Keeping staff happy and motivated is a key issue for all firms, even in vibrant commercial centres like Milton Keynes and Basingstoke.

In a move even more novel than its ‘distinctive’ geographic footprint, Shoosmiths has seized the initiative with a crafty new incentive for fee earners and support staff alike. Worker bees at the Northampton-based powerhouse are now entitled to an extra day off on their birthday, with a day granted in lieu should the birthday fall on a weekend.