What a 12 months its been. In our first year as a new brand we have achieved our mission to strengthen the firm and offer a greater range of services to clients, while attracting new ones.

Unprecedented levels of competition fostered by huge changes in the legal sector, have put the pressure on and firms can afford to stand still. Our brave, entrepreneurial drive to innovate and grow has given us a new focus and in a period of uncertainty for many legal businesses, we are building a law firm for the future.

Our commitment to growth has been evidenced by attaining two major award wins to finish off the year on a high. Firstly, Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall was crowned winners at the Rossendale Business Awards picking up the gong for "Valley at Work" Large Business Awards.

Rossendale is full of enterprising people who are making the most of their skills in business and one of the Valleys strengths is the sheer quality and diversity of its businesses.

The team in Rossendale were thrilled with the win and both awards are a testament to our people who work hard to deliver services to individuals and businesses throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

We were also awarded "Best in Class" for financial and legal services at the Made in Bury Awards. We have a long-standing presence in Bury and have worked hard to meet the towns needs and make expert legal advice accessible to all.

The award entries were judged by a high-profile, panel featuring some of the boroughs leading business professionals and we are humbled to be recognised as leading the way in the legal sector.

We are honoured to celebrate our achievements in what has been an extremely challenging, yet successful year.

As we look towards 2014 there are certainly more challenges ahead but we are seeing confidence returning to the local economy. We hope Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall will continue to make you proud as we plan further growth and job creation across all our offices in Accrington, Bacup, Blackburn, Bury, Great Harwood, Haslingden and Rawtenstall.

For further Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall news hitting the headlines, visit http://www.whnsolicitors.co.uk/

Thank you for your continued support.