A GROWING legal firm has recruited new staff and enjoyed a bumper year after its managing director excelled on a prestigious leadership programme.
Alison Stace, Managing Director of Allington Hughes Law in Wrexham, graduated from the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme at a glittering awards ceremony held at Bangor University.
Alison paid tribute to the team behind the flagship initiative, which is up to 70% funded via the European Social Fund through Welsh Government, and explained to more than 100 in attendance how Allington Hughes – which also has branches in Chester and Llanrwst – has increased its workforce and enjoyed its “best ever” year.
She placed a lot of its recent success on a change of focus inspired by her participation in the 20Twenty project.
“It definitely had an impact on my leadership style and helped me learn lots of new techniques which I use every day,” said Alison.
“The last 12 months has been the best we’ve ever had, and I put a lot of that down to 20Twenty. We have 80 staff now and are growing, which is vey exciting for us.”
Alison joined the organisation in 2000, having qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 1996. She was one of the first legal executives to become a partner in a solicitors’ firm in 2011, and is an active member of the local CILEX branch.
She added that the course gave her more confidence in making key decisions, having only taken over as Managing Director the previous year.
“20Twenty gave me the tools to do the job better,” she said.
“It’s helped me to develop new strategies and techniques and I’ve already noticed a difference in board meetings and day-to-day in the office.
“It helps you to become more financially resilient and there is access to coaching and mentoring that was incredibly valuable.
“One very important thing was the closeness of the group and the friendships I’ve made – those connections will always be there.”
20Twenty Programme Manager Gwenllian Owen congratulated Alison and her fellow graduates for their participation, and added: “It’s fantastic to see the impact the course has had on so many businesses and business leaders already.
“We are delighted that 20Twenty had such a positive effect on Allington Hughes and has given her added confidence, and that the business continues to go from strength to strength.”
Targeting companies, small enterprises and entrepreneurs in Flintshire, Wrexham and Powys, the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme offers a range of recognised leadership qualifications from Level 3 through to Level 7, all of which are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
It is the only programme in Wales that offers a progression route from CMI Level 3 to Level 7, leading towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Executive MBA and Chartered Manager.
For more information, visit www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com
