Year in Review: Celebrating a Year of Achievements, Growth, and Giving Back.
Above: Jacqueline Hardaway and Mahie Abey receiving Business of the Year at the Uckfield Business Awards.
As we approach the close of an incredible year, we are excited to take a moment to reflect on the milestones, successes, and moments that have defined 2024 for our team and the wider community.
Above: Laura Manton presenting 2024's Fundraising total to Chris Downton of the Children with Cancer Fund.
One of the year's proudest achievements was our remarkable fundraising efforts for the Children with Cancer Fund. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of our team and community, we raised £8,500 through events such as our Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt, Cyclothon, Barn Dance, and a series of internal barbecues and lunches. This charity, dedicated to supporting families diagnosed with cancer, grants wishes and experiences to these families, as well as practical donations that help them with day-to-day life. Their tireless work inspires us to continue giving back, and we are incredibly proud of all the hard work that helped generate such an amazing donation.
This year marks a decade of fundraising for various charities, and since we began, we have raised an incredible total of £48,842.46. This achievement is thanks to the generosity of the Uckfield community and the dedication of all of the Dawson Hart Team. If you have supported any of our events over the years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. As we look to the future, we hope you'll continue to join us in making a positive impact.
Above: The Wellbeing Committee receiving their Gold award in November.
Our commitment to employee wellbeing and workplace excellence was recognised with both the Silver and Gold Wellbeing at Work Awards from East Sussex County Council. We have introduced policies on flexible working, harassment, equality and diversity among others, as well as fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to take regular breaks from their desks.
Above: Members of the Dawson Hart team are presented with the Customer Service Award at the Uckfield Business Awards.
We also triumphed at the Uckfield Business Awards, winning Business of the Year, Customer Service, and Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace. These honours reflect our dedication to fostering a supportive and successful environment for both clients and staff.
Above: Members of the Fundraising Team Tracey Abercrombey and Lochana Gabrielsen at our Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt in March.
Growth was a key theme this year as we welcomed a new solicitor, Sophie Westwood, two new trainee solicitors, Edward Pitt and Rhiannon Haughton, and a paralegal, Ellie Brigden, to our expanding team. We were delighted to announce two director promotions, with both Jamie Wood and Hayley Banks joining the team of directors, reinforcing our strong leadership. Additionally, we successfully passed our Lexcel assessment. This is a quality mark from the Law Society which recognises our commitment to maintaining our high standards of client care, compliance and practice management.
Above: Laura Manton at our Cyclothon in June.
This year, we restarted the Curry Club networking event at Amira’s kitchen. This bi-monthly event has grown significantly, creating opportunities for local businesses to connect and collaborate. We ended the year with our much-anticipated Christmas Drinks event, bringing together business figures to celebrate a year of accomplishments and community spirit.
As we celebrate these achievements, we remain deeply grateful for our dedicated team, supportive clients, and vibrant community. Here's to an even brighter 2025!