Law firm Thrings, which has an office in Bristol, has been recognised by the National Farmers Union (NFU) for its “comprehensive advice” and “consistent excellent service” to the agriculture sector.
The firm is this year’s winner of the prestigious Tim Sell Excellence Award, which acknowledges the outstanding work of law firms in supporting the NFU and its members across the country. 
The judges said Thrings provided “comprehensive advice for members” in a diverse range of areas from dairy insolvencies and financial agreement disputes to land-related issues, including flooding and planning.
The firm’s “empathy and understanding” for the farming community was also highlighted as was the fact it is “always available, even at short notice, to assist with emergency issues”.
Among work highlighted by the judges was Thrings’ support for a member who nearly lost their home and farm as a result of entering into unfavourable financial agreements.
The firm’s lawyers were able to intercept a repossession order, resulting in a better outcome for the member, with support from the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme (LAS).
Praise was also given to the firm’s client files for NFU members, which were audited by the NFU and given the highest possible rating of “excellent”.
Thrings’ marketing team, responsible for promoting access to specialist advice from all NFU’s panel firms for new and existing members, was also hailed as being “fantastic” .
This was further supported with recognition for Thrings’ “innovative and active online presence”, highlighting the focus on delivering agriculture-focused content such as webinars, articles and podcasts, as well as a willingness to share best practice work with other law firms on the NFU panel.
NFU LAS and legal panel manager Regina Owusu said: “Thrings stood out this year due to its outstanding work, commitment and engagement with the NFU’s South and East regions and our members.
“It has consistently provided excellent professional advice to both the NFU as well as to individual members in dire straits, showing empathy and understanding of the farming community.”
She said Thrings had a longstanding connection with the NFU and had proved to be accessible, personable and quick to respond to queries, usually at short notice and sometimes outside office hours.
“Feedback from our members who have instructed Thrings has been glowing,” she added.
Thrings head of agriculture litigationRussell Reeves, who is also the firm’s lead partner with the NFU, said: “We are delighted to see our ongoing work with the farming community being recognised and are honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Tim Sell Excellence Award.
“As a proud NFU panel member, we work hard to get to know our clients and their businesses, building lasting relationships and utilising our specialist knowledge to help them in both achieving their long-term objectives as well as overcoming their immediate concerns.”
NFU legal board chair Nick Hamer said had Thrings had been involved with a number of complex group and individual cases in the past year, demonstrating its professionalism, commitment and understanding of the issues facing the industry.
Thrings also has offices in Bath, London, Lydney, Romsey, Ross-on-Wye and Swindon.
Pictured below at the awards ceremony. From left: NFU head of legal Hannah Harrison, Thrings agriculture team senior associate Richie Rees, Thrings head of agriculture Duncan Sigournay, NFU legal board chair Nick Hamer and Regina Owusu, NFU legal assistance scheme and legal panel manager
