St Paul’s Square practice which employs 100 people scoops top accolade at the City of Liverpool Business Awards 2017 ceremony held at the Palm House in Sefton Park . Tony McDonough reports

 

Fast-growing law firm MSB Solicitors was named Business of the Year at the City of Liverpool Business Awards 2017.

Beaming managing partner Paul Bibby said the accolade was a recognition that a progressive approach towards its own people, and to clients, can go hand-in-hand with financial success.

Third time’s a charm

Held at the Palm House in Sefton Park, the City of Liverpool Business Awards are organised by Downtown in Business and are now in their 13th year.

Click here for the full list of City of Liverpool Business Awards winners

It was not the first time MSB had won an award at the event. The firm, based at St Paul’s Square in the city centre, has previously been named both Legal Firm of the Year and Employer of the Year.

Upward trajectory

In the past couple of weeks, MSB has revealed record-breaking financial results with annual revenues soaring 16% to smash through the £5m barrier for the first time.

The news came just a few months after it relocated its head office from Silkhouse Court to 4 St Paul’s Square. The firm also has offices in Allerton and Wavertree.

MSB also grew its team by almost a third in 2016 and has further made a series of strategic and high level appointments this year. 

The firm now employs more than 100 staff and consultants across its three offices.

It has also established a reputation for being one of the most progressive professional firms in the UK.

Its 14-strong team of partners has a 50/50 gender split, almost unheard of in law firms, and more than 80% if its employees are women.

Positive environment

Paul Bibby said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our team right now and this award clearly demonstrates that if you deal with people in the right way, both internally and externally, then their response will be overwhelmingly positive.

“There are many many law firms, both regionally and nationally, that are doing well financially – but at what cost?

“We don’t want good people burning themselves out or leaving because they are treated badly or their workloads are not sustainable.

 

“At MSB, we do things differently. People here work hard – you can’t have success without that – but they also know they are both supported and valued as people.

“We are proud to have created an environment where our staff support and promote each other – both in their personal and professional endeavours. Some members of our team have experienced challenges over the years and people at MSB have always rallied around – its incredible to see – but not surprising. This firm is like a family.”

Wide expertise

MSB has enjoyed notable successes across the different areas of the law in which it operates.

Late last year it was named the number one firm for criminal work in Liverpool in the Legal 500 and its recently expanded plot sales team has an impressive portfolio of high-profile developments across the North West.

It is also one of just 40 firms in the UK to have bee appointed to the International Child Abduction and Contact Panel by the Official Solicitors Office, having significantly grown its expertise in the field of international child abduction.

Open and honest

Paul Bibby added: “Our team demonstrates excellence, expertise and compassion across the board – treating clients first and foremost as people.

“We find that personal approach is appreciated by our clients.

“Our strategy with everyone who walks through the door is to be honest, open and transparent and its why they keep coming back.

“And, in turn, I adopt a similar approach with my team here. Your people are your biggest asset, look after them well and in turn you’ll have passionate and committed brand ambassadors who will be part of your growth, development and future successes.”