Local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash was named Redbridge Business of the Year at the recent Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards. Julia McFall reflects on the historic firm’s success
The vibrancy and success of the London Borough of Redbridge’s business community took centre stage in December at the Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards, held at the Coliseum Suite in Ilford. This glamorous black-tie event welcomed over 600 guests, including local entrepreneurs, representatives from national chains with branches in Redbridge and officials from the council. The awards showcased the strength and diversity of the borough’s commercial sector.
The event was organised by the Ilford Business Improvement District (BID). The BID represents nearly 400 businesses in central Ilford and works tirelessly to create a welcoming, attractive and vibrant town centre. Its initiatives aim to boost footfall, support local shops, cafés and services and ensure Ilford remains a thriving hub for commerce. A strong town centre benefits the entire borough, and these awards highlight achievements across both Ilford and the wider borough.
The evening embraced a Strictly Come Dancing theme, treating attendees to a spectacle of entertainment featuring acrobats, ballroom dancers, magicians and comedy acts. Speakers from the local authority emphasised the power of collaboration between businesses and local government, reminding guests of what can be achieved when we work together to improve the borough for all.
One of the night’s biggest triumphs was Edward Duthie Shamash solicitors being named Redbridge Business of the Year, a tremendous accolade that reflects both the firm’s current success and its deep roots in the community. With a history spanning more than 120 years, the firm’s head office sits opposite Valentine’s Park in Ilford, alongside a branch on Wanstead High Street, plus offices in Stratford and Waterloo. Today, Edward Duthie Shamash stands as a nationally recognised law firm with a reach far beyond Redbridge, yet its heart remains firmly in the borough. The firm combines a strong private client practice – property, wills, civil litigation and court of protection works – with high-profile criminal legal aid, mental health and family departments working with local people. The firm is also a significant local employer. Senior partner Shaun Murphy expressed the firm’s delight at the win: “We are thrilled to receive this award and grateful for the support of so many clients and contacts during the nominations process. This recognition reflects our commitment to the community… We believe vibrant community organisations benefit us all.”
Events like these not only celebrate business success but also reinforce the importance of community spirit. The awards show Redbridge thrives as a place where enterprise and local pride go hand in hand.
Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at 149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For more information, call 020 8514 9000 or visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk
