Member Article

Lawyers lend support for small firms at IFB 2014

Leading figures from the UK’s legal community have teamed up to offer SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs free expert commercial advice at the International Festival for Business (IFB 2014).

Coordinated by The Law Society, professionals from some of the country’s most successful law firms, including DWF, Brabners, DLA Piper and Pannone, will be part of a free consultation service, based at the IFB Hub at No.1 Mann Island.

More than 30 legal experts from across the North are taking part in the scheme, which launched this week, to lend their time to provide support and free advice over the next two weeks.

Advice will be provided on a range of areas, including commercial law, acquisitions, landlord and tenant matters, company restructuring, insolvency, pensions and property.

Julie Simms, Real Estate partner at DWF and chair of the IFB Professional and Financial Services committee, said: “For many small businesses, gaining access to the right advice can often be a challenge. Legal guidance is crucial for any sized business, but when resources are limited, it can feel like a daunting prospect.

“This initiative looks to break down any apprehensions that start-ups and entrepreneurs may have about reaching out for support. The International Festival for Business has lined-up some of the country’s leading experts to be on hand, and it’s a real must for any professional looking for support to help their business.

“DWF is delighted to be supporting the free legal consultation scheme and looks forward to our sessions at the IFB Hub.”

The sessions will be held at the IFB Hub, which is the central gathering point for the festival.

The IFB Hub has reported a significantly strong take-up of events, contract negotiation meetings and engagement with exhibitors in its first four weeks.

Spread over two floors of the No1 Mann Island at Liverpool’s Pier Head, it has acted as a magnet for visitors to the city engaged with the various events under the IFB2014 umbrella.

More than 200 events have been held in the IFB Hub so far which have ranged from small 10 person private functions to conferences for over 200 people.

The IFB free legal consultations will last until Thursday 17th July having been launched during the IFB 2014’s Knowledge, Professional and Financial Services themed week of events.

Taking place at venues across the Liverpool City Region, the programme included The Business of Health, UK Property Forum, 5th International Banking and Finance Forum, UK Business Angels Investment Summit and Leading Across Cultures.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .