SECTOR FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Helping our members to connect, grow and succeed worldwide Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has been advising clients on a truly global scale for decades, so we’re extremely proud to announce them as the Chamber’s newest International Trade partner, alongside International Trade Matters.
The WBD network and reach has grown significantly in recent years, and the firm now boasts 26 offices across the UK and US. Through a multidisciplinary team, WBD is able to provide support in relation to the full range of legal issues affecting FTSE 100 and SME businesses in the UK and US in relation to their business affairs that are governed by English law and US state and federal laws. The firm also has strong relationships beyond the US, particularly in Europe where it has a strategic alliance with Redeker Sellner Dahs in Germany.
In addition, WBD has access to quality-tested local counsel in more than 120 countries through the firm’s association with Lex Mundi, the world’s largest association of independent law firms. Being part of the Lex Mundi network allows the firm to provide its clients with quick access to high-quality, reliable global legal resources at top-tier, full-service law firms as they require. WBD has a well-established network and is uniquely placed to connect businesses with intermediaries, banks and local tax advisors. For many years, the firm’s International Trade team in offices across the UK has worked to develop a network of advisers of complementary export support services, so clients and contacts can have direct access to a pool of resources of experts and specialists.
Since the decision was reached by the UK to leave the EU, the firm has developed a number of key relationships with experts and consultants to advise clients on post-Brexit matters. International trade is increasingly important to businesses across the South West. Brexit has had and continues to have its influence; and Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement that Plymouth will be the home of one of England’s eight Freeports opens up a wealth of opportunities for our region. WMB is highly supportive of the government’s Freeport initiative, and it was fantastic to see Plymouth as one of the eight selected locations. The decision shows a real willingness to take concrete steps to level up the country and will provide a vital boost towards the regeneration of the South West and also support the region’s post COVID-19 economic and social recovery. From the work being done around Freeports, there is clear potential for the initiative to support the regions in which WBD operates up and down the country. The firm has had the opportunity of representing a broad crosssection of the stakeholders and is keen to support the numerous entities that need to work in collaboration across the country to ensure the vision for our local economies becomes a reality.
Summer 2021 Chamber Profile
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