Tees Business Tees Business Issue 10 | Page 39

Serving the Teesside Business Community | 39 Industrial Technology Systems managing director Malcolm Knott (centre) with Endeavour Partnership’s head of commercial disputes Lee Bramley and employment lawyer Nazia Aftab. Legal advice still critical after 26 years in business T he boss of a long-established Teesside business admits he still relies on “immensely important” legal advice. Middlesbrough-based Industrial Technology Systems (ITS) was formed in 1991 and currently employs 58 people across two sites – the other being in Warrington, Cheshire. Managing director Malcolm Knott first used law firm Endeavour Partnership when he bought out his business partner in 2001. Sixteen years later, and Malcolm continues to rely on all areas of Endeavour’s experienced team for issues covering commercial property, employment law and disputes and resolution. “HR and employment law is constantly changing and it can be a minefield,” says Malcolm. “I struggle to get my head around employment law sometimes, so that guidance is immensely important. “We make sure we do the right thing, but every now and again we need to be reminded of certain changes in laws, and make sure we’re up to scratch with it. “The great thing about Endeavour is that if we have a legal, HR or commercial issue we can pick up the phone, so it’s very much an extension of the company. “They’re very pragmatic and understanding and we’ve literally used all of Endeavour’s departments at some point in time.” ITS, based on Riverside Park Industrial Estate, recr