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Ipswich law firm highly commended at national apprenticeship awards

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Attwells Solicitors has been recognised for its commitment to apprenticeships at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. The Ipswich-based firm received a highly commended award in the SME Employer of the Year category for the East of England.

The big picture: The award acknowledges the firm's dedication to making legal careers more accessible through apprenticeships, which form a key part of their 10-year growth strategy to double in size.

Why it matters: Apprenticeships are a relatively new pathway in the legal profession, offering opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to enter the industry without traditional routes such as university.

Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason from Attwells Solicitors at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards
Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason from Attwells Solicitors at the National Apprenticeship and Skills AwardsNational Apprenticeship and Skills Awards

The details:

  • The firm was selected following a rigorous judging process.

  • Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason accepted the award at a ceremony in Cambridge.

  • The recognition was in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) category, specifically for the East of England region.

What they're saying: "Our experience shows that our best lawyers have grown and evolved alongside us," said Attwells CEO Nick Attwell, highlighting their commitment to nurturing talent from within.

He added:

“We are so proud to have been recognised as highly commended in the National Apprenticeship Awards. Apprenticeships are the people growth plan at Attwells and enable us to make the legal profession accessible to young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.”

Looking ahead: The firm plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities across every department as part of its 10-year growth strategy to double in size.

The bottom line: The award highlights the growing role of apprenticeships in the legal profession, and it's fantastic to see local firms like Attwells making law more accessible to people from different backgrounds.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

St Stephens Church, The Baths and The Smokehouse in Ipswich

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Brighten the Corners runs a diverse live music programme, training and education opportunities across three venues, and an annual multi-venue festival in Ipswich, Suffolk.

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Ellisons announces sponsorship of Ipswich Sports Club

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Local law firm Ellisons is backing Ipswich Sports Club to help make sport accessible to all, including schools, disabled individuals and disadvantaged community members.

Why it matters: Without sponsorship support, the Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) would struggle to maintain its current level of access, facilities and programmes for the local community.

In their words: "The support from Ellisons, alongside our other sponsors, is absolutely invaluable. Without their generosity, we simply wouldn't be able to offer the same level of access, facilities and programmes," said Andy Isles, Chairman of Ipswich Sports Club .

Guy Longhurst, Lorna Denton-Cardew, George Burley, Andy Isles and Simone Dowsing
Guy Longhurst, Lorna Denton-Cardew, George Burley, Andy Isles and Simone DowsingEllisons

The bigger picture: Ipswich Sports Club has established itself as a cornerstone of local sport, offering various activities and developing talent from grassroots to professional levels.

The club has produced elite athletes and regularly hosts prestigious international tournaments.

What they're saying: "We're incredibly proud to sponsor a club with such a strong reputation for developing talent and attracting international tournaments," said Guy Longhurst , Managing Partner at Ellisons .

"Sport has a unique ability to unite communities, you only have to look at ITFC at the moment for proof of that, so it's crucial that organisations like Ipswich Sports Club continue to thrive," he added.

Longhurst also noted a personal benefit to the partnership: "I also love a game of Padel and see this as a great excuse to make use of the facilities myself!"

The bottom line: This partnership reflects the latest commitment from Ellisons to support community initiatives with lasting impact, after just last week announcing their partnership with Brighten the Corners, whilst ensuring the sports club can provide an inclusive environment for enthusiasts of all abilities.

Ellisons Solicitors

Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ipswich Sports Club

Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.

Mark Petchey giving a coaching masterclass at Ipswich Sports Club
Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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