All rise for London law firm’s exports

Ahead of UK Trade & Investment’s ‘Export Week’, award-winning law firm Sherrards Solicitors LLP give their top tips for exporters.

London-based Sherrards Solicitors currently operate in China, India and Russia and work in industries from Financial Services & Banking, Media and Entertainment, and Retail through to Franchising, promoting the use of English Law for international businesses.

They are the “go to” firm for clients requiring services on a wide range of Commercial law and have moulded their services for the international market as a result of growing overseas demand.

With the support of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) they have seized the exporting opportunities which would have otherwise taken many years to establish.

Paul Marmor, Partner and Head of Litigation, said:

“SMEs need three things to succeed internationally: commitment, flexibility and knowledge. UKTI is a great starting point for SMEs wanting to export as it can be a difficult and overwhelming field to navigate alone.

Results may take a while to appear so you must also be committed to a long-term outlook in order to have an impact on the market.

Be open to absorbing knowledge and be willing to learn and adapt to other cultures.”

The firm was recently honoured for their ‘Excellence in Exporting Legal Services’ at the Law Society Excellence Awards 2013.

This distinguished award recognises SME-sized firms who have made international headway in a difficult market crowded by multinational firms. Sherrards Solicitors was commended by the Law Society on the grounds of:

“Demonstrating an ambitious and strategic approach to international business development, developing a global alliance (Alliott Group) and engaging with a range of actors, from bar associations to governments, in order to promote the firm as well as English law”.

Paul said:

“UKTI has enabled us to rise above the bar and solidify the international outlook of the firm, making this award possible. Having professional advice from our specialist International Trade Advisor – Elizabeth Fehnrich – gave us guidance in making sound decisions, as well as opening the doors to meeting high calibre contacts in the industry which we would not have otherwise accessed.

The crucial grants also enabled us to explore market opportunities. Such support may be of less significance to larger corporations but it is fundamental to small and medium-sized enterprises in making those steps into new markets when capital is scarce.

UKTI has enabled us to become more highly placed in the international market – we are now operating in countries such as India and Russia. As a result we have attracted more serious level work which we wouldn’t have gained otherwise.”

Contacts

If you are based in London and looking to develop your business overseas contact UKTI London for assistance:

London International Trade Team

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7234 3050

Email: [email protected]

Information about the range of support services from UKTI is available through your local UKTI office.

Sherrards

Sectors: Financial & Professional Services
Export Action Plan