6th January 2016

Buss Murton Law in 2016

Andrew Linton - Managing Partner at Buss Murton Law shares some thoughts on the coming year

How do you see 2016 unfolding for your company?

Back in October 2014 Buss Murton Law LLP acquired the practice of Elaine McGloin thereby increasing our geographical reach into West Sussex and increasing our number of offices to four to include the Head Office in Tunbridge Wells as well as our other offices in Dartford and Cranbrook. 2015 saw a period of integration and consolidation culminating in the retirement of Alan Williams as this firm’s Senior Partner in May 2015 and the subsequent retirement of Elaine McGloin at the end of September 2015. 2016 provides an exciting opportunity for the firm to move ahead with a change in management structure and a greater emphasis on supporting and developing our staff to deliver the best possible advice to our clients in the future.

What are likely to be the major changes in your sector?

There will be further legislation which will come into effect throughout the course of this year which will impact on our existing client base of small owner-managed businesses as well as individuals. As with all firms we must not only continue to keep abreast of our own professional regulatory and compliance changes but also ensure that they do not have an impact on the quality or efficiency of the services we provide. We must continue to work with our clients and our professional contacts to ensure that their businesses or individual circumstances are not prejudiced as a result of any legislative changes that impact on their lives or businesses. In order to achieve this we will continue to invest in the training and development of our staff so that they in turn can pass on the benefit of that knowledge and experience to impact positively on the lives of our personal and business clients and their future success.

What’s the top piece of advice you’re giving clients?

To be proactive in the seeking of professional advice. To speak openly about business objectives and business culture as well as one’s personal circumstances. A clear objective is key to its ultimate achievement. Clarity of objective also provides a background against which we are able to provide bespoke advice bringing our experience to bear and achieving the best possible outcome for our clients. That clarity also provides us with the opportunity to match our clients, whether business or personal, with our network of appropriate minded professionals across a variety of sectors where professional advice is increasingly required.

What would you do to boost the economy?

Despite the financial constraints of recent years the economy, particularly locally, has seen a rise in the number of small to medium owner-managed businesses. These businesses need help and support from not only their professional advisers who need to be understanding of their particular requirements, principally around the time of setup, but they also need to be supported by their banks in order to grow and develop. Auto-enrolment is a key legislative change this year which is placing considerable time pressures on owner-managers so it is therefore crucial for banks to take an understanding and supportive approach during this period.

What five words best describe your thoughts for 2016?

A challenging and exciting opportunity.

Andrew Linton

Andrew Linton
Managing Partner