Nantes Solicitors is joining Bridport Nub News as a sponsor - and we're delighted to be working with them.

The firm has a long-established reputation in Dorset for legal expertise and excellent customer care since its opening in Bridport in the 1800s, developing a considerable knowledge of the business and families in the local community.

"I have seen Nantes grow from one office to four during my time with the firm," said director and solicitor Mike Harvey.

"Our clients are exclusively the local people and their small to medium businesses. We do a considerable amount of work for local charities and clubs without charge and that helps cement our relationship with our clients.

"We have kept the good parts of the old values and service and combined it with new technology so that we still provide the personal touch, now missing in most of the other firms."

With a team of 50 across its four offices - Bridport, Dorchester, Portland and Weymouth - Nantes successfully handles client work for both individual and business needs.

Director and solicitor Carolyn M. Harmer said: "Throughout my 20 plus years with the firm, I have seen Nantes flourish. Be it from involvement on the chamber of trade to being on the management team of our local child contact centre, the firm has adopted a community-based approach to its brand, which has seen it go from strength to strength in relation to both commercial and individual based legal services."

Its business services cover:

â— Commercial law and property

â— Commercial disputes

â— Employment law and

â— Debt recovery

Its individual services cover:

â— Buying and selling homes

â— Flat service charge disputes, lease extensions and freehold acquisitions

â— Probate and estates

â— Wills, trust and power of attorney

â— Separation, divorce, cohabitees and children

â— Employment law

â— Personal injury compensation claims

â— Disputes

It has been a difficult year across the globe and Nantes has certainly seen an impact on the community through the work it's been doing since the pandemic began.

"Throughout the pandemic it has very much been 'business as usual' at Nantes," said director and solicitor Cherise Luke-Bennett.

"We have wonderful staff at all the offices and with their commitment to the firm and the willingness to adopt flexible working practices, we have been able to offer our clients a seamless service.

"I personally have learnt so much about IT with Zoom, Teams and WhatsApp video that even my teenage children are impressed."

It has been Nantes' focus this year to continue to support and guide its clients through these uncertain times, whether it be for furlough and employer contracts, updating wills and estates, completing commercial and individual sales or dealing with family separation issues.

Mr Harvey added: "We have been lucky in that all of our buildings are spacious and comprise lots on individual rooms, enabling us to work nearly as normal as there is minimal contact between staff members.

"Anyone moving around outside their own room wears a mask. Clients that need to visit are seen in rooms set aside for that purpose and continually cleaned. These arrangements are expected to continue."

When Nantes was introduced to Nub News, the team jumped at the opportunity to sponsor as the firm feels it is its responsibility to support and give back to the local community.

It has also sponsored local events, such as the Melplash Agricultural Show, Bridport Food Festival and Bridport Hat Festival, as well as supporting charities such as Age UK and Weldmar Hospicecare.

Solicitor Michelle O'Leary said: "I have enjoyed working as a member of the private client team at Nantes for more than seven years now.

"Recently we participated in the Weldmar Hospice October Wills month, whereby we made wills for clients free of charge on the basis that they donated monies to the Weldmar Hospicecare charity. This was very rewarding and encouraged people who had not previously made wills to do so, and at the same time the charity benefited."

Nantes also regularly runs business quizzes to support local charities and, as you will see from the team's photo, also organises a business charity volleyball event on Weymouth beach, which attracts more than 200 people and raises money for charity, as well as supporting the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Club.

Cherise Luke-Bennett added: "I am proud of the support that Nantes gives to local charities and good causes. It is also fun.

"I organise the volleyball event, which is a great success and raises money for local charities. I am also our resident quizmaster for our charity quizzes. My taste in music for the music round always raises a smile."

Nantes offers a no-obligation 15-minute telephone conversation - or 30 minutes for family law - to help guide any queries in the right direction. For Nantes' conveyancing services, clients do not pay should a transaction fail to complete - this is the law firm's unique 'no exchange, no fee' policy.

Karl Hancock, CEO of Nub News, said: "I'm honoured to have such a well-respected Dorset firm sponsor Nub News. They give a lot of support and help to the Bridport community.

"The crisis has had a huge impact on our communities and brought them closer together. It's good to see Nantes Solicitors playing a part in this."

Visit nantes.co.uk