Member News
Hay & Kilner has been named Employer of the Year at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s Inspiring Women in Business Awards, recognising the Newcastle-based law firm’s inclusive, progressive and people-first culture.
As one of the North East’s leading independent law firms, Hay & Kilner combines nearly 80 years of heritage with a modern approach that champions opportunity, progression and wellbeing. Women play a pivotal role across the business, making up 77% of the workforce, and 56% of Partners. This is rare in the legal sector, where nationally just 23% of Partners are women. The firm is also led by a majority-female board. Recent female Partner recruits have further strengthened the leadership team and underscore the firm’s commitment to empowering women. The firm also recognises the importance of its valued male allies who play their part in ensuring their colleagues prosper and thrive.
The firm’s culture is underpinned by enhanced and progressive family policies and training programmes along with its structured career development process and mentoring schemes. Its continued focus on retention and progression aims to support colleagues today whilst its social mobility efforts inspire the next generation entering the legal sector.
Ashley Carney, Events and Awards Manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said:
“What impressed the judges most was Hay & Kilner’s ability to turn values into action. Their commitment to developing talent, embedding workplace flexibility and ensuring women progress at every level is not just stated, it is demonstrated. The firm’s results speak for themselves, and that clarity of purpose made Hay & Kilner a worthy winner of this year’s Most Inspiring Employer – Over 50 Employers award.”This award is a powerful acknowledgment of the supportive, inclusive and high-performing environment the firm strives to foster every day.
Sarah Furness, Partner and board member who leads on the firm’s People and Culture strategy, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this award, which reflects the culture our team works so hard to build. Every member of Hay & Kilner contributes to making this a place where people feel genuinely supported and able to thrive. I want to extend particular thanks to Georgia Whitfield and Ruth Fell, whose dedication and leadership have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. This recognition belongs to the whole team.”
Jonathan Waters, Managing Partner at Hay & Kilner, added:
“Our aim is clear: to be the North East’s employer of choice, offering long-term opportunity, purpose and support. By listening, innovating and investing in our people, we are ensuring that Hay & Kilner is not just a place to work, it’s a place to grow, belong and succeed.”
Alongside this award win, Hay & Kilner was also shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the national Investors in People Awards 2025, further demonstrating its dedication to building a workplace where people feel valued, supported and empowered.
