The name Acumen Business Law has been around for just under a decade, and yet they seem to be everywhere. Not only as a corporate law firm with offices in Crawley and Brighton but the annual Acumen Business Convention, now in its seventh year, just seems to get bigger every year.
The convention brings together business leaders from across the South East to the Grand Hotel in Brighton for a day of inspiration International speakers, four interactive workshops, unique networking opportunities and it is always a sell-out.
This year the convention is to be held on May 10th and kicks off with a splendid 3-course lunch followed by speakers such as Lord Karan Bilimoria, Founder of Cobra Beer who will tell his story of of building the Cobra brand and his tips on leadership and UK/Indian relations; Kevin Byrne, the inspirational Founder of Checkatrade who will share his route to success from zero investment to a £2.7 billion turnover; Linzi Boyd, author of Brand Famous, who will explain why business leaders who spend millions of their branding often forget to build the brand of their people. And finally, we will hear from Penina herself who will discuss how to shake off the conventional business shackles and join the Freedom Revolution.
Not only business but an array of surprises along the way. In previous years the convention saw Levi Roots singing, dancers performing, ice sculptures and a chap spinning enormous silver bowls - this is no normal staid business convention.
With over 250 CEOs and MDs attending the convention, it is one of those annual events that it would be wise to pop into the diary - but be quick as it will sell out.
To reserve your ticket please go to www.acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk and click on ‘Convention 2016’ under the ‘Conventions’ tab.
Martaan caught up with Managing Director and Founder, Perina Shepherd, which is no mean feat as the whirlwind that is Penina is not an easy lady to pin down - or keep up with.
Why did you start Acumen?
After working with several of the well-known local firms, I decided that there had to be another way to do the job. I took the brave step to launch out on my own eight and half years ago and was literally in a small office in Hove with a desk and a coffee cup. It was lonely and stressful at times but my determination never wavered and the great thing is that this new attitude tends t attract people that share my ethos and hey presto, you end up with a highly successful firm full of people who share my vision.
So why does a law firm host a business convention?
I love business. I love people. So I love creating business communities for business people. It is for this reason that we set up the ACUMEN BUSINESS CLUB which is about to enter its eighth year and the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION. The Convention allows us to provide the platform for people to meet, learn, be inspired and have fun in the process. This is what a business community is all about. Indeed, there is a massive cross sector networking opportunity and with over 250 CEOs present, there is a huge amount of business done at the Convention. This is the seventh year of the Convention and it has gone from strength to strength. We are even thinking of a convention road-show next year to reach all parts of our region.
Why the prevalence of Zebras everywhere?
If you look at all wild animals, there is very little colour there but for greys and browns. Then suddenly, you see a gorgeous white horse painted with black stripes, now that's different! That is a 'head turner'! We believe Acumen is the zebra of the law firms. Acumen is a law firm that is genuinely different. We don't have secretaries, we do everything we possibly can electronically, we are democratically run by all in the firm and if you see a lawyer in flip flops, please don't worry it is just one of the ways we do happy. We care a lot about happiness. The FT listed us at the top 50 ground-breaking & innovative law firms in the whole of the UK & Europe, The Observer voted us a UK rising star and we have won many local awards.
