In Your Shoes - Richard Wilson

Corporate Catch Up

The usual slightly sluggish Monday morning was replaced with a small spring in my step after being promoted last week, which was a nice surprise.

We have a regular Monday call with the whole corporate team from across all our offices. Each person has to tell us their weekend highlight, which for me usually (always) involves some sort of takeaway story. This meeting allows everyone a chance to report on meetings or calls they have scheduled for the week and the client work that is ongoing. It is a good opportunity to assess workloads and find out what everyone is working on – which is always incredibly varied.

Being Easter Monday, email traffic was lighter than normal which allowed me to record a presentation for Abertay University on points to consider in starting a business. In addition to client work, there is usually a variety of other things on the go.

Hard Goodbyes

It was a tough start to the day as we said goodbye to our foster dog Roxy, who left for her forever home after 2.5 months of us looking after her, which working from home enabled us to do. Tears were shed!

I had to deal with a query from our executry department regarding the death of someone who held shares in a company, and the provisions for these shares on death. It is something that can be overlooked but it is important to ensure the correct procedure is followed - and I quite enjoy digging into the detail of these things.

The afternoon was largely taken up by discussions with a client on trade mark registration. There is a lot to consider when looking to protect your ‘brand’, so taking advice in order to maximise your protection is essential.

Talking Tax with an old friend

We deal with a wide variety of clients and businesses across all sectors, but one particular transaction which I am working on is so unique, I am not sure I will do anything like it again. As part of this deal I had to speak to my client’s tax advisor, who it turned out grew up across the road from me, so it was good to catch up with him after 15 years - it really is a small world. We often have to speak with accountants and other advisors during the course of a transaction to ensure that all matters are covered for the client, and every aspect of the deal is considered. There are always a number of moving parts with a business sale or purchase and heading up to completion can be quite stressful, although you do get a buzz out of it.

Back to University

I started as a tutor on the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice course at Dundee University this year, teaching on the company and commercial and client interview skills classes. Blackadders has a long tradition of providing tutors for the course and I really enjoyed the teaching, although online classes took a bit of getting used to. This morning was spent marking assessments and I like to think my approach was firm but fair!

I had a call with a client in the afternoon to discuss a contract they were party to, and the provisions that may apply on termination. We say it all the time but it is important to get advice at an early stage, and ideally before you enter into any agreements.

Running towards the weekend

The weeks seem to fly by faster and faster these days (which may be down to age) and this week was no different.

I was working on something for one of our tech clients this morning, which is always varied and interesting work. We have built up considerable expertise in this sector and, whilst I am no Bill Gates, you do develop some sector specific knowledge which can be called upon when advising clients. Our team has carved out a similar niche in the pharmacy sector, among other specialisms.

Working at home means I can get out for a run at lunchtime, as I usually talk myself out of it by the evening. A quick(ish) blast along the nature trails, a few more hours work, and it was time to start planning what Monday’s weekend takeaway highlight would be!