Local Legal Practice Becomes First to Receive New Quality Standard Mark

Local Belfast Solicitor’s firm, McCallion Keown Solicitors have become the first legal practice in Northern Ireland to receive the new Standard Quality mark - Lexcel v5.

The firm which is based in Belfast’s Oldpark Road was awarded the Lexcel v5 quality mark this week after successfully completing the practice management standards programme which is administered by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

Lexcel v5 is the new version of the Law Society's management standard and helps assess risk management within legal practices in respect of claims and complaints and helps ensure better customer service which in turn contributes to increased client retention and provides greater support for outcomes-focused regulation (OFR).

McCallion Keown were assisted throughout the programme by Next Level Impact – one of Northern Ireland’s leading management consultancy, leadership and training companies - who provide a complete Lexcel support programme. 

Just 20 companies were accepted onto the Next Level Impact Lexcel support programme, with McCallion Keown solicitors being the first Northern Ireland firm to be awarded the Lexcel v5 award.

Commenting on the announcement of the Quality award, Steven Keown partner in McCallion Keown, said:

“We are delighted following the announcement. As a firm we have invested a lot of time in achieving the Quality Mark because we acknowledge the competitive advantage it offers in the market place as well as the lower professional indemnity insurance premiums offered by insurers.

Clients can be confident that McCallion Keown we are working to ensure that they receive the best customer service and the Lexcel V5 is proof of our ongoing commitment”.

 Speaking of the professional assistance received from Next Level Impact, Steven Keown said:

“Martin Rice and his team at Next Level Impact have provided us with the direction, support and guidance helping us stream-line Lexcel implementation and focus on continuous improvement within our firm.  Without their expert guidance, we would definitely not have achieved Lexcel in such a timely and effective manner.”

 Martin Rice, Managing Director of Next Level Impact said:

“Many legal practices are deterred from applying for and achieving the Lexcel Quality Mark because of the perceived time and bureaucracy involved. Our support programme provides practical assistance to firms so they can still focus on fee earning as they progress towards accreditation.”

Speaking on behalf of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, Imelda McMillan, and President said:

“This is a considerable achievement for McCallion Keown Solicitors and is a reflection of their commitment and hard work in obtaining this important quality standard mark for their practice”.

Leadership and Management - John Moloney of Glanbia honoured...

July got off to a great start with the annual joint award for ‘outstanding achievement in business and industry’. The award is made in alternate years by the Institute of Consulting Northern Ireland and IMCA in the south. Previous recipients have included Senator George Mitchel, President McAleese and IFI’s Dennis Rooney.

This year’s IMCA award recognised the achievements of Glanbia plc in developing from its origins in the Irish co-operative movement to current strong positions in key food markets and sectors around the world. The IMCA’s medal award was presented on Tuesday, July 5th, 2011 to John Moloney in recognition of his role as Group Managing Director of Glanbia plc over the past ten years.
The Award is made for outstanding achievement in overcoming a challenge or taking advantage of an opportunity in business and industry (may include NGOs, healthcare, public sector or the arts).

The criteria for selection comprise:
• demonstrable innovation in the nominee’s sector that led to increased profitability, productivity or new operating model
• demonstrable leadership by the nominee in an activity outside the nominee’s sector (e.g. voluntary work; philanthropy)
• meritorious services to business and industry generally (nationally or internationally)
• outstanding business growth
• proven entrepreneurship
• learning from failure

John (right) accepted the award on behalf of his team at Glanbia. Pictured on left is Martin Rice Chair Institute of Consulting in Northern Ireland alongside Tony O’Brien, President of IMCA.

Lexcel made easy...

Lexcel Consultants Ireland UK

Martin Rice, Next Level Impact, heads up a team of top-ranking Lexcel consultants.  He is a Lexcel consultant and assessor who has worked with a broad variety of law firms, ranging from top London firms to small regional partnerships.

Part 1 Martin introduces a 'new way of looking at things' and explains how to use Lexcel as a lever for culture change to take your firm to the next level of growth and development.

Part 2 Martin gives and overview of each section of Lexcel and facilitates a panel discussion that focuses on how to ensure effective implementation.

Part 3 Continues the panel discussion on the impact of Lexcel on client care, case and file management and why most firms might be closer to Lexcel implementation than they think. Martin gives a step-by-step guide to achieving Lexcel.

Melanie Norbury - Chief Operating Officer at Hempsons gives an overview of the standards of good practice that are essential for legal practices in today's marketplace.

AXA Direct Insurance take customer service to the next level

AXA Direct Insurance really take their customer service seriously – they’ve just completed the Delivering Excellence Programme with a 100% pass rate!  Sandra Lee (Programme Manager) comments:

“The team at AXA are passionately committed to putting their customers first and there were some really good examples of the levels of customer service excellence they’re developing that emerged during the course of the programme.  AXA don’t only take their customer service seriously, they’re pretty inspirational in their customer communications and marketing activity too… here’s a sample of the awesome stuff they’re doing to promote their iPhone app!”

Eligible candidates within the UK are currently able to access government funding for this programme.   It’s eligible for 100% funding which means it costs you and your employer absolutely nothing!  Contact our Programmes Director Fiona Rice fiona@nextlevelimpact.com for details!

Star Award 2011 - enter now!

Get your entry in now for the 2011 Star Award!

Ok folks – we’re starting to get really excited about this year’s Celebrating Success event!

This is what last year's event was like - awesome!

Where? We're planning to host the Celebrating Success event in Stormont again this year!

When? September 2011 (we're waiting for confirmation of the exact date and will confirm in the near future)

You'll be getting your official invitation soon!!!

We’ll be giving this year’s high achiever STAR award to the individual who has used what they’ve learned on our programmes to make a real difference within their organisation. 

We're also giving away an iPad 2 to the winner of the 2011 Star award!
Get your entry in now by registering your details below!

Ok - I know that a lot of people who take part in our programmes are their own worst critics and tend to focus on what they haven't achieved and what they could do better... CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS - what have you learned? What have you implemented? What positive difference have you made to your organisation over the past year?
DO IT - YOU DESERVE IT!

Cheers and see you in Stormont...

Unleashing potential for future leaders

Congratulations to the 16 participants of the May 2011 Action Leadership and Team-building Programme for the Escape Project! The Escape Project supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to 'get on track' and improve their job prospects.  The programme helps participants to develop practical skills for the workplace and leadership and team-working skills for professional and personal life.  Best wishes for the future folks – you’ve really shown how you can release your leadership potential!

Health Promotion Agency Achieves ISO9001

Congratulations to the Health Promotion Agency for successfully achieving ISO9001 as a culmination to their recent internal process improvement programme supported by our team at Next Level Impact.

Kick-Start Programme Delivers Impact to the Local Community

The kick-start programme is a programme designed to engage and involve young people in sport and physical activity through an introduction to martial arts. Our professionally indemnified and fully qualified martial arts instructors ran the programme in partnership with the community-based sports development workers for children aged between 5 and 13.

World Peace Day Success

Next Level Impact in conjunction with Springboard hosted a community 'fun day' for children aged between 5 and 12 to celebrate World Peace Day.  Over 100 children participated in the programme and were supported from our newly qualified coaches from the ACS programme.

First in Sector for Samdec Security

Samdec are a rapidly-expanding provider of security services with a strong focus on customer service and reliable service delivery.  Congratulations to the management team at Samdec for being first in sector to achieve the internationally acclaimed ISO9001:2008 standard in recognition of the effectiveness of their management systems, structures and processes.

Martin Rice Honoured by Institute of Business Consulting (IBC)

Martin was recently appointed as Regional Chair (Northern Ireland) for the Institute of Business Consulting (IBC).  The IBC is the UK’s leading professional body for business and management consultants and Martin is the first person under the age of 40 who has ever been appointed to such a prestigious position.

Celebrating Success in 2010

We are so proud of the achievements of our students and clients. Here’s an insight into our Celebrating Success event 2010.

Rising Stars at Monkstown Dental

 

Congratulations to Philip Burns and the team at Monkstown Dental Practice for achieving the coveted 2010 STAR award for implementing an impressive variety of improvements within their business.

The team implemented a broad range of improvement projects that:

- Saved the practice money

- Brought in more patients

- Improved customer service

- Streamlined processes

- Multi-skilled the workforce

2 Finalists in the Consultant of the Year Awards!

 

WOW - this is unbelievable! We have 2 finalists in the Consultant of the Year Awards for 2010!

Best wishes to Kristian and Martin for the finals on 14th January 2011 when the Institute of Consulting will be announcing the overall winners!