The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 12: Summer 2019 | Page 39

Battens: The go-to Immigration Advisors in the South West Battens Solicitors have further invested in being the leading immigration team in the South West, with the appointment of Immigration Advisor, Lee Campbell. Based in the Bath office and working across the South West, Lee will be advising on all private immigration queries for both the employer and the individual. Lee’s background uniquely qualifies him in immigration matters due to his previous role and experience as a caseworker in the Home Office. In Lee’s role at the Home Office, he would provide decisions on visa applications for people who wished to stay in the UK before their visas expired. Working at the Home Office for over six years he dealt with visas in specific areas such as unmarried partner, civil partner, marriage visa applications, work visa applications, study visa applications and time-based visa applications. Lee said, “Working in the Home Office was very enjoyable and I learnt a great deal about the world of immigration law. It gave me my first insight into the complexities for people looking to stay in the UK. Working specifically in the Premium Service Centre it was often a rewarding experience to tell applicants that their application to remain in the UK had been successful. It also demonstrated to me how incredibly important immigration is to the UK. applications); experiencing first-hand the concerns foreign nationals have in applying to either enter or remain in the UK.” In Lee’s new role, his ambition is to build a team of immigration advisors at Battens. He is now in the process of making connections with individuals and companies who require assistance in their immigration decisions. Lee continued, “Choosing to work for a well-known law firm like Battens was very easy. They have a long-standing, successful and respected background in all aspects of law but are now looking to make real inroads in the immigration area for Bath and the South West area. Why not come take your immigration journey with us.” Battens unique background allows them to offer tailored advice at an affordable cost to all immigration enquiries and applications. “Working in the Home Office was very enjoyable and I learnt a great deal about the world of immigration law. It gave me my first insight into the complexities for people looking to stay in the UK.” “On occasion I was required to tell people they had not met the immigration requirements and this had a huge impact on their lives and the lives of their family; often through a simple change that could have been identified before they made their visa application. My ‘light bulb’ moment came when I realised I would like to help people get their visas utilising the skills and knowledge I had learned from the Home Office. I felt that I could make a positive difference to people’s lives. “After leaving the Home Office I worked for a number of private immigration firms building up my expertise to include new immigration categories (such as Entry Clearance applications, Family and Private Life applications, and European They can advise on: • Talent mobility • Entrepreneurs and Graduate entrepreneurs We asked Lee a few of our burning questions about immigration and his new role. IS BREXIT INCREASING ENQUIRIES FOR THIS SERVICE? To a degree, but the key point to Brexit is all European nationals that do not have Indefinite Leave to Remain or dual British/ Irish nationality will have to apply going forward to remain in the UK. The process for applying at the moment is quite seamless, but obviously if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal then this could change drastically; the key is to sort your stay in the UK now. ARE THERE WAYS YOU CAN WORK WITH CLIENTS NOW TO ENSURE THEY ARE BREXIT READY? Bearing in mind what I have just said, Battens are ready to ensure that anyone who wishes to continue to stay in the UK does so with the minimum fuss and as smoothly as possible. Battens offers advice to both the individual and provides seminars to those companies worried for their work force. Battens have skilled and experienced advisors on hand to successfully guide you through the whole process ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR ORGANISATIONS OR BUSINESSES YOU ARE LOOKING TO FORGE LINKS WITH? Battens is looking to help everyone; from the individual, to small and large business, through to migrant agencies, universities and sports clubs. To find out more about Battens Solicitors Immigration Advisory Service email: [email protected] or call 01225 321639 • Business Visitors • Sponsor Licences and Compliance • Civil Penalty Notices Battens has offices across the South West with branches in Bath, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Sherborne, Wareham and Yeovil. To find out more visit: www.battens.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 39