A marriage made by Shoosmiths

Norton Rose may break into running trains (see right), but regional firm Shoosmiths has found its own little non-legal niche - as a dating agency.

The firm brought a whole new meaning to the introduction and referral code when it held a party aboard HMS Warrior in Portsmouth three years ago.

It invited, among others, clients Nigel Foster, senior property manager of Marina Developments, and Selina Gibbons, a surveyor at Berkeley Homes.

Nigel apparently invited Selina to 'berth alongside', and they eventually married the other week.

'This is a merger we are especially pleased with,' said director of debt recovery Richard Gwynee, in a quote undoubtedly written by some clever PR bod.

'It's a pity they've had to turn down an invite to a seminar at the end of the month, but I think they would rather be on honeymoon.' Rumours that Shoosmiths' wedding gift was a 10% discount on the introduction fee have been strenuously denied.