The Prince’s Trust added: “Fostering entrepreneurship among young people in the UK is a vital part of what we do at The Prince’s Trust. Opportunities to gain knowledge and expertise, such as those provided by the legal clinics, are hugely important to the development of successful future businesses. We are grateful to be able to work with experts such as Womble Bond Dickinson to support young entrepreneurs develop the range of skills needed, and prepare them for the world of self-employment.”
entrepreneurs’ Visit:
www.womblebonddickinson.com/uk
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