Paul McGowan - Managing Parter, Collingwood Legal
Tell us about your current role.
I’m the Managing Parter of the Newcastle based specialist employment law firm Collingwood Legal.
I am responsible for the running of the firm. I also actively work as a specialist employment lawyer. This role involves me working closely with our business clients and senior executives providing advice to support their needs and deal with any employment law issues they may have.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Setting up Collingwood Legal in 2010 in the aftermath of the credit crisis was quite a challenge but one that I am proud of. I am also proud that the firm is classed as “Top Tier” for employment advice by the Legal 500 based on research including client feedback. Most recently I was hugely proud to be awarded Employment Lawyer of the Year at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards in Manchester in March.
I’m most proud of the development of the people in our team and it is great to see careers develop in the firm.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
The firms geographical reach outside of the region has increased significantly. We deal with employment law issue and tribunal claims throughout the UK now. IT systems and software systems have helped us grow but we remain a “people” focusses business. The work that we do always involves people issues. As a firm we always look to deliver personalised and thoughtful solutions – which can’t be replaced by a software system or AI.
What are you currently working on?
A variety of employment tribunal cases throughout the UK. We generally act for the employers in defending tribunal cases. At the moment, we are defending claims including allegations of disability discrimination, sex discrimination and unfair dismissal. No case is the same and the variety of the work helps keep us all sharp. In my role as Managing Partner, I am also responsible for growth plans for Collingwood Legal and we have exciting plans for the next five years.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
“Back yourself and keep learning”.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Earlier this year I signed up for a fantastic course called “Confidence Through Comedy” run by the brilliant Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert. I took the course as I wanted to challenge myself and put myself out of my comfort zone. The course ended with a group of nine of us delivering our first stand-up comedy set to a live audience of around 100 people. It was both a terrifying and exhilarating experience.
Who is your hero outside of business?
As a Newcastle United fan growing up in the 1980s my answer is Kevin Keegan. I loved his passion as a player and later as a manager of the club. That said from a business perspective Kevin Keegan also chose to back himself and took an unconventional approach to his own career when he dropped down to the old second division to join our team. When he joined Newcastle United as a player in 1982, he negotiated a clause in his contract that linked his earnings to the Club’s gate receipts. This meant he had full motivation to create something special at the club at the time and increase crowd numbers.
How do you unwind out of work?
As a father of three active boys, I keep busy! I have spent a lot of time by the side of football, rugby and cricket pitches. When I do get time to myself, I love getting out on the golf course and also catching up with friends over a meal.
What are you reading at the moment?
See, Smile, Say Hello, which is the book about building trust creating customer loyalty and delivering outstanding service by Michael Heppell.
collingwoodlegal.com