What do you think is the basis for QS Large & Gibson’s longevity? “L&G feels like a piece of Portsmouth, like the Victory or Southsea Castle. We haven’t morphed that much over the years, there is an amount of what you see is what you get.
“It is difficult to assess what has made the difference between success and failure. In retail terms we have always stocked the popular products that ordinary folk and SMEs want on our shelves, for example, buying and selling homes and business and dealing with family issues. People know we provide these services to a very high standard.
“We haven’t moved out onto the M27 corridor into some swanky building trying to impress clients but prefer staying close to our roots in the local community.”
How do you engage with the local community? “For example, we support the student debating competition at South Downs College, get involved with a number of local charities fundraising including the Elizabeth Foundation and engage with work experience programs most recently employing students from Portsmouth University.”
What are QS L&G doing to stay put for another 115 years? “like most business we have a rolling investment in technology and all use Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. We have recently trialed an online divorce and other legal services for those that require that kind of service. The latest chapter is L&Gs project with QS.”
Is there anything that you would say is at the heart of L&Gs longevity? “just try to be happy at work and generate a positive experience for people. L&G has created a Firm where people like the environment and have a love for the business. I know that by looking at the length of service that employees have given us. At present we have over 150 years of solicitor experience.”