Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has thrown its support behind the Swanage Business Awards.
It is sponsoring the Best Place to Work category in the annual celebration of success to recognise those businesses which put their people first. Ellis Jones, with 183 staff including 24 partners, is a strong supporter of the community and businesses in Swanage where it has a well-established office in the High Street.The Swanage Business Awards ceremony is being held on Thursday 9 October at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage at lunchtime.
As the area’s leading competition of its kind, the awards aim to recognise entrepreneurial businesses that have made significant contributions to the local economy, business innovation and community spirit. Associate solicitor Danielle-Elyse Fordham-Parsons and partner Carla Brown, head of wills, trusts & probate (WTP), explained how ‘Best Place to Work‘ is the perfect category for Ellis Jones.
Carla said: “As a company with a strong culture that prioritises its people, we wanted to support those businesses that recognise the value of a positive and supportive workplace.
“We firmly believe that creating an inclusive environment that fosters wellbeing and a healthy work life-balance not only allows people to fulfil their potential and flourish, but also means that they can provide the very highest service to customers and clients.”
Danielle-Elyse, who is based in Swanage and manager of its WTP department there, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing some outstanding entries from Swanage businesses.
“We all spend much of our lives at work so it is important that it is somewhere where we feel valued, supported, accepted and encouraged to do the very best that we can.”
Best Place to Work is one of 12 categories at the Swanage Business Awards. Others include customer service, family business, B2B business, new business, retail business and independent business plus the judges also choose an overall business of the year.
Nigel Reeve, of organisers Marketing West, said: “It’s important to celebrate the success of those businesses in Swanage that make such a valuable contribution to the local community and economy. Vibrant businesses make a vibrant town.
“We are very pleased to welcome Ellis Jones as one of our sponsors who, like all our other sponsors, share our belief in recognising the achievements of these businesses and their employees.”
Danielle-Elyse, who graduated with a first class law degree, qualified as a solicitor in 2019. She joined Ellis Jones in April 2023 to specialise in wills, trust and probate. She became an associate in June 2024.
Carla, who qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and has 30 years’ experience in will, trust and probate work, has consistently been highly rated in the prestigious Legal 500 UK and Chambers & Partners High Net Worth guides, including the latest 2025 editions.
Ellis Jones gives back to the community in Purbeck and further afield by supporting charities, events and volunteer organisations with sponsorship, donations, volunteering and participation in community events.
Its Swanage office is at the heart of the town centre at 55 High Street.
Owing to the success of the 2024 Purbeck Businss Awards, the 2025 competition has been split into separate contests – Wareham Business Awards and Swanage Business Awards.
Visit https://www.marketingwest.co.uk/swanage-business-awards for more about the awards and to book tickets for the ceremony.
Visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/about/helping-the-community/ for more about Ellis Jones’ support for the community.
PICTURE: Associate Solicitor Danielle-Elyse Fordham-Parsons, left, and Partner Carla Brown, Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate (WTP), right.