The partnership could open up substantial business opportunities between Leeds, one of the UK’s fastest growing economic centre, and Germany, Europe’s largest national economy. The cross-country collaboration follows an inward delegation comprising lawyers and tax advisors from the Düsseldorf region to the city as guests of Leeds Legal, a body set up to promote Leeds’ collective wealth of legal talent.
Together, the cities legal professions will act as an international networking organisation to ensure clients legal needs are met. To continue to develop these relations, Leeds Legal has announced plans to embark on another mission to Germany later in the year. This will reinforce relationships with German business support networks, including; the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Chamber of Commerce in Düsseldorf and Stadt Düsseldorf.
During the two day visit to Leeds, delegates visited a plethora of leading Leeds-based law firms, including Keeble Hawson, Lupton Fawcett, Shulmans, Brooke North LLP and Fox Hayes to explore potential business opportunities and to further cement the relationship between the two cities. They also toured the Headingley Carnegie stadium, and attended a dinner at the Hilton Leeds City hotel, where Fabian Hamilton MP (Leeds North East) discussed the benefits of bilateral working.
Alan M. Baker, chairman, Leeds Legal said: “We are extremely proud to be one of the few organisations which can facilitate international delegations and further bolster the city’s presence to the international business community.
“The inward delegation has demonstrated a unique need to forge closer business and legal links between the two communities through bilateral working. As a result of this, we have forged strong partnerships and look forward to seeing the benefits of driving international business to the city’s legal profession.”
Dr Clemens Rogge, partner at Schneider Schwegler and a member of the German delegation commented: “Lawyers in the UK have a much more active approach to their clients, they offer increased services and are proactive. Many German people don’t know about Leeds, they are familiar with London, and maybe Birmingham, but not so with Leeds and Yorkshire. There are many business opportunities to be had in Leeds, we now have many avenues to explore.”
Sara Ludlam, IP specialist and partner at Keeble Hawson who met with the delegation to discuss potential cross-country collaboration commented: “As markets for businesses become more international with the development of enabling technologies such as the internet, it is critical that we have good contacts with local legal and financial advisers in our clients' foreign markets. This allows us to ensure that our clients receive the best and most comprehensive service. Putting faces to names makes all the difference.”
The visit, supported by UK Trade & Investment, Marketing Leeds and the city’s legal profession, comes after a successful previous trade mission to Düsseldorf last year by the Leeds Legal team. It was also assisted by key sponsors Hilton Leeds City hotel and Jet2.com providing flights and accommodation for the legal delegation.
