Hood, Vores and Allwood
Sector:  Professional Services
No.of Employees:  38
Region: East of England

Summary
Hood, Vores and Allwood, a law firm with a 100 year history, understands it is important to support the economic health of the community in which they do business.  The firm has led local efforts to involve Dereham in the Market Towns Initiative.

Background
The firm of Hood, Vores and Allwood can trace its roots back to 1881 when Benjamin Vores began practicing law in the small market town of Dereham, Norfolk.  Over the years the firm has build a strong reputation for providing professional and affordable services.

How they do it

• Providing leadership on local economic strategy.  Hood, Vores and Allwood are active members of a range of local organisations focused on the economic health of the area including the Dereham and District Chamber of Trade.  The firm was a founding member of the Dereham Area Partnership, a agency focused on involving Dereham in the Market Towns Initiative.  They provide legal advice and assistance to this group.
• Encouraging staff to be involved with local schools.  Hood, Vores and Allwood encourages all staff to be involved with the local schools and actively supports staff members serving as school governors.  A few firm staff also act as reading mentors, spending an hour a week reading with children. 
• Pro bono legal assistance.  The firm provides legal and professional assistance to a variety of local groups, from the local football club to the community Christmas Light Partnership.

The business benefits

• Employee professional development.  Hood, Vores and Allwood report that 100% of staff involved in community activity feel it has improved their professional skills.  For example, a new employee was able to build local contacts and better understand the local community by serving as a school governor. 

• Publicity.

• Strengthening relationships with existing clients.  Being active in local economic development activities has given the firm a new forum in which to interact with their clients.  This helps to further build relationships with their existing clients and allows the firm to network with potential new clients.