
Skills for the Future, Team of the Year and Small Business of the Year entrant – Beeston Shenton Solicitors
Newcastle-under-Lyme based Beeston Shenton Solicitors celebrates its 21st birthday this year and puts its longevity down to its client first approach.
Founded by Director Paul Shenton in October 2004 with then Co-Director Anthony Beeston and two staff the firm has grown its reputation through a simple yet powerful ethos: providing exceptional service combined with value for money.
In an industry often seen as intimidating and expensive, they’ve differentiated themselves by making legal advice easy to access. They offer face-to-face meetings and home visits at no extra cost, with clear, jargon-free guidance.
The leadership team includes four hands-on directors who hold regular departmental meetings to ensure everyone feels heard and valued and any company news is clearly communicated across the organisation.
Staff and career development is heavily invested in through ongoing training and professional qualifications. One team member joined for work experience aged just 17 and is now a fully qualified solicitor, currently studying for a prestigious STEP qualification.
Notably, 96% of the workforce is female—a statistic which goes against the industry norm which can be perceived as being traditionally male dominated.
They are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of legal experts and have partnered with Keele University to provide work placements. One of the directors developed the law module for the T Level course at Newcastle-under-Lyme College.
The in-house training programme, led by Head of Private Clients Juliett Carter, offers structured development for both aspiring and current legal professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence for a successful career.
Corporate responsibility is something they take very seriously. They are active members of the Dougie Mac Business Club, supporting and raising funds for the hospice, and regularly deliver free legal workshops and clinics in community centres, bowling clubs and even to retired firefighters.
Through initiatives like Free Wills Month, where they recently provided 75 free wills, they continue to make legal advice available to those who need it most.
Beeston Shenton Solicitors has entered the Small Business of the Year, Skills for the Future and Team of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.