One of the most valuable discussions I’ve been part of recently was not about ourselves, but about our clients.

We held a client listening panel, bringing together a small group of clients and referrers who generously gave their time to share candid views on what they value most from their advisers. They shared how their expectations are evolving and where they believe firms can make the biggest difference. The conversation was thoughtful, honest and insightful, providing a rare opportunity to step back and learn from the people and businesses we are privileged to support. 

What matters most is how we apply those insights. Three themes in particular stayed with me: judgement, visibility and relationships. 

You told us you value judgement

Our clients told us they value advisers who take a position, think practically and commercially and understand how their businesses create value. We are taking that lesson into an upcoming campaign focused on the private capital ecosystem, exploring not simply the legal issues in play, but the motivations, ambitions and challenges of the investors, businesses, founders and families operating within it. We’ll be looking at how priorities are changing, what is shaping decisions and where advisers can add real value. Watch this space. 

You told us you value visibility

Clients told us they want advisers who stay informed, follow market developments and help them navigate what is coming next. That is shaping our thought leadership and events programme for the months ahead. On 14 October, a couple of weeks before the Autumn Budget announcement, we will be convening clients and contacts for an interactive, Question Time-style Budget event. It will provide an opportunity to explore the key themes, potential implications and questions already emerging across the market. This will then be followed by ongoing thought leadership and timely predictions and insights, as we help clients prepare for what comes next. 

Looking further ahead, our Real Estate practice is already developing a property predictions event for January 2027, helping clients understand the trends, opportunities and risks that may shape the real estate market in the year ahead.

The theme of visibility also extends to our people. Clients increasingly want to know and hear from the experts advising them. Our lawyers are sharing their perspectives through thought leadership on our website, are regularly featured in the media and are receiving meaningful engagement on LinkedIn. At the same time, we are investing in the next generation of talent through a development programme, ensuring the strength and continuity of our client teams. Please do connect with us on LinkedIn and sign up for our thought leadership here.

We are also continuing to embrace AI thoughtfully. Clients expect firms to use technology to improve efficiency and delivery, while maintaining human judgement and oversight. That balance remains central to our approach. Technology should enhance the quality and responsiveness of our service but never replace the judgement and relationships that clients value.  

Alongside all of this, we have an exciting announcement coming soon about the continued evolution of the firm and our ongoing investment in talent. Growth is important, but for us it is always about strengthening our ability to support clients and creating opportunities for our people.

You told us relationships still matter 

Strong relationships came through clearly throughout the conversation. Staying connected means making it as easy as possible for clients, contacts and friends of the firm to engage with us and stay informed about the issues that matter to them. We are increasing the number of webinars we hold and looking at which external conferences we attend, including MIPIM 2027.  

The client listening process reinforced something I have always believed. Strong relationships remain the ultimate differentiator, and the best client service comes from listening carefully and acting thoughtfully on what we hear. One comment from our panel particularly resonated with me: that Edwin Coe “feels like home”. To me, that reflects the culture we have worked hard to build, shaped by our SPHERE values (Supportive, Professional, Honest, Encouraging, Respectful, Empowering) and our distinctive style: Collaborative in approach, Committed in purpose and Connected where it matters most. 

Thank you to our clients for the trust you place in us and for the openness with which you share your perspectives, challenges and ambitions. Those conversations help us to improve, adapt and to ensure we continue to deliver the advice and support that matters most. I look forward to sharing more of the initiatives, events and insights that are ahead, shaped directly by what we are hearing from you.