Member News
The stars certainly aligned when Samantha Edward’s long held dream to return back home to Cumbria, combined with the expansion of EMG Solicitors. And as their new office opens its doors in Penrith, as does a new chapter for Sam and the business.
Working at EMG Solicitors since 2016, Director Sam Edward leads the Wills, Trusts and Probate team, supporting clients and employees over their three offices in Durham, Newcastle and now Penrith, Cumbria. Here we find out what that return means for Sam, how the business is looking to support both their clients and community, her longstanding connections to the area and fabulous four-legged friends!
A new era for EMG - serving the local community
Client relationships and service delivery lie at the heart of the EMG business, with Sam’s role covering many areas including succession planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate and estate administration. Services which support the specific needs of families, particularly agricultural families or those with business interests. Ultimately helping them to secure the best inheritance tax position and in turn ensure a safe administration when people pass away.
Samantha Edward said:
“Working in wills and probate is always something I’ve been very passionate about because they are services that revolve around people and families, and are areas we will all require advice on at some stage in our lives. My other passions of course are my family and Cumbria, having been born and bred here, I was always keen to make the return someday.
Helping make this possible of course is our amazing Managing Director Emma Gaudern. I’ll always be incredibly grateful that she enabled that move by choosing to establish EMG’s third office here. As head of the business, she really is an inspiration in so many ways, with the care and needs of employees and clients firmly at the core of the business.
I’m really proud to have the opportunity to bring the talents and resource of EMG Solicitors to the community in Cumbria. Creating a presence for the brand in a new area is very exciting. As well as serving our clients, we are also really looking forward to getting to know other professionals, advisors and accountants and working together collaboratively to deliver the best results for those we work with.”
EMG have enjoyed high levels of growth over recent years with much of that success being attributed to the exceptional levels of client care which remains at the heart of the business.
Sam added:
“Lots of businesses talk about client care, but we are incredibly passionate about it and really make it happen. We look after our people and in turn our people look after our clients. Our personality, empathy and approach being something we really pride ourselves on.”
EMG Solicitor’s service is matched with the incredible talent and loyalty of staff which is testament to the positive and supportive working culture fostered by Emma and the team. An ethos that is coupled with a passion to give back, supporting local communities through their own EMG charitable fund. A programme that enables them to donate 5% of annual profits to good causes across the areas they operate in.
And befitting their rural location, the team will soon have a new visitor to the Penrith office in the form of Shaun the Sheep! Taking up residence (and the third character to feature across their three locations), Shaun will soon become a permanent fixture in the Penrith office. Thus, highlighting their commitment to community projects and for this particular campaign, their support of St Oswald’s Hospice.
A family legacy
A furry friend that will no doubt make Sam feel right at home, given her family’s rural roots and long -standing farming legacy, which impressively spans over 100 years.
Her own grandparents who were former farmers in the Keswick area have clearly had a big influence on Sam, fuelling her desire to live out her dream of renovating a barn conversion back on the family farm in Allerdale. A place she will call home with her husband, two children, pet sheep Eden and horse Blaze.
Sam added;
“Funnily enough my childhood dream was always to become a farmer, something I recall sharing with my Grandad at the age of 8 years old. Only quickly to be told that I was far too soft - and that crying at the smallest things such as lambs’ tails falling off, would never work! I guess I knew then it was never going to happen in a practical sense. But having the opportunity to now build a home here really is a dream come true. Waking up to the rolling landscape and green fields is an amazing feeling.”
Sam’s Cumbrian connections and legacy however don’t stop there. With her father’s former business being the well- known Burbush’s of Penrith. Having led the company for over 20 years, the company fast developed an enviable reputation in the market for producing high quality pies and pates. With many being sold to established brands and stores including Harrods and Fortnum and Mason.
Sam commented:
“Living, working and running businesses across Cumbria span across my entire family on both sides, so I guess in many ways it was inevitable I would someday do the same. Some might say it’s in the blood!”
But it’s not all work. When not at the helm of a busy law firm, there are many things Sam and her family enjoy about living in the county.
“I love the outdoors and going for walks. Nothing beats a beautiful fell -Blencathra and Walla Crag in particular are pretty special with Derwentwater, and Whinlatter Forest also favourite places to visit.”
As an Oxford English graduate Sam also loves getting lost in a good book, especially the works of the Romantic poets; Wordsworth, Coleridge and Keats. With her time at Keswick School being where her true love of all things literary began.
Sam added:
“Relocating to Cumbria has certainly given me a lot of time to reflect – I’ve got so much to be thankful for really. And from old roots to new shoots, an exciting new chapter begins. Leading and growing the EMG business and supporting our clients in the best way we know how, being at the top of my list. Oh and of course looking after the odd furry friend or two!”
For more information regarding EMG Solicitors visit www.emgsolicitors.com or contact Sam Edward on Samantha.edward@emgsolicitors.com , 01768 527 000
