A LAW firm based in Newport has secured £10,000 of funding from the Welsh Government to aid the development of its employees and the future growth of the firm.

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, was awarded the funding from the Welsh Government’s Workforce Development Programme, after demonstrating how the firm’s growth is intrinsically linked to the development of its workforce.

The money will be used to fund courses to allow the firm’s 40 employees to stay at the forefront of their profession and individual area of expertise, as well as continue to meet the requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. As part of the funding, Watkins & Gunn will have access to an external workforce development advisor who will also help the firm identify any additional training development needs outside of the legal sphere.

Managing Partner Clive Thomas said: “With the legal services market undergoing substantial change, it is essential that our staff stay at the forefront of the profession so that we can provide our clients with the most accurate, up-to-date and informed advice.”

To aid future growth plans, which include the launch of a UK-wide E-commerce platform called Gateway2Law, the company has strengthened and expanded its administration team by appointing two new receptionists.