The firm is this year’s winner of the ‘Tim Sell Excellence Award’, which acknowledges the outstanding work of law firms in supporting the NFU and its members across the country.
The judges stated that Thrings provides “comprehensive advice for members” on a diverse range of areas from dairy insolvencies and financial agreement disputes to land related issues, including flooding and planning. The firm’s “empathy and understanding” for the farming community was also highlighted as was the fact it is “always available, even at short notice, to assist with emergency issues”.
Empathy and understanding
Among the firm’s exceptional work was support for a member who nearly lost their home and farm business as a result of entering into unfavourable financial agreements.
Thrings were able to intercept a repossession order resulting in a better outcome for the member, with support from the LAS.
Praise was also given to the firm’s client files for NFU members which were audited by the NFU and given the highest possible rating of “excellent”.
The firm’s marketing team who are responsible for promoting access to specialist advice from all NFU’s panel firms for new and existing NFU members was also praised by the NFU as being “fantastic”.
“Feedback from our members who have instructed Thrings has been glowing.”
NFU Legal Assistance Scheme and Legal Panel manager, Regina Owusu
This was further supported with recognition for Thrings’ “innovative and active online presence”, highlighting the focus on delivering agriculture-focused content such as webinars, articles and podcasts, as well as a willingness to share best practice work with other law firms on the NFU panel.
NFU Legal Assistance Scheme and Legal Panel manager, Regina Owusu, said: “Thrings stood out this year due to their outstanding work, commitment and engagement with the NFU’s South and East regions and our members. They consistently provide excellent professional advice to both the NFU as well as to individual members in dire straits, showing empathy and their understanding of the farming community.
“They have always had a longstanding connection with the NFU and have proven to be accessible, personable, and quick to respond to queries usually at short notice and sometimes outside office hours. Feedback from our members who have instructed Thrings has been glowing.”
Building lasting relationships
Russell Reeves, Thrings’ Head of Agriculture Litigation and the firm’s lead Partner with the NFU, said: “We are delighted to see our ongoing work with the farming community being recognised and are honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Tim Sell Excellence Award.
“As a proud NFU panel member, we work hard to get to know our clients and their businesses, building lasting relationships and utilising our specialist knowledge to help them in both achieving their long-term objectives as well as overcoming their immediate concerns.”
NFU Legal Board Chair Nick Hamer said: “Thrings have been involved with a number of complex group and individual cases in the past year demonstrating their professionalism, commitment and understanding of the issues facing the industry.”
Hannah Harrison, NFU Head of Legal added: “Thrings have provided expert legal support for NFU members in Hampshire, West Sussex, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and other parts of the country and we are really pleased that their work has been recognised at a national level.
Thrings’ Agriculture team is one of the largest of its kind in the UK with decades of experience in successfully supporting its farming and landowner clients to achieve their aims and the potential for their business.
Find out more about how we can support farmers, food producers and rural communities on Thrings’ Information for Farmers page.
The NFU Legal Panel comprises of 16 legal firms located throughout England and Wales offering NFU Farmer & Grower members local support and 12.5% discount off hourly rates directly relating to their farming or growing business.
The firms have been specifically selected by the NFU for their experience and expertise in agricultural and horticultural matters; complying with Solicitors Regulation Authority requirements. The firms can also assist in non-farming areas of law and their advice is completely impartial.
