UWE Bristol is to launch a pro bono legal service for small businesses in collaboration with Bristol lawyers Gregg Latchams and the city office of international legal firm Osborne Clarke.
The support will be provided within the university’s Future Space Centre, part of its new University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) on the Frenchay Campus.
The weekly business and law clinic will provide legal advice to small businesses in Future Space and across the South West.
The key objective of the innovative venture will be to provide SMEs, growing businesses and start-ups with business and legal advice at a critical stage in their development.
A selected group of law students, both undergraduates and postgraduate professional students, will provide advice on areas such as corporate and commercial, employment, litigation and dispute resolution and tax.
Supervised by practising solicitors from Gregg Latchams, Osborne Clarke and UWE, the students will gain real-world insight and experience, providing them with valuable skillsets and exposure to the world of business.
In addition to the clinic, students will also be providing ‘essentials’ workshops in the professional services of law and accounting.
UWE’s Future Space, which opened its doors last month, is part of a new University Enterprise Zone, one of four that have been set up nationally and supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Assisting businesses specialising in robotics, digital and creative technologies, biosciences and other hi-tech areas, the UEZ will bring an estimated economy boost of £85m as well as more than 450 new jobs to the region.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and executive dean Donna Whitehead, who has led this initiative at UWE, said: “This initiative deepens and broadens the university’s engagement with local businesses and the community and will really enhance the experience of our students in the faculty, ensuring they are business-ready while also providing valuable expertise to growing businesses and start-ups at a critical stage in their development. We are delighted to be working with Osborne Clarke and Gregg Latchams.”
Osborne Clarke head of Bristol office Peter Clough added: “Future Space plays to the strengths of Bristol as a vibrant technology and enterprise hub, offering crucial space and advice for startups and SMEs in the area.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the innovative companies and working alongside the best and brightest students that UWE has to offer.”
Gregg Latchams director and head of dispute resolution Ken McEwan said: “Gregg Latchams are particularly proud to be associated with this project having a strong presence in the digital, media and technology sector. This exciting venture offers a great opportunity for us to build relationships with companies of the future, demonstrates our commitment to SMEs and fills an important gap to provide support to new enterprise.”
Pictured, from left: Osborne Clarke partner Julian Hemming, UWE Future Space Centre director Elaine McKechnie, Gregg Latchams director and head of dispute resolution Ken McEwan, and Pro VC and executive dean, UWE Faculty of Business and Law Donna Whitehead
