Cheyney Goulding in its 15th Birthday Year!
The Senior Partner, Julian Goulding, was interviewed by Anita Amies on the firm – past, present and future.
AA What motivated you to start your own practice?
JG My wife! I mean it, she felt it was the time to take the leap – and history has proved (as ever!) that she was right. I had a loyal client base and a very clear idea of how a practice should be managed – not least by looking at it from a client’s point of view.
AA Where did the name come from?
JG Both names have family connections.
AA Where did you expect the firm to be 15 years later?
JG I really did not look that far ahead. Generally I think that business plans that exceed 3 years are a waste of time. I am pleased with what the firm has become but there is no room for complacency. We have plenty of ideas for continued development.
AA You and Graham Young have been together pretty much since the beginning – longer than some marriages! Do you ever argue?
JG We have had some disagreements but have always found solutions to them. We have a like-minded view of the work/life balance.
AA Why do you think the firm is successful?
JG We do some things other firms are less good at – we answer phone calls, respond quickly and are genuinely concerned for the client. As a niche practice, we know that clients seek business, as well as legal, expertise but not necessarily at central London costs. Our advice is always tailored to the specific case. And we turn away work if it falls outside our expertise – our reputation is important to us.
AA What one piece of advice would you give to any aspiring new business start-up?
JG Work your socks off!!! Don’t even think about it unless you are prepared to live totally for your business.
AA What ambitions do you have for the firm over the next 3 years?
JG Firstly, a jolly good party or two to celebrate our 15th birthday! But seriously – we will be looking at further expansion whilst continuing to deliver a high quality service.