more than marketing

Richard Tromans, Founder of Artificial Lawyer, talks about how AI is reshaping time and resources in the legal sector.Richard shares his view on whether AI is genuinely threatening the billable hour, where the technology is making the biggest difference to turnaround times (and where it's still not quite fit for purpose), and how firms can work faster without compromising on accuracy. He also discusses what a well-resourced legal team looks like going forward, the visibility gap between law firms and their in-house clients around AI use, and where managing partners should, and shouldn't, be investing right now.You can connect with Richard on LinkedIn and for the latest on legal tech and legal AI, why not check out Artificial Lawyer.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara is joined by Sahra Tulloch, Account Director at Conscious Solutions, to discuss digital strategy and the tools shaping a strong online presence in 2026.Sahra shares how to align your marketing strategy, website and core messaging, where to focus your efforts across SEO and PPC, and how AI search is influencing online visibility.You can connect with Sahra on LinkedIn, or if you’d like to talk about online strategy, you can get in touch with Conscious Solutions.Sahra’s Recommendations:NUDGE PodcastRichard Shotton BooksIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara talks with James Chadburn, Managing Partner at Dean Wilson Solicitors, about business strategy and embracing AI to get ahead of the curve in the legal world. James talks about his experience working up through a firm and how it’s shaped his strategy for the company as a partner, the key ingredients that make up a successful marketing strategy, as well as the importance of embracing AI in your firm sooner rather than later. You can connect with James on LinkedIn, or by reaching out through his firm, Dean Wilson.James’ Recommendations:Good to Great by Jim CollinsHow to Scale a Business with AI and Agentic Workflows CourseIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lara talks with Tom Blandford, CFO at SurSum Advisory, about financial strategy in law firms and the often overlooked value of fractional support.They question whether firms are too set in their ways when it comes to finance, explore what “good” profit really looks like, and discuss how stronger financial insight supports better decision making. Tom also explains the practical benefits of fractional finance professionals, the gaps they fill, and why they can offer more impact and flexibility than traditional part time hires.You can connect with Tom on LinkedIn, or if you’re interested in financial advice, you can reach out to him through SurSum.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] or follow us on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara rounds out season 2 by talking with Mark Evans, President of the Law Society, about modern working and wellbeing in the legal sector. Mark reviews some of the modern day challenges faced by workers in the legal space, his goal to champion solicitor wellbeing and recent efforts to make the profession more inclusive, as well as providing some thoughtful advice on how to switch off from the busy 9-5 (or sometimes 7-7!).You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn, and if you’re a legal professional looking to join a running community why not check out Mark’s side venture Legal Runner. If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara talks with Simon Hill, CEO and Co-Founder of Xperate, about the evolving landscape of legal tech and how we’ll see law firms adapt over the coming decade. Simon covers how new tech can be a supportive tool for law firms, the challenges and myths of overseas outsourcing and expansion, and he also breaks down why prioritising your data solutions before you invest in AI is an absolute must. Connect with Simon on LinkedIn, or check out Xperate’s site for all your legal tech needs. Simon’s RecommendationsPeople in Legal Podcast (PIL) - Apple - Spotify - WebsiteSteve Jobs Biography by Walter IsaacsonRichard Branson's Autobiography  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara discusses the untapped potential of storytelling and human connection in the business world with Laura Hearn, founder of Flip it Global and Content and Brand Manager for us here at Consortium.Laura explores why storytelling plays such a vital role in branding, how emotion drives purchasing decisions, and shares creative ways to use AI effectively - without losing the human touch in your work.Connect with Laura on LinkedIn, or check out her website to see how she’s helping businesses through storytelling. Laura’s RecommendationsThe Next Big Idea Podcast - Apple - Spotify - Other PlatformsTalking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell You can sign up for Laura and Hannah’s Brand Storytelling and Content webinar on November 26th here! If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara and Camille Pierson, Founder of The Float Spa, take a well-earned 'break' as they sit down to discuss general well-being and the unexpected twists and turns life can throw at you. Camille explains why flotation therapy means so much to her and the motivation behind setting up the float spa, the hard challenges she’s faced along the way to make it all happen, and why you should always have a good exit strategy in case of emergencies.   Why not take a break yourself and visit Camille at The Float Spa in Hove to talk all things wellbeing, or stay up to date by connecting with her on LinkedIn.Camille’s RecommendationsThe Secret Language of Your Body by Inna SegalROAR by Stacy SimsIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara talks with Consortium’s Associate Director Lou Gilbert about the upcoming legal directory season and why you might want to consider submitting.Lou covers the main reasons to apply for the legal directory, the things to consider when filling out your application, as well as the other areas of your business that might benefit from completing the directory process. You can connect with Lou over on LinkedIn and while you’re there why not check out Consortium’s page to stay up to date with all the legal directory services that we offer? Lou’s RecommendationsSurrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara and Alistair Stewart, Partner at Loney Stewart Holland LLP, get into the weeds on starting your own law firm and the best practices for sustained business development.Alistair discusses the leap he took to build a law firm of his own, the advice he has for others looking to achieve the same, the things you can learn from failure, as well as the often-overlooked human element of business development. Stay up to date with the work Alistair does with Loney Stewart Holland LLP through their website or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.Alistair’s RecommendationsThe Rest is History - Apple Podcasts - SpotifyIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara kickstarts season 2 with Col Secomb, Co-Founder of Yao Tech, as they compare all the similarities and differences in tech between the UK and Australia. The pair discuss the importance of always looking forward when it comes to tech, the best ways future future-proof yourself, why so many businesses are still at arm's reach of their own data, and the biggest challenges facing law firms at the end of 2025. Stay up to date with Col by connecting with him over on LinkedIn, or check out his business Yao Tech to see how they could help you with your next practice management system. Col’s RecommendationsThe Blue Ocean StrategyStay up to date with Consortium by signing up to our newsletter. If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara talks with Gavin Walsh, CEO and Founder of Body Fixers, about how to balance a busy career with a healthy lifestyle. Gavin talks about the importance of sleep in your routine, the difficulties of balancing a busy schedule with fitness as you progress in your career, and the return on investment to yourself that you will see the earlier you put small habits into action.If you’re looking to improve your overall fitness in-between a busy schedule, be sure to check out Body Fixers to start your journey today, or connect with Gavin over on LinkedIn.Gavin’s RecommendationsOutlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Dr Peter AttiaThe Dr Hyman Show - Apple Podcasts - SpotifyIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adele Bebbington-Plant, Director at Cullimore Dutton, talks with Lara about the power of delegation and fostering connections within the workplace.  She also sheds light on what makes Cullimore Dutton stand out from the traditional law firm model, offering a fresh perspective on their innovative approach. Adele discusses how recent shifts in government and legislation could shape the legal landscape in the coming year - and why nurturing your team’s ambitions can lead to extraordinary success, both individually and collectively.Be sure to check out Cullimore Dutton’s wide range of legal services, or connect with Adele directly via LinkedIn. Adele’s RecommendationDelegate Now To Supercharge Your Profits by Dan WarburtonIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara sits down with Tom Blandford, CFO at SurSum Advisory, to discuss all things financial as we begin a new tax year.Tom breaks down the differences between transactional and strategic finance and why they should always factor into your financial planning, the math behind calculating your firm’s next price increase, and Tom provides some key pointers to keep in mind over the coming financial year. If you found this episode helpful but still think your business could benefit from some financial advice, get in touch with Tom at SurSum, or connect with him directly via LinkedIn. Tom’s RecommendationsTraction by Gino WickmanBooks and Podcasts by Tim HarfordIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Brown, Managing Director at Lights-On Consulting, talks with Lara about the importance of maintaining good IT practices within your law firm.  Stephen explains the process and benefits of overhauling your IT system to work for you and your firm, the things you and your IT department should never overlook, how good data management can improve your company as a whole, and the vital importance of a good cybersecurity system.   If you’d like to assess your firm’s IT situation, you can get in touch with Stephen and the team over at Lights-On, or connect with him directly via LinkedIn. Stephen’s RecommendationsNever Split the Difference by Chris VossWolf in CIO’s Clothing by Tina NunnoIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara and Alison Lee, Managing Director of Biscoes Solicitors, discuss burnout in the industry and how to maintain check and balance in our hectic lives. Alison talks about her difficult journey and relationship with work over the last year, how to shake off the bad habits that lead her to this point, and how she’s working to improve things for herself and employees. You can get in touch with Alison and the team over at Biscoes Solicitors, or connect with Alison directly via LinkedIn. Alison’s RecommendationsSteven Bartlet’s Diary of a CEO with Dr Sarah Berry - Spotify - Apple PodcastsPatrick Lencioni’s Books and PodcastIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara chats with close friends Grant Sanders, Partner and Practice Manager at Stephen Rimmer, and Andrew Hiesley, Property Practice Group Leader at Herington Solicitors, on the importance of collaboration in the legal sector. Learn why communication is so important in an industry where firms are particularly cautious of one another, the benefits of seeking advice from supportive networks such as LawNet and Bold Legal Group, and how law firms could learn a lot from the more corporate aspects of similar businesses on the high street.  —Grant and Andrew’s respective firms are Stephen Rimmer and Herington Solicitors, both of which would be more than happy to help you with any issues you may have. Alternatively, if you’d like to connect with them directly, they can both be found on LinkedIn as Grant Sanders and Andrew Hiesley.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is starting out in a law firm such a daunting prospect? Join Lara and Susan Glenholme, managing partner of Debenhams Ottaway Solicitors, as they discuss their experiences of working their way up through a law firm. Learn about the women who are still having to prove themselves in the world of law, how flexible working has changed over the years, as well as how to get the most out of your time as a law firm trainee. Susan also gives her take on asking AI the right questions and the challenges facing law firms in 2025.You can contact Debenhams Ottaway for advice on a wide range of legal issues or get in touch with Susan directly via LinkedIn. If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Psychological Safety is today’s Buzzword! Join Lara and Nadine Stanton, CEO of Professional Training, as they assess all the things companies should be doing for their staff. Nadine champions the working conditions for all employees as she breaks down why retention strategies should be more of a priority within law firms, the extra steps involved with hybrid working to maintain meaningful connections with your colleagues, as well as the importance of feedback in our fast paced world. Head over to Professional Training if you’re interested in leadership coaching or other productivity and retention courses for your business, or connect with Nadine directly via LinkedIn. If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInIn the first episode of the year Lara debunks some executive coaching misconceptions with Helen Tuddenham, executive coach and Founder of Helen Tuddenham Consulting.Together they break down the the role of an executive coach, how to maximise your time and get the most from coaching as well as identifying the key points in your career where it might prove most useful. They also assess whether coaching is for everyone and how much of a role impostor syndrome has to play when coaching a client.  If you would like to hire Helen as a coach for your business you can get in touch via her website, or connecting directly through LinkedIn. If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInIn the final episode of the year, Lara talks with Chris Loaring, Sustainability Director for Landmark Legal, and Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director for Net Zero Now, and their efforts to work with businesses to meet the UK’s net zero goals. The group discuss how businesses are being incentivised to go carbon neutral and why you should be proactive in your approach to do so sooner rather than later. They also discuss the regulations in place, the changes that might come into effect next year, as well as the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality that a lot of the country still clings to.If you would like help reducing your business’ carbon footprint, get in touch with Neil or connect with him on LinkedIn. For ESG reporting, sustainability training and other climate risk management services, get in touch with Chris or connect with him on LinkedIn.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInLara talks with Peter Ambrose, CEO of Legalito, about tech in the legal space, the legacy systems holding many firms back, as well as the hard to access data lost within businesses and the challenges law firms might face as we head into 2025.If you're looking for an IT based solution for your conveyancing, you can contact Peter on LinkedIn, or directly via LegalitoIf you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInLara talks with Martin Mellor, founder of Mellor Financial Training, about financial qualifications within the legal sector, when the right time to seek out additional training might be, as well as the emerging use of AI for firms and how their roles are shifting a result. If you're interested in financial training for yourself or your firm, you can contact Martin on LinkedIn, or directly via Mellor Financial's Website.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInHannah Perryman is back as she talks with Jenny about client acquisition and how to easily identify new opportunities for your business. Hannah talks about how leading by example and developing a good CRM system can help maximise your business potential, as well as how to best utilise your staff, developing their networking and outreach so they can be your eyes and ears when searching for new clients. Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn, or email her if you have any questions on CRM for your business.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInLara talks with Size 10 1/2 Boots director Bernard Savage about the ins and outs of business development and the dreaded “busy” word! Bernard discusses what to focus on when it comes to BD, how it's more connected to health and wellbeing than you might think, and ways tackle this often over looked area of business head on! If you're interested in asking Bernard for some help with BD, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or contact Size 10 1/2 Boots directly via their website.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInIn this episode, Consortium's own marketing and account manager Cara Flood talks about awards season, the application process surrounding awards and why you should enter! Cara helps you get the most from your submission and lays out all the information for those who may have always been interested in an award for their business, but not been sure how to go about it.If you have any questions about submitting your company for an award, connect with Cara on LinkedIn.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInIn this episode, we learn from Insight6 founder and CX specialist Jonathan Winchester, who shares valuable insights on how and more importantly why it is so important to understand your client's journey and how law firms often struggle.Find Jonathan on LinkedIn and connect with him today.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInLead IT consultant for Hutchinson & Company Alex Hutchinson dives into the technical world of legal IT, the things that are done right in law firms and the areas that still need improving. Alex provides some valuable knowledge on the processes that can help improve any law firm's IT practices, and how best to utilise outside help alongside your existing IT department.Find Alex on LinkedIn and connect with him today.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay up to date with Consortium by subscribing to our newsletter, packed with actionable advice and free resources, or follow us on LinkedInIn this episode, Consortium's own specialist marketer and senior account manager Fiona Jackson shares her insights on developing an effective communication strategy for your team, and how best to keep them engaged with the core values of your business.If you have any questions about marketing or internal comms, you can find Fiona on LinkedIn.If you've got a question or would like to be on the show, email us [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more like this, subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed with actionable advice and free resources.In this episode, we sit down with Helen Vane and go over a variety of recruitment topics, from onboarding processes, employee dealbreakers and why company values are so important, particularly in this industry.Find Helen on LinkedIn and head to GoGecko's website.If you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with good advice - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox!Got a question? Want to be on the show? Email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more like this, subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed with actionable advice and free resources.In this episode, we sit down with Leanne Bentley to break down why proper document management and utilising Microsoft Word correctly is so important; specifically for law firms.Find Leanne on LinkedIn and head to WonderWord's website.If you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with good advice - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox!Got a question? Want to be on the show? Email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more like this, subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed with actionable advice and free resources.In this episode we learn from specialist marketer and senior account manager, Fiona Jackson, who gives us a thorough exploration of cost-effective marketing techniques. From managing client relationships to utilising the best social media practices, delve into a variety of knowledge in this podcast.Find Fiona on LinkedIn, or email her if you have any questions about marketing.If you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with good advice - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox!Got a question? Want to be on the show? Email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more like this, subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed with actionable advice and free resources.Paul Addison, founder and Director of DevAssist talks to Jen about property development and how much the British public hates it. He describes some of his experiences from across his career in development - from being spat at to physical violence - and the moment of realisation that led to him founding DevAssist.Visit DevAssist's website: https://www.devassist.co.uk/Email Paul: [email protected] a question? Want to be on the show? Email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For more like this, subscribe to our newsletter, which is packed with actionable advice and free resources.Jen talks to Alex Barr about sales, which has long been a taboo in the professional services sector. There is a well-established notion that sales is the opposite of good, ethical service - but in this episode, we're here to show you why that's not the case.Alex is a commercial consultant and business development coach that specialises in helping firms in generating more profit and faster growth. You can find him on LinkedIn, or at Third Bounce. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

70% of businesses aren't taking advantage of blogs to drive traffic to their websites. In this episode of more than marketing Jen talks to Hannah Perryman about everything blogs - why you should be bothering with them, who in your business can be writing them and the fundamentals of writing that gets your website ranked on Google. Even if you're not sure what to write, we've got you covered!Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn here, or email her if you have any questions about blogging for your business.If you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with actionable advice - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are "core values" any more than a nice thing to put on your company's website (or if you have the budget, up on the office wall)? Belinda Palmer is a major advocate for a business implementing a strong set of core values. The reward, she tells us, is employees who celebrate working for your firm. Episode three spotlights the defining values that shape not just what our businesses do, but how the work itself gets done. Jen talks to Belinda about why conveying your firm's core values to your staff is so important. They discuss the best ways to make them a part of day-to-day work. Just telling your team they exist isn't enough if you want them to have a real impact, so what do you do? Can new technology help?Find Belinda on LinkedInIf you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with marketing advice for professional service firms - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the beginning of Legal Directories season! Whether you've started your submission, or are just thinking about it, Lou Gilbert has advice from her years of experience getting individuals, firms and chambers ranked.In episode two of more than marketing, Jen talks to Lou about all the aspects of submitting to the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. What do you need to cover in your submission? What will referees be asked? What are judges looking for? Whether you're new to the world of legal directories or want to take your firm's rankings to the next level, this episode will get you in the headspace to tackle directories season head-on!Find Lou on LinkedIn, or email her if you have any questions about the directories or writing your submissions.If you found this episode interesting consider subscribing to our newsletter. It's free, a quick read and packed with good advice - plus you'll get new episodes of the show straight to your inbox! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lara Squires discusses how businesses and individuals can (and should!) be using LinkedIn as a way to raise their profile and grow their business. Connect with Lara on LinkedIn here (and tell her you listened to this episode!). If you're interested in learning more from her you can download her webinar and book a coaching session with her here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.