Eleven top Kent firms form PI marketing network

CO-OPERATION: call to take on claims managers nationwide

Eleven leading law firms in Kent have created a network aimed at pooling their marketing expertise and resources to promote their personal injury services - and are urging firms from around the country to do the same with the goal of launching a national network.

Kent Accident Link was launched earlier this month after Medway firm Stephens & Son became frustrated that members of the public were more likely to approach claims management companies because they enjoyed a higher media profile.

The practice created a business plan before approaching fellow Kent solicitors with the idea, and the firms then set up a limited company with a director appointed from each.

The other firms involved are: Andrew Gardner Partnership, Boys Maughan, Bradleys, Christopher Harris & Co, Furley Page, Gambrills, Kingsfords, Martin Tolhurst Partnership, Thomson Snell & Passmore, and Warners.

The group has put together an information leaflet and has established a freephone number for people wanting to get in contact with group members, which has been publicised through local radio and adverts placed in the Yellow Pages and Thomson directories.

Stephens & Son partner Jacqueline Shicluna said feedback had been encouraging, and called on other firms to set up their own regional groups.

'Its establishment shows what can be achieved when solicitors put aside their natural reluctance to share ideas and resources,' she said.

'The vision is to create a new, country-wide service for accident victims to consult a personal injury lawyer local to them, without going through the middle man and with no referral fees.'

Paula Rohan