IN PROFILE |
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GEMMA SUMSION Equity Partner & Head of Commercial at Goughs Solicitors
Gemma joined the firm in 2006 and has since built a reputation in the South West as a specialist in commercial real estate and corporate matters . She ’ s worked on large and high-profile projects including the re-finance of a mixed property portfolio in excess of £ 15 million and a joint venture for a commercial developer acquiring control of a 50-acre site for development . She is currently working with a multi-million development company advising on an employee share scheme initiative .
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Gemma works across the business which has offices throughout Wiltshire . Covid-19 aside , 2020 was always set to be a landmark year for Goughs with the opening of its second office in Chippenham , heralding in a new era for the firm .
We met Gemma to find out more about her work , Goughs Solicitors new direction and how the firm has been adapting through the pandemic .
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Tell us more about your specialisms My specialisms are : real estate acquisitions and disposals ; all areas of property investment ; SIPP and SSAS and landlord and tenant work ; property and corporate financings ; and commercial contracts and corporate work ( including partnership and shareholder agreements company set ups , mergers , acquisitions and corporate restructuring ).
What is the vision for the Chipppenham HQ ?
It is a fantastic opportunity to bring all the lawyers working in real estate , land development , corporate , employment and dispute resolution together under one roof .
We ’ re extremely lucky to have ample space to grow further whilst working at a safe distance . Being able to work alongside each other on deals and bounce ideas off each other is invaluable . It has been a game-changer for our client offering and experience as well , our clients get the opportunity to meet and see every single lawyer and assistant that they talk to and receive emails from . It is a true personal experience .
I was instrumental in putting forward the proposal to open new offices and relocate my department , a dream of seven years or more and we finally got there after viewing many properties . Whilst not great timing with Covid-19 , it has given us greater opportunity to streamline our work and be more proactive in servicing our clients ’ needs .
Have you been able to work in the office during the pandemic ?
I ’ ve worked in the office throughout , initially on my own . I was determined not to leave once we finally got in . Other members of the team worked from home from the get-go .
We have a team of 18 and IT , more than ever , has been a godsend to us . Zoom meetings were happening daily , Whatsapp saved us when there was no office chit chat when working from home , and the good old-fashioned telephone conversations ensured everyone was coping and kept us all as connected as possible .
The team started coming back to the office once we worked out a new layout , this was from 1st June and we are as busy as ever !
Goughs has appointed several new team members during lockdown . Has this been due to growth ?
We have seen massive opportunities to continue to grow on the recruitment side . We ’ ve secured some fantastic candidates which we put solely down to us being ambitious , flexible in our business approach ( internally and externally ) and having
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confidence in our staff and our clients . Whilst many firms appear to be decreasing headcount and salaries , we ’ ve done the opposite and ensured we have the right staff to support each other , the business and our clients .
What have you been working on this year ?
Really exciting projects for a variety of clients , mostly in the property development , construction and distribution sector . The work has all been centred around organic and sustainable growth within organisations whilst remaining ambitious and ready for the next challenge the world presents .
What are the biggest challenges you ’ re assisting clients with at the moment ?
The unknown . For most clients , opportunities are being seized , but what the world and business might look like in three or six months-time is the scary bit . For most , this uncertainty is channelled positivity . For others , we help manage that uncertainty by reassessing options and working with our clients ’ other professional advisers to ensure the best steps are taken where possible .
What are your plans for the rest of 2020 and beyond ?
Much of the same really ; to ensure that our staff continue to feel safe and happy and have the right level of support . We will also ensure that new starters get a good bedding-in and continue to keep in touch with our clients and contacts .
Tell us something we wouldn ’ t know about you …
I ’ m currently learning a new skill and have taken up upholstery . The talent of our local upholsterers is insipiring and they make it look so easy . It ’ s not easy , it ’ s back breaking work but extremely rewarding .
I attended a course recently with my mum and it was a great opportunity to have some quality mother and daughter time . I ’ m getting the hang of it and have refurbished several antique chairs bought at auction locally last year . I ’ m pretty chuffed with the results so far ! I would recommend the Traditional Upholstery School for lessons , a fantastic local business based in Holt offering bespoke and personal courses .
What is your message to the business community ?
Be present , be available and look out for each other and make the most of the opportunities that come your way .
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“ Whilst many firms appear to be decreasing headcount and salaries , we ’ ve done the opposite and ensured we have the right staff to support each other , the business and our clients ” |