For the third year running, the title sponsor of the Stroud Life Business Awards is WSP Solicitors, one of Gloucestershire's leading firms of solicitors with offices in Stroud, Dursley and Nailsworth.
MANAGING partner Peter Mardon believes that, as WSP is integral to the local business community, it is fitting that they support the awards and encourage entrepreneurs, innovation, growth and best practice in the area.
"We are lucky that, in the Stroud valleys, businesses are starting, being resilient and growing all the time, whatever the economic climate.
"We support them at every stage, with everything from employment law to contracts and commercial property to dispute resolution and debt recovery.
"The Stroud Life Business Awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise their fantastic business achievements" said Peter.
"Our business services cover everything from your initial business set up to eventual sale or succession.
"We have dedicated company and commercial experts who have successfully completed a range of transactions for small family businesses to large international organisations.
"Our commercial teams can help you exploit opportunities, safeguard your business future or resolve a dispute.
"They help with strategies to acquire and manage property and we understand the need for common sense advice within tight time frames. Together with our employment and dispute teams we are able to provide straightforward practical advice when it is needed".
WSP has a long tradition of providing high quality pragmatic legal advice, having been born from the merger of three firms each with more than 150 years' experience.
Throughout this time it has been providing sound support for businesses that is unparalleled, as partner John Penley said: "We are modern, practical and solution driven but with local experience and expertise and that is second to none."
WSP partner and head of the Family Law team Judi Bonham explained: "We are committed to remaining a key employer in the area, presently employing nearly 80 staff with extensive knowledge and a wealth of experience.
"We encourage all our staff to achieve their potential through training and personal development.
"With the majority of our staff being women we were thrilled to be recognised with the Women in the Workplace Award at the Gloucestershire Women in Business Awards this year.
"It's not all about business – businesses are run by people and our services for individuals help people make informed decisions.
"If you are moving home we can provide an efficient, informative and friendly service. We can also help with all aspects of matrimonial and family law.
"Our experienced team provides constructive advice on the various methods of dispute resolution, including the collaborative process and mediation, to find the best solution for you.
"Making a Will is something people tend to either not think about or put off, but it's so important.
"Our Private Client team can advise on inheritance tax planning, assist with the administration or winding up of an estate, prepare a trust or power of attorney, or help if you have concerns about a loved one's will."
WSP partner Catherine Green said: "It is important for us to have a sense of pride in our community and above all, we care about our clients as people.
"We support local businesses with our free business briefings, local schools benefit from work experience placements in our offices and we support local charities with a variety of activities.
"Sponsoring the Stroud Life Business Awards is another way of supporting our clients and our community."