IFSDG: How long have you worked in Horwich Farrelly?
Steven: I joined Horwich Farrelly at the start
of the year to head up the new Glasgow office. It has been
great getting to know all of the team as we have been finalising
our plans for the year ahead. It's exciting to get
started.
IFSDG: How many people work at Horwich
Farrelly?
Steven: As the firm has continued to innovate
and provide clients with services tailored to meet their needs, the
resultant success has seen Horwich Farrelly expand
significantly. We are now nearly 800 strong and are
continuing to grow, as evidenced by the recent opening of our
Belfast office.
IFSDG: What is the vision for Horwich Farrelly in
Glasgow?
Steven: To build upon the values which underpin
the firm's entire approach and become the specialist legal firm of
choice in Scotland within the insurance claims sector. I want
clients to know they receive a quality service as part of a genuine
partnership, which in turn allows us to understand and address
their needs.
IFSDG: What's a typical day for you?
Steven: As I have been setting up the Glasgow
office, there haven't been many "typical" days so far. In
addition to dealing with claims, I may spend most of one day in
meetings, considering strategy for the firm in Scotland, and the
next day with a client discussing the issues they are facing and
how we can combat them. The variety of the role is one of the
most attractive aspects of it.
IFSDG: Why did Horwich Farrelly choose to locate
in the IFSD in Glasgow?
Steven: Glasgow was the obvious choice for
us. A number of our major clients are based nearby. The
thriving business community in the city meant it was an easy
decision to make.
IFSDG: Three good things about working in
Glasgow?
Steven:
- The spirit of the people. There is an atmosphere of what
I would term "realistic positivity" that few other cities can
match. Glaswegians have a will to succeed but do not forget
their roots.
- The diversity of the city. There is something for
everyone and all are welcomed.
- The opportunities. As Glasgow has developed over the
years and welcomed people and businesses from all different
backgrounds, in turn there have become ever increasing
opportunities to expand your horizons.
IFSDG: What is your biggest business achievement
to date?
Steven: Other than securing my current role
with Horwich Farrelly, the one that sticks in my mind was securing
my first ever customer nomination as a younger solicitor, at the
client's request. It opened my eyes to the fact that, even in an
increasingly technological world, people and businesses still value
a genuine connection and relationship with those they work closely
with. That relationship developed and we have had many
successful outcomes together over the years as a result.
IFSDG: What is the best investment you ever
made?
Steven: I should probably refer to a business
or financial transaction I have made, but in all honesty, it was
buying my first car at about the time I was starting my
traineeship. I had tutored all year to raise enough money to
buy it. Having the freedom in both my personal and
professional life to pick up and go at a moment's notice afforded
me numerous opportunities that expanded my knowledge and
understanding of the market across Scotland and the UK which has
stood me in good stead since.
IFSDG: Which businessperson or company do you most
admire and why?
Steven: From a distance, it would be Jim
McColl. I have a great deal of respect for the way he has
built a hugely successful business from scratch, whilst staying
true to his values. I think he is a good example of the
Glaswegian spirit I referred to. Up close, there are a number
of excellent lawyers I have worked with who influenced me by the
way in which they balanced running a law firm in a competitive
market with supporting employees, both personally and
professionally.
IFSDG: What did you want to be when you were a
child?
Steven: As I was far too small for the NFL, I
had hopes of becoming a professional golfer. Although I
played to a reasonable level, when it became apparent that I didn't
have the talent to do that, I always wanted to be a lawyer or a
pilot. My great uncle worked in the Court of Session for
years and I used to hang on his every word when he told me stories
about events in Court.
IFSDG: What do you do to relax away from the
office?
Steven: I try to play golf fairly regularly and
I am a big fan of the NFL. I enjoy travelling and like to
socialise with family and friends when I get the chance.
IFSDG: I-Phone or Android?
Steven: I-Phone for me
IFSDG: Favourite band?
Steven: How can you pick one?! Being a
teenager in the 90s, Oasis had the biggest impact on me by far.
IFSDG: Favourite sport?
Steven: Football, golf and the NFL.
Attending the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 2013 was a major
highlight.
IFSDG: Favourite
movie?
Steven: The Shawshank Redemption.
IFSDG: Sunshine or snow?
Steven: Sunshine please, preferably as soon as
possible.
IFSDG: and finally, what three words sum you
up?
Steven: Tenacious, energetic and loyal.