Mould breaking firm

For the firm that has created innovative approaches to doing business that have improved its commercial prospects as well as breaking the mould.

2006 WINNER

Gavin Hughes of The Lawyer with Carl Williams of BDO Stoy Hayward

BDO Stoy Hayward has successfully challenged the accepted thinking that only the big four are appropriate for FTSE 350 work, playing a leading role in promoting an agenda for structural change in the profession. Sustained investment in its values led approach is yielding results, illustrated by market leading growth and it being the only accountancy firm to feature on the Sunday Times Top 100 list as well as being the Accountancy Age employer of the year for the last two years.

BDO Stoy Hayward is breaking the mould by succeeding in providing a real alternative to the big four as a rounded client and employer brand without seeking to become a "me-too" member of an enlarged big five.

RUNNER UP

Addleshaw Goddard has created the Client Development Centre to improve the commercial acumen of in-house counsel. Whilst other firms focus on providing legal technical training, Addleshaw Goddard's CDC builds on research commissioned by the firm that illustrated the need for in-house counsel to improve their commercial skills and credibility. In particular the firm has been innovative in the development of a business simulation training module, the creation of a tool which demonstrates the commercial value-added of the in-house function and by offering leadership development and coaching skills training to in-house counsel.

The CDC is a sustained investment in redefining the relationship between a law firm and in-house counsel.

3RD PLACE

Withy King is addressing the challenges of differentiation and new competition in the private client market with fresh thinking and imagination in the creation of Complete, offering an integrated range of private client services from a high street shop environment. In particular, Withy King breaks the mould by offering the chance, through a franchise model, for other lawyers to join forces with them to collectively raise standards and resist the challenge of low-cost entrants into the market.

Further evidence of successful implementation across the range of private client services will make Complete a strong contender in this category in future years.

OTHER SHORTLISTED FIRMS

2006 SPONSOR

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