North West festive focus: Ed Foulkes, Clarke Willmott LLP

As the North West’s business leaders tie the bow on a frenetic year and prepare for a hard-earned festive break, Bdaily North West has asked movers and shakers in the region to give their verdict on 2016 and tell us their hopes and fears for the new year ahead.

Up today is Ed Foulkes, a partner in the Manchester-based corporate team at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, who gives us his views on the last 12 months and reveals what goodies he’s hoping to find under his tree.

What are you most proud of achieving in 2016?

It’s been a busy year in terms of transactions and they’re all rewarding in their own way. Probably the highlight was the disposal of cyber-security firm Pentest to Secarma. It was a challenging deal to work on and I felt that we really demonstrated our specialist skills as advisors to clients in the technology sector.

Which was your busiest month, and why?

The busiest single month was June 2016, in which we completed five deals. That might have been due to the impending referendum but I think it was just coincidence. Clearly other people were busy too, as we had a lot of calls from recruitment consultants that month.

What are your thoughts on Brexit so far?

At the moment there’s something of a phoney war. The real effects are likely to be seen in 18 to 36 months’ time. I don’t think many in the professional community saw the referendum result coming and there were some very sharp intakes of breath on the morning of June 24th. So far (and against my expectations) business has continued pretty much as normal and there’s been no discernible drop-off in business. As I say, that may happen when we near the end of the Article 50 notice period.

What are you most looking forward to in 2017?

A holiday.

What will be your biggest obstacle next year?

One of the biggest issues we (and other firms) face is recruitment. I don’t think our profession has too many lawyers but there is an argument that there are too many law firms at present. It wouldn’t surprise me to see more law firm mergers in the next 12 months.

What’s the outlook like for your sector over the next 12 months?

Probably more of the same. One should never be complacent but my view is that the old rules still hold firm – give a good service, on time and at a competitive price, manage the business properly, and treat your people as you’d wish to be treated.

Tell me about your staff Christmas night-out

Usually very staid…

What’s the best date in December to put decorations up? How early is too early?

If there’s legislation on this I’m unaware of it. Christmas Eve is probably too late. August is definitely too early.

What are you hoping to get from Father Christmas? What’s your Tracy Island/Buzz Lightyear this year?

I never thought I’d hear myself saying this, but I could do with some socks. I’m also hoping Mrs Foulkes will get me a ticket to see Elbow in March.

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