The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire July 2014 Edition | страница 9

LEGAL NEWS Wiltshire lawyer named Client Partner of the Year by leading legal journal Thrings senior corporate partner John Davies has been named Client Partner of the Year by The Lawyer, the UK’s leading legal journal. The prestigious award was presented on 25 June at the Lawyer Awards in London. Now in their 20th year, The Lawyer Awards are the biggest and most well-established in the UK legal sector. The awards were hosted by actress Joanna Lumley and celebrated excellence in the legal profession across private practice, the public sector, commerce and industry and the Bar. John was presented with the award marking his contribution to the 57-year relationship between Thrings and South West fuel distribution business, Watson Petroleum Limited. In March, legal and strategic advice provided by Davies and associate solicitor Simon Hore of Thrings led to the completion of Watson Petroleum’s £117 million sale to World Fuel Services Corporation, one of the largest global fuel logistics organisations in the world. Thrings began advising Watson Petroleum almost six decades ago, with Davies assuming the role of Client Relationship Partner in 2001. His excellence in client service was brought to the attention of The Lawyer by Tony Watson, managing director of the Wiltshire-based fuel business. John Davies said: “Thrings and Watson Petroleum are both well-established and highly-respected businesses who, as a result of working with clients throughout the UK and overseas, make a hugely valuable contribution to the South West economy. This award acknowledges a special commercial relationship between two firms which have enjoyed working together for almost 60 years. “While my name may be on the trophy, this award also recognises the effort of many teams across the firm, including our colleagues in Employment, Commercial Property and IP. By continuing to put clients at the heart of everything we do, Thrings has been able to secure a successful outcome for Watson Petroleum at an important stage in its ongoing development.” Tony Watson said: “Since being introduced in 2001, I have had weekly – and during certain periods, daily - contact with John.