Momentum is everything at Franklins Solicitors LLP, where 2024 saw an office move, continued growth, another successful fundraising campaign, further community involvement and – at the heart of it all – the same strong focus on the services the firm provides for clients.
And 2025 looks to be just as exciting, as the teams in the firm’s offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton look to build on the market presence and reputation that saw Franklins Solicitors take home the Legal Firm of the Year trophy at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards in November.
The following month, guests were invited to the official opening of the firm’s new flagship office at Ashton House on Silbury Boulevard in Milton Keynes – a move the partners described as showcasing the firm’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Speaking at the grand opening, Managing Partner Simon Long, said:
“We are absolutely delighted with our new office at Ashton House and proud to show our guests around the new space. This represents an exciting new chapter for Franklins, one that reflects our growth and our ongoing commitment to providing outstanding legal services.”
Simon and fellow partners Andrea Smith, Lee Holmes and Scott Wright have all been at the firm for more than 20 years, and over that time they have ensured continued investment in the Senior Management Team, many of whom have also been with Franklins Solicitors for many years.
Putting employees front and centre is how the partners see themselves achieving their vision for long-term growth and continued excellence, empowering individuals to drive the business forward and to work together to create a culture that sees the benefits of joined-up thinking and interdepartmental collaboration.
Lee Holmes
said:
“We have invested heavily in our new office, a much more modern and pleasant environment in which to work, and with an open-plan layout that creates more opportunities for employees to get to know one another outside of their own departments.
“The modern design and prime location make it the ideal setting for us to continue building strong relationships with our clients and to continue growing our talented team alongside our established Northampton offices.”
The teams work across a breadth of services for clients in the business and commercial sector as well as on a private basis in areas such as Family Law, Conveyancing, and Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning.
Business specialisms include:
- Company Law
- Employment Law
- Acquisitions and Disposals
- Contract Law
- Commercial Property
- Dispute Resolution
- Intellectual Property
- Share Schemes
- Legal Outsourcing
- Insolvency
Scott Wright said:
“Our employees are at the heart of the firm, and we work hard to empower them in their roles, which has been well-received by the team, strengthened relationships and improved cross-referrals between departments.”
Part of the community
Franklins is well known for its community support, which includes sponsorship of MK Lightning, the MK Ice Hockey team and the Amazing Northampton Run. The firm also established MK and Northants Food Reach in collaboration with His Church Charity. This is an ongoing campaign that encourages businesses to raise vital funds for local food banks.
Franklins Solicitors’ community involvement, however, is probably best known through its massively successful Franklins £50 Challenge, which sees the firm hand a £50 donation to local businesses and then encourages them to turn that £50 into as much money as possible through fundraising schemes. This year’s challenge will benefit 12 charities across Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire and, hopefully, achieve a final total that outstrips last year’s fantastic efforts, which raised more than £35,000.
Teams are still being encouraged to sign up for this year’s challenge, which begins on February 24. Those interested can scan the QR code at the bottom of this page to find out how to sign up.
Andrea Smith said:
“The campaign has grown tremendously year on year, and we’ve seen so many innovative fundraising ideas from boxing matches and retro 80s nights to fancy dress races and abseiling.
“It’s all part of our aim, not just to offer the legal services our clients expect, but to be part of the community in which we, and they, operate. And we think that is something that’s important in attracting and nurturing new talent; creating a firm where people are happy to work and take pride in what they do. We’ve started to offer more apprenticeships, both inside and outside of legal training, and have formed a relationship with the University of Northampton that has seen us take part in their recruitment fairs, with our trainees giving students an insight into working in the legal sector.
“Engaging with talent at an early stage, and then developing and nurturing that talent, is vital. The Legal Firm of the Year win at the end of last year reflects our team’s passion, hard work and dedication to clients, as well as our commitment to creating a supportive work environment.
“We believe investing in our clients and employees is key to excellence and growth, and we’re excited to keep building on the firm’s strong foundation and continue growing from strength to strength.”
Find out more about Franklins Solicitors LLP here or to find out more about the Franklins £50 Challenge and sign up follow the link here.
