Finding new forms of practice is essential for any law firm and Lincolnshire firm Wilkin Chapman, which developed during the booming fish and food trade in the 1950s has rapidly developed its corporate and commercial law work.
The firm represented major local seafood businesses like Ross Group and Bird’s Eye, but has expanded into new areas and created new opportunities for its business law group.
Russell Eke, partner and head of Corporate and Commercial, has spent nearly two decades at the firm.
“It is a lot more demanding and a lot more challenging, but also in a good sense because clients expect more and demand more,” he said.
“It raises everybody’s game and it means there is little or no room for complacency.”
In the 1950s, work like business acquisitions and mergers were the ‘bread and butter’ staple work of the department.
However, it was finding ‘add-ons’ to its services that really helped it expand.
“What we have found in the past 10 years, is if we are looking for something to give us the edge over and above our competitors both in Grimsby, Lincoln and more recently, in Beverley, we have got to look at those extras,” Mr Eke added.
Intellectual property is one of those ‘add-ons’.
The firm deals with increasing numbers of people who realise their business ventures aren’t protected from being copied or infringed.
Michael Squirrell, senior solicitor in the Corporate Law department, said: “There are some very well established businesses which haven’t thought about it in the past, but have realised if they get a trademark then that is an asset for them.
“Or, people have general enquiries about how they can protect their brand and their intellectual property.”
Read more: http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Going-extra-mile-firm-ahead-competition/story-26581360-detail/story.html#ixzz3d1gzKg3x
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