Law firm recognised for people development at Powys Business Awards

Managing partner Anne Smith and Jordan Lewis from Harrisons Solicitors LLP receive the People Development Award from Catherine Lewis, principal of NPTC Group of Colleges.

A glowing nomination by an apprentice solicitor has resulted in a Welshpool law firm winning a prestigious Powys Business Award.

Jordan Lewis nominated her employer, Harrisons Solicitors LLP, for the People Development Award, sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges, at the annual awards ceremony held at The Hafren, Newtown last Friday night. The company went on to win the overall award for Powys Business of the Year 2025.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

“This award reflects the standard of people that we have in our firm, how much they contribute and how it makes it easy to develop them,” said Harrisons Solicitors LLP managing partner, Anne Smith.

Jordan added: “I am really pleased that the firm has been recognised because there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that isn’t seen when training people. It’s nice to see this reflected in this award.

“Harrisons Solicitors LLP is a firm that genuinely puts people at the heart of its business. Their commitment to developing individuals at all levels has not only shaped my career path but is actively creating a pipeline of future solicitors and legal professionals.

“I’ve seen first-hand how their investment in training and development is driving both personal and commercial success.”

Jordan became the firm’s first solicitor apprentice in 2021 and two further trainees have followed. Having recently completed her apprenticeship, she praised the partners for their supportive mentoring and guidance.

“The training and development culture at Harrisons has had a clear impact on the business,” she added. “First and foremost, I believe it has strengthened staff retention because there is a real sense of loyalty and pride in being part of a firm that invests in its people.

“What sets Harrisons apart, in my opinion, is that people development isn’t a side project, it’s embedded in their long-term strategy. They’ve recognised that to grow the business, they need to grow their people.

“The firm’s commitment has created opportunities not just for me, but for others like me who might not have followed the traditional path into the legal profession.”

The award judges said: “ Harrisons Solicitors have demonstrated excellence in how they have embedded people development into the culture, as well as being able to develop current and future performance of their business. Understanding the importance that people development play is at the heart of their company.”