This week we are celebrating a major milestone – turning 10! On 7th December 2007 Latitude Law opened its first file and got cracking. Ten years later, we are still going strong, now boasting one of the largest specialist immigration law teams outside London.
A lot has changed in that 10-year period, Brexit being the biggest shake-up we’ve seen to date. The uncertainty created for EU citizens living in the UK and for British citizens living across Europe is unprecedented, and the latest stalled talks as a result of the Irish/Northern Irish border issue further illustrate the huge challenge the country faces as we seek to exit Europe.
Many of our corporate clients have genuine and well-founded concerns about how the eventual outcomes of Brexit will pan out for their businesses. Enterprises that rely upon seasonal workers are noting the drop in incoming migrants, whilst rising starting wages have been reported across the press due to the resulting employee shortage. Businesses that rely upon highly skilled individuals also have concerns about the attractiveness of the UK as a working destination, and their ability to continue to bring in the best.
Of course, although Brexit is a major worry, there are so many exciting things happening at the same time that it’s impossible not to be enthusiastic and excited about the future. Working first from Manchester’s Northern Quarter and now in Ancoats, the world’s first industrial suburb, we are experiencing first-hand the rise of a whole range of exciting businesses, and the coming of age of a new generation of entrepreneurs. Manchester, the home of the computer, is host to a wide range of digital enterprises, including wearables innovation and the graphene institute.
Naturally, we wouldn’t have come this far without our team of outstanding professionals – so thank you team, and keep up the good work. Particular mentions are due here to Marilyn Regan and Gemma Wylie, who have been with us from the start. And we must also thank our clients and the many professionals in Manchester and beyond who have supported us over the years with kind referrals and recommendations.
So, onwards and upwards. Here’s to the next 10 years of Latitude Law.
Gary and the team