We usually share legal updates. However, this month, we bring you exciting news about our recent awards and activities…

When choosing a solicitor, ideally, you want one that stands out from the rest.

So we’re delighted to announce that we won two awards at the recent Powys Business Awards – the People Development Award and overall winner of Powys Business of the Year. It’s an honour to be recognised for the hard work we do and the support we offer our employees.

The annual awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), and attracted a record number of entries this year.

Here are ten of the team, in all our finery, flanked by the event hosts…

People Development Award

The People Development Award was sponsored by Grŵp Colegau NPTC Group of Colleges and was granted in recognition of our investment in local talent and building a future-focused team rooted in community values.

We were nominated for this award by Jordan Lewis, who started here as an apprentice and recently qualified as a solicitor. You can read her story here.

She said: “The firm’s commitment to developing individuals at all levels has not only shaped my career path but is actively creating a pipeline of future solicitors and legal professionals. 

“I’ve seen first-hand how their investment in training and development is driving both personal and commercial success. They’ve recognised that to grow the business, they need to grow their people.”

Business of the Year Award

The Business of the Year award was sponsored by Powys County Council who said it was: “A brilliant achievement for a standout local firm”.

Ed Coomber, representing the awards judging panel, said: “Harrisons Solicitors is testament that Powys has long been a great place to start, nurture and grow your business. Their commitment to developing individuals at all levels is actively creating a pipeline of future talent that will serve the community for decades to come. 

“The firm has served the region for 185 years and is a deserving ambassador to carry the flag for Powys.”

Read the full announcement

Our experience

We had a lovely time at the awards ceremony. It was hosted at The Hafren in Newtown, and started with a drinks reception which was followed by a delicious three-course meal prepared by college staff and students from the hospitality course. The opening address was by Jake Berriman, Councillor for Llandrindod North Council Leader and Cabinet Member for People, Performance and Partnerships Powys County Council.

Sarah Robinson, our Deputy Head of Dispute Resolution and Team Leader on Contentious Probate and Court of Protection matters said: “It was a fabulous night and an amazing achievement for Harrisons Solicitors LLP. So blessed and lucky to work with such an inspiring, caring and beautiful bunch!”

Anne Smith, our managing partner, said: “It’s a wonderful award and we feel privileged to have won it. I’m delighted for our people because we couldn’t be where we are without them.

“The award will help us to publicise the work we do and the people we develop so that talent can stay in Powys and doesn’t need to go elsewhere to find good, technical jobs that serve the community. Most of our employees are from within the community and know the people they serve.”

Other things we’ve been up to

Anne, Charlotte & Lowri recently gave a presentation at the Mid-Wales Manufacturing Group as part of their HR Update event. 

Our aim was to help employers prepare for the Employment Rights Bill, which will bring the most significant shift to employment rights in years, and affect issues such as:

Attendee, Becky Williams, commented on Facebook to say: “It was a very informative event. Thank you to all the speakers and to you for organising, it is much appreciated.”

In September, we were highly commended in the Best-Dressed Window Display as part of the 1940s Welshpool weekend. Congratulations go to Nerys Evans for her hard work on this. She always puts in a wonderful amount of effort into making our windows look good!

She said: “I’m so grateful to receive this recognition. I always try to create something special in our windows whenever Welshpool hosts an event, and it means a lot to know it’s appreciated. Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic day!”

And finally… back in August, we had a display tent at the Llanfair Caereinion Show, which was a fantastic event and marked the end of this year’s summer shows.

As you can tell, it’s been a busy time, but our focus remains on providing personal and commercial legal advice in Welsh or English to the people and businesses of Mid-Wales.