Melling praises Lancashire deals market
Major deals completed in Lancashire highlight that being based in big cities is not essential, Lancashire's newly-crowned Insider Dealmaker of the Year Keith Melling (pictured) has said. Napthens' Melling, who spoke after winning the Lancashire award at last night's ceremony, hailed his colleagues in Preston and said that there is "no substitute" for looking after your client.
The event was held at Ewood Park and hosted by Insider editor Michael Taylor. More than 150 of the region's leading professionals attended to celebrate the successes of the previous year.
It was the first time a lawyer has won the Dealmaker of the Year award and was the reward for Melling's involvement in a range of deals. Melling said the basis for his success was the ten years he spent training at Addleshaw Goddard where he learnt how to look after his clients.
"In the market place as it stands at the moment it's tough but a friend of mine says good work brings good work.
"I learnt how to look after my clients and that there's no substitute to looking after your client."
Talking about his colleagues at Napthens in Preston, he added: "You can get great advice in Lancashire without having to go to the larger cities."
Napthens was also the winner of the Corporate Law Firm of the Year Award.
It was a good night for Brian Davidson, chief executive of Crown Paints, who won entrepreneur of the year while the sale of Crown to Danish group Hempel was named Deal of the Year.
"Thanks to Insider and to the judges for this. I like to think this is a recognition of the great business at Crown - a great team, great brands."
Warwick Ley, a former director of Crown who led the investment in the Darwen-based paint maker by investment fund Endless, said: "Brian is the best CEO I've ever worked with."
For the full list of winners and shortlisted companies click here
