Nigel Knowles,
chair 2008 Awards
Practice Management Awards were first introduced by the MPF in 2002 to showcase the contribution of different disciplines (marketing, HR, technology, finance, facilities, KM etc) in managing a professional firm. Judging is the responsibility of a panel of 30 senior management consultants and experts based in the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. The quality of entries is incredibly high, conferring significant prestige on those associated with the competition.
The 2008 winners will be announced at the Awards dinner and ceremony on Wednesday 8 October 2008 at The Marriott, London.
View the judges’ citations in full for each category (over five years) by clicking on the specific award below
Best Managed Firm
Sponsored by: The Royal Bank of Scotland Group
For the firm that can demonstrate exceptional returns, strong growth and innovative strategies plus leadership in its chosen markets.
Best Client Initiative
Sponsored by: Acuigen
For a client initiative or joint venture that has allowed the firm to deliver memorable service. Evidence is required from clients of the perceived added value. Previously known as Best CRM Strategy
Best Management of Facilities
Sponsored by: Claremont Group Interiors
For a firm that has derived measurable business benefit from the use of its premises whether new or existing.
Best Financial Management
Sponsored by: Barclays
For a firm that has educated its partners in the importance of meeting tough targets for WIP, debtors, headcount and overheads, and can demonstrate exceptional progress against its financial KPIs.
Best HR Initiative
Sponsored by: Fox Rodney Search
For an HR initiative involving innovative people strategies that has created a committed, engaged and effective workforce, and improved financial results.
Best Management of Knowledge
Sponsored by: Practical Law Company
For a firm that has consistently embedded internal and external knowledge into its people and its service delivery, leading to commercial success and engaged people, without continuously re–inventing the wheel.
Best Learning Programme
Sponsored by: The Association of Legal Administrators
For a firm whose development programmes combine a clear analysis of training and education needs with innovative interventions focused on business success and personal learning.
Best Marketing Campaign
Best Marketing Campaign For a marketing campaign that is innovative, well articulated, clear in its aims and objectives – and has achieved high levels of commercial success.
Mould–breaking Initiative
For an innovative initiative that has delivered commercial value as well as making waves.
Best Management of Risk
Sponsored by: Prime Professions
For a firm that has identified significant threats in the current operating environment and developed robust, measurable and tangible plans to reduce commercial, financial and reputational risk.
Best Sustainability Reporting
Sponsored by: Business in the Community
For a firm that has made communicating its contribution to sustainability an integral part of the way that it does business. Previously known as Best Corporate Citizen
Best use of Technology
Sponsored by: ILTA (International Legal Technology Association)
For a firm that has used technology to create competitive advantage. Evidence will be required of effective uptake of the technology by employees.
New for 2008 – Best use of External Capital
Sponsored by: Noble
For a firm that has used external capital to gain competitive advantage. Evidence will be required from the investor(s) that they too have benefited from the relationship.
Exceptional Achievement
Sponsored by: The Managing Partners' Forum
For a firm that has made an outstanding contribution to the professions. Selection: Chairman of Judges and MPF Executive Director based on desk research and peer recommendations.
Winner 2007: CB Richard Ellis
MPF Members' Award for Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by: Financial Times
For an individual that has made a significant and sustained improvement to the leadership and management of one or more professional firms, whether as managing partner or external consultant. Selection: The MPF Council based on desk research and peer recommendations.
Winner 2007: Tony Angel, Linklaters
Best Brand in Practice
For a firm that can demonstrate that its brand values are distinct, relevant to clients and are being delivered consistently. Selection: Highest ranked firm in the MPF/Brand Finance Global 250 Annual Brand Report 2008.
Winner 2007: Shoosmiths
New for 2008 – Best Professional Firm to Work For
For a firm that can demonstrate that its employees believe it to be a great workplace. Selection: Highest ranked firms by size in the MPF Best UK Professional Firm to Work.