Yorkshire Christmas catch-up: Wake Smith Solicitors’ Tom Weightman

As Christmas is only weeks away, and the businesspeople of Yorkshire are preparing to hang up their stockings, Bdaily is continuing its December interview series with Tom Weightman, who is a solicitor in the commercial property team at Wake Smith Solicitors Limited in Sheffield.

As you already know, we at Bdaily love to bring our readers closer to the stories we write. So this month, we’re asking the questions we don’t usually get a chance to ask - giving you the opportunity to learn more about the people behind the businesses you often read about.

So let’s hear what Tom has to say about this past year, the christmas holidays and what is in store for Wake Smith Solicitors in 2016.

Your Business

What were the highlights for your business in 2015?

Our Commercial Property team has expanded this year to become an established team of 11 fee earners covering all aspects of commercial work including refinancing, lettings, sales and purchases and we have continued to secure high profile new work with clients across South Yorkshire and beyond.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?

No - work wise I’ve had a pretty good year. There is always more to learn in this industry especially since I qualified late last year. Out of work I could have scored a couple more goals on the hockey pitch!

What’s in store for your company in 2016?

We are moving into our new offices at the V1 Velocity building in January. Our Campo Lane and Clarkehouse Road teams will all be in one building. It will be an exciting time for the firm confirming important expansion plans and a commitment to Sheffield.

Your favourites

Have any other Yorkshire companies caught your eye this year? if so - why?

Hart Shaw Accountants has arranged some great social and networking events this year including the kidnapping of Sheffield’s Master Cutler for charity. Commercial property deals have accelerated especially in the second half of the year and we are looking to working with even more Yorkshire companies in 2016.

When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to destress?

I like to eat pizza and play hockey for the Sheffield University Bankers Hockey Club. I’m better at eating pizza. My favourite flavour is pepperoni!

Who has been your favourite social media personality this year? Any accounts stood out for you?

I always enjoy listening to what media pundit Charlie Brooker has to say. I like to follow his tweets, newspaper columns and TV shows.

The what ifs

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

I always wanted to be a football manager - or a spy. I thought they were cool jobs but decided to take the route into the legal world instead (for now!). Although I’m sure being a football manager can be more stressful than being a commercial property lawyer. James Bond always seems quite unruffled though.

If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?

That would create a paradox that could break the space-time continuum and jeopardise the future of the universe.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

I never say no to a chocolate orange. I usually get about three a year. I don’t stray from the original. I’m a traditionalist - a milk chocolate man.

Thanks for your time Tom, Merry Christmas for the Bdaily team!