Firms go for awards

Law firms are being targeted in a drive by International Financial Services London (IFSL) to encourage providers of financial and related services to apply for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.The awards are presented yearly for outstanding business performance in three categories: international trade, innovation and sustainable development.According to recent statistics, the export of legal services is worth almost 750 million, yet only three law firms have ever won the award for international trade - Allen & Overy and Norton Rose in 1999 and Surrey firm Shadbolt & Co this year.To encourage more of the invisibles sector to apply, IFSL chairman Lord Levene has written to all members setting out guidance on a new simplified application procedure.

He said: 'Law firms, both big and small, do a tremendous amount of overseas business, but by not publicising this they are hiding their light under a bushel.

Hopefully the new format for applications will make it easier for them to calculate their overseas earnings and thus apply for the awards.'Dick Shadbolt, senior partner of Shadbolt & Co, said: 'The award remains the most prestigious award for business in this country.

I would certainly encourage any law firm to consider applying.

We do not publicise the export efforts of the profession enough and the award is an extremely good way of doing that.' Andrew Towler