Hugh Welch - Senior partner

Expert profile

Hugh has been partner at Muckle LLP for 20 years and was managing partner from 2002 - 2004. In April 2007, Hugh was appointed to senior partner. Predominantly working within the commercial team, Hugh is a member of the corporate finance and business advisory services team and handles a wide range of commercial work for public and private companies throughout the North East.

Hugh also advises a variety of charitable and not-for-profit organisations and has an active involvement in supporting the wider North East community as chairman of The Community Foundation and as a director or trustee of various other charitable organisations.

Hugh's specialisms:

• Advising generally on commercial and business issues
• Acquisitions
• Disposals and buy-outs
• Charitable and pro bono work
   

In the hot seat...

How do you see the commercial team developing over the next few years?
The main strength of our commercial team is looking after the region's private companies and the directors and shareholders in those companies. I see us maintaining and developing those relationships but also expanding our public company work.

How will your team develop?
We currently have a great group of younger, enthusiastic and very capable lawyers who are keen to prove themselves. My aim as a partner is to keep everyone busy and grow the team sufficiently to develop stimulating career paths for all our people.

Why did you choose to work at Muckle LLP?
I fancied the challenge of helping to create a leading commercial law firm here in the North East.

What's the best piece of business advice you've had?.....and what's the worst?
All advice is valuable it's up to you how much weight you attach to it.

What has been the most challenging legal deal you've been involved in?
The acquisition for Labelling Dynamics of various businesses from Ferguson Information which I completed a couple of years ago. It was a huge and complicated deal with an international element to it.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Being part of an enthusiastic and vibrant team. I also enjoy my community work;  I personally find it satisfying and I think it's important as a firm that we do it.

What are your personal ambitions?
I believe that it is incumbent on those that are fortunate in what they have, to do what they can to help others. I very firmly believe that at the end of your life you are called to account for how you have used the skills you have been given. Whilst I wouldn't call it a personal ambition,  I do constantly feel that I need to make sure that I use whatever skills I've got generally for the benefit of other people. However,  I'm also ambitious for the firm and want to see it do well.

What's your most irritating habit?
Depends who you ask really. If you ask my children it's correcting their grammar!

What would be your dream day?
Actually, I'm quite happy coming into work.

What's your biggest extravagance?
My daughter Emma and cars.

Direct line: 0191 211 7903
Email Hugh