A LAW firm has invited Vale MP Alun Cairns to meet the staff as it contends various national awards.

Law Firm Newbold Solicitors is down to the last six law firms in the national award of Best Property Law Firm UK’ and the last four for ‘Best Conveyancing Firm Wales’ in Liverpool.

It is also a finalist in ‘Best Training Firm UK’ to be held in Birmingham this autumn.

The firm was third in Conveyancing firm of the year 2016 and runner up in ‘Best Law Firm UK’ 2015 which was held in the Hilton Hotel Park Lane London.

Catherine Hartland has been runner up in ‘Best Woman in Law’ and a finalist in Rhondda Cynon Taff ‘Business Woman of the Year’.

The Vale-raised woman established the firm in 2010 and she was joined by Maurice Thompson later that year.

In 2012, they purchased Newbold Solicitors, a sole trader with four staff that had been trading since 1999.

She said: In 2010 I started Brendon’s (now called Newbold). It was a difficult time because my sister had recently died, my father was suffering from a motor neurone disease and my husband was very ill. Despite all the personal difficulties I started up this firm. It has gone from strength to strength and in seven years, it employs over 60 staff and is now making several millions in revenue for the local economy, bringing both local employment and revitalising High streets.

“Alun was a tremendous support to me and gave me the encouragement to continue when I was doubting myself. I am so glad that he did.”.

Mr Cairns, visiting the Barry office, said: “I am hugely impressed by the work that those at Newbold Solicitors have achieved in making the firm such a success.

“All members of staff at Newbold’s should be very proud of their achievements, and I am delighted that the firm is being recognised on a national platform. Yet another example of local, hardworking, ambitious individuals putting South Wales on the map.”