Changes are afoot at eminent South West law firm, Thrings, as Managing Partner Thomas Sheppard moves to become Executive Chairman and Simon Holdsworth, head of the Company Commercial team, takes over the Managing Partner role.

“Ten years is a long time in any job these days and to be working at something you enjoy for that length of time is a real bonus. There have been challenges and Thrings is a different firm from the one that I took on as Managing Partner in 2003 – its growth, success and reputation being a testament to the hard work put in by all our staff, past and present,” said Sheppard.

“As head of a successful business, you know when the time is right for there to be a change in leadership and that time is now. In my new role as Executive Chairman, I will be able to support Thrings as it continues to change and grow under Simon’s watch.”

Simon Holdsworth, who has been with Thrings for 15 years, said: ”I am extremely proud to take on this new role, especially at a time when the legal market is undergoing such exciting and challenging changes.

“Through Thomas’s leadership and hard work we have become a strong, commercial-focused, regional law firm with a national reputation and are well placed to take advantage of the accelerated pace of change in our clients’ expectations.

“My aim is to continue to build on the strong foundations that Thomas has put in place. We know that excellence as lawyers is the starting point in any relationship with clients. Thrings has and will continue to develop lawyers who accurately reflect the market they serve and who will continue to win and retain business from the increasingly discerning and sophisticated purchasers in those markets. Client service is going to be the key point of difference – its commercial relevance, clarity and speed of turnaround.

“It is this that will mark us out.”