A 15-year milestone sees corporate law specialist BHW at the forefront of service excellence.
With nearly 70 employees, three offices and steadfast organic growth even through a recession, the Leicestershire-based firm has come a long way from the home dining room office initially launched by Managing Partner Nick Bridle in 2003.
Today the firm is a major player across the East Midlands, providing top quality legal, commercial and strategic advice to all types and sizes of businesses, from small start-ups to household names.
Previously a corporate partner in a large Leicester firm, Nick was keen to launch his own unique brand of practice and was soon joined by Julie White who was previously a Partner in a highly regarded regional firm. Their partnership quickly blossomed and Nick and Julie’s consistent yardstick of close attention to detail, putting clients first and forging sound, long-term relationships, has been key to success, alongside an ethos of continuity through the training and progression of employees within the firm.
Some of the team at BHW Solicitors (Image: Leicester Mercury)
Proof of success is that BHW’s earliest clients remain with the firm and four of the current nine partners were originally trainees. The first of these, Ed Nurse, is now Finance Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial.
“I have been lucky enough to be a part of BHW’s journey from very early on. We have always had the drive to advance our staff and this is fundamental to the future success of our firm,” explained Ed.
“This ensures our clients receive consistently high service standards from all of our legal teams. Our clients appreciate this and that is why so many have been with us for many years.”
An initial staff of two rapidly grew within six months and BHW moved into the first office premises at Narborough Wood with a team of eight. In 2007 they were on the move again, with 20 staff, to prime premises at Grove Court, among the first occupants of the new Grove Business Park. By 2010 they had extended through to the building next door.
Core practice areas at BHW are Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution and Employment. Other specialist areas include Aerospace, Agriculture, Contentious Probate, Crowdfunding and Secured Lending, Information Technology and Pension Scheme Property.
Over the years, demand from corporate clients for BHW to conduct their own personal residential conveyancing services led to the development of BHW Residential and later, BHW New Build, which together have rapidly become the largest conveyancing divisions in the East Midlands. The success of the new divisions led to the establishment of a Grove Park office at Smith Way in 2016, where the commercial departments are now based.
Sarah Newcombe, Partner and Head of Residential Property said: “Our success is built on being the most pro-active firm in the chain. We are investing heavily in the personnel, infrastructure and technology within our Residential and New Build divisions to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective service for our conveyancing clients.”
Among many accolades, BHW Solicitors is a UK Top 200 firm in the prestigious Legal 500 guide for Corporate/Commercial and Commercial Property work. BHW is also one of only two firms in the East Midlands top-ranked by Chambers and Partners for Corporate/Commercial work in the private company sector, as well as the only top-ranked solicitors in the East Midlands for Agricultural Law.
Having applied for Lexcel accreditation in 2012, the independently assessed quality mark for procedure and practice by The Law Society, BHW gained approval within three months, with no non-conformities found in the first assessment. The firm’s own compliance and risk management protocols are now intrinsic to their daily working.
The firm has earned a renowned reputation for exemplary standards of expertise and service. Customer feedback highlights exceptional performance, with 97% of clients confirming they would use BHW again.
Expansion continues apace. In April two Associates, Paul Davis and Eleanor Rattay were promoted to Partners in the firm and by September this year staff numbers are expected to reach 70, with appointments at all levels.
Nick Bridle, Managing Partner, said: “BHW’s mission has always been the same – to be the best law firm in the East Midlands.”
“We have always believed the key to our success is simple – looking after our clients better than anyone else. We believe that our client commitment and relentless attention to detail are what set us apart.”
“We are proud to act for every one of our clients and to play a part in their success.”