As a partner we would like to wish both teams a great game!

Fantastic evening out!

On a recent family trip to London to do all the tourist stuff you never get round to doing… we had a look around Buck House. In the Queens back yard, a sort of cream tea marquee has been erected. Everything was £4. Strawberries, Tea, Coffee, Apple Juice, all £4. I was sort of expecting my tea to come in white china with the gilt edging, but what we got were paper cups. But I really liked them.

In order to take advantage or even compete in this new marketplace law firms should take action in a number of areas, finance, strategic partnerships, Law Society quality accreditation and especially the marketing of their business. Consolidation into multi-disciplinary partnerships with accountants, insurers, independent financial advisors and developers is very serious business model that may well prove effective in the new market.

This multi-disciplinary unit must persuade clients that there is nothing to fear in going to a solicitor’s office. A quality service, experienced and knowledgeable, warm and friendly personnel must be projected by the organisation as a whole, by its culture and by its brand. Its external image developed properly can present size, quality, experience and in time recognition through exposure in the correct and appropriate media channels; PR, advertising, alliances, networking and word of mouth.

All businesses are different even in the law sector and it is vitally important to have an effective brand that distinguishes you from the ever increasing competition that the act will encourage. If you have not already done so, law firms should take a look at refreshing their partnerships, legal services offer, branding and communications.

When planning activity a sound framework to work within is essential, yet still be flexible enough to evolve the plan to meet changing business circumstances and be able to react as specific opportunities present themselves.

The recommended approach is to schedule activity on a regular basis taking into account feedback from the previous period. It is also important that this activity is sustained via a constant and consistent approach that ensures longevity. Short term fixes do not work.

The starting point will be the refinement of the brand with strong corporate positioning. This will help to build a clearer and more modern identity for external audiences that will enable the business to compete at a new level. The key messages conveyed by the branding should position the firm in the market and raise the profile of the organisation across the key audiences and be tailored to suit specific audiences.

Messages should be consistent with the vision and goals of the business whilst reflecting the needs of individual clients. The aim is to generate positive interest in the business and to develop relationships with the target audience via the creative and sustainable marketing of messages – knowledge and expertise – friendly with a focus on communication – strong experience with excellent credentials – a responsive and experienced team that is available when needed.

Finally delivery, on the promise created, is essential.