The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire July 2014 Edition | Page 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.