On Friday 14th March, staff at Wortley Byers swapped their ‘suits for sportswear’. The day saw the offices graced by footballers, horse riders, and martial artists to celebrate Sport Relief.

After a morning of fund raising, during which staff took part in a number of activities and games including Limbo, Snakes & Ladders and Twister, the firm walked their own Sport Relief mile. Throughout the day a grand total of £500 was raised.

The prize for the most original outfit was shared by Linda Plant, Kirsten Vincent, and Beth Allen who dressed as the mustachioed ‘01277 268 368 girls’.

Wortley Byers would like to thank everyone who supported the event.

Wortley Byers has appointed David Chapman as Managing Partner and four new Partners: Sue Dowman, Wendy Beach, Nick Traill and Michael Callaghan.

Michael Callaghan (far left) has more than 14 years litigation experience and was previously a partner at a leading Essex firm before joining Wortley Byers in February 2008. He specialises in all aspects of landlord and tenant law including business and residential tenancy cases, adverse possession actions, rent reviews, dilapidations cases and trespass actions. He is a member of the Property Litigation Association and also a CEDR accredited mediator.

Sue Dowman (second from the left) a former Associate, joined the firm in 2001 and advises on corporate transactions and commercial agreements with specific expertise in IP and IT. Sue has also been appointed Head of Marketing and is involved in promoting the firm and business development.

Nick Traill (second from the right) a former Associate, joined the firm in 1998. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Nick advises on a range of corporate and commercial transactions with particular reference to tax issues.

Wendy Beach (far right) has more than 15 years litigation experience and was previously a partner at a leading Essex firm before joining Wortley Byers in April 2007. Wendy has been appointed Head of the Litigation Department and has experience of all commercial disputes particularly in insolvency issues.

A number of employees took part in the Brentwood Half Marathon on 9 March 2008. We are delighted that everyone ran the entire 13 miles and achieved some stupendous times.

The team were supported along the way by their fellow employees with kind words and encouragement (in addition to hundreds of spectators along the route!) The times were:-

Chris Everett	1:47:41
Jane Winfield	1:55:01
Sue Dowman	2:04:16
Nick Traill	2:13:02
Lori Spencer	2:14:44
Laura Russell	2:22:44
Les Adler	2:33:06 (Les' 126th half marathon!)

Pictured standing left to right: Les Adler, Nick Traill, Sue Dowman, Jane Winfield, Laura Russell, Lori Spencer and Chris Everett.

We are pleased to announce that we will be acting as the overall sponsor of the Mid Essex Business Awards 2008 for the second year and will also be sponsoring The Business Innovation of the Year category.

Preparations for this year’s awards are due to get underway at a launch lunch meeting of this year’s judges at our offices on 4 June 2008.

Further information about the awards and details on how to enter can be found at www.essexbusinessawards.co.uk