Shoosmiths is a leading law firm with a network of offices across the UK. In 2020, it signed up to become one of the four main sponsors of the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards (MKBAA), joining at a pivotal point in the awards’ history.
The awards, which started in 2014, have steadily grown in stature to become the region’s most prestigious ceremony, recognising the achievements of companies large and small.
With one of its main offices based in Milton Keynes, being a headline sponsor for a second year demonstrates Shoosmiths’ commitment to the local business community, especially after the last 18 months.
The over-arching theme of this year’s awards is ‘MK – Leading the UK’s Green Recovery – Survive, Revive & Thrive’ and Shoosmiths is leading by example with its ESG aspiration to be the leading law firm in the UK, famous for its positive contribution to society. Its ESG programme covers four main themes: Community, Environment, Marketplace and Workplace. The firm aims to create lasting partnerships within the local community, demonstrate high standards of environmental responsibility, work collaboratively in the marketplace and to listen to and act on the views of its own staff to promote work-life balance and equality of opportunity.
Here, Robin Webb, Partner and Head of Shoosmiths’ Milton Keynes office, talks about what sponsoring MKBAA means to the company.
This is the second year that Shoosmiths has been a headline sponsor for MKBAA, what benefits does the company see from sponsorship?
The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards play a vital role in spotlighting the region’s most innovative, impactful and ambitious companies. It isn’t just about businesses though, with recognition also for charities and entrepreneurs.
As a full-service law firm, active in the local market, Shoosmiths is proud to help champion the region and its organisations through its partnership with the awards.
How important is it for Shoosmiths to support the local business community?
Shoosmiths believes in the success of the Milton Keynes business community, which is home to major brands, but also thriving small businesses, specialising in new technologies and services. That’s one of the reasons why we have expanded our office and team here – ensuring we can continue to provide quality legal services to the area’s firms, but also utilising Milton Keynes as a strategic base when supporting our clients nationally.
What are you looking forward to most about MKBAA 2022?
We’re looking forward to joining others in recognising the achievements of local businesses and enterprises during what have been unprecedented times. It’s all about coming together and hearing the many good news stories, while celebrating Milton Keynes and its communities.
The awards are also an opportunity to pay homage to the firms, or other organisations, which are delivering a real impact in the local community and more widely. Whether that be through job creation, technological innovation or environmental initiatives.
What do you think of this year’s overall theme for MKBAA?
The region’s businesses have shown resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important that this is recognised and celebrated, along with how businesses are returning to their growth trajectories after a challenging 18 months.
Milton Keynes has an opportunity to be at the forefront of the green economy. It’s therefore critical that businesses continue to develop practices that reduce carbon emissions and raise environmental awareness. Efforts in this area should be praised and encouraged.
What would you say to companies thinking of attending this year?
Get involved. The Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards are a chance for companies to reflect on their successes, but also look to the future. Shoosmiths is proud to be part of the awards and is committed to both supporting and contributing to the business community’s long-term success.
Nicholas Mann, Chair of Milton Keynes Business Leaders Partnership (MKBLP) and co-organiser of MKBAA, added:
“After such a tough year for many businesses it really is fantastic to have Shoosmiths on board again for its second year as a headline sponsor of the Milton Keynes Business Achievements Awards. The firm’s continued commitment to the local business community should be applauded. Without our four headline sponsors the awards simply couldn’t go ahead and we wouldn’t be able to celebrate the achievements of the many businesses in and around Milton Keynes that continue to shine.”
To find out more about the final few remaining sponsorship opportunities with the Milton Keynes Business Achievement Awards, visit www.mkbaa.co.uk and follow
@MK_BAA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and join the discussion on LinkedIn
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Find out more about Shoosmiths.
Partner and Head of Shoosmiths
Milton Keynes
