Southport BID article by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
A leading Southport lawyer is putting forward a strong case for Southport’s rejuvenation.
Stephanie Marshall, a Senior Associate Solicitor at Napthens, has just been appointed to the Board of Southport BID.
She is a champion for the growing professional services sector in Southport town centre, and is passionate about improving local heritage.
Stephanie has a close relationship with the Bid and has already spent some time working alongside Southport BID on various projects. She is a strong believer that it is only by working together that local businesses can really thrive and become more successful and resilient.
She was appointed because of her work she carried out leading the Professionals Sector Network for Southport BID.
Stephanie was recently recommended in the latest edition of the Legal 500 guide and has also been recognised within the Legal 500 as a ‘Rising Star’ within the legal profession in the North West.
Her wealth of knowledge and experience will play a vital role in the BID’s ongoing initiatives.
Stephanie said: “I definitely think that in the last few years, Southport has had a resurgence.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, many people in professional services used to think they had to follow the ‘bright lights’ and head off to work in the big cities such as Manchester or Liverpool. Since the pandemic, lots of people have had cause for a re-think and many businesses in the professional services sector operate a hybrid working policy now, meaning there is more choice about where people can work.
“It is creating more opportunities in Southport as people recognise it as a much more pleasant environment to live and to work.
“We need that to continue, and Southport BID has an important role to play in supporting that process.
“I am delighted to join and really looking forward to getting involved, helping to make Southport a better place to live, to work and to do business.
“Southport BID’s Festive Fun Day last weekend was a fabulous event that brought so many people into the town. The BID has also provided all the lights along Lord Street – 300,000 of them! – as well as the illuminated 60 ft Christmas tree and the new illuminated Bear and Reindeer in the Town Hall Gardens and all the festive decorations throughout the town centre.
“It attracts thousands of people every year and creates a real feelgood factor for families.
“All these initiatives and events help attract visitors to the town and increase trade and spending, which will help benefit local businesses and those within the hospitality sectors.”
Stephanie is a Senior Associate Solicitor working in the Commercial Property department at Napthens. Born and raised in Southport, Stephanie attended KGV Sixth Form College. She joined Napthens in 2013 and worked in the firm’s Preston office, before moving to their Southport office in 2019.
She handles a full range of commercial property matters and has particular experience with acquisitions and disposals, property finance, development and dealing with landlord portfolio management.
Stephanie has a huge passion for Southport’s unique heritage. She is a keen supporter of the work being done by Southport Townscape Heritage Project. The STHP has played a role in bringing some historic town centre buildings back to life. They include 509-511 Lord Street, which is now home to SEP Insurance and Korean Kitchen on the ground floor, with nine apartments above, after being empty and dilapidated for several years.
Stephanie said: “There is more to do! The Southport Townscape Heritage Project is looking at Coronation Walk at the moment. It is also supporting the revitalisation of the Leo’s building on Nevill Street which had fallen into disrepair.
“The work the STHP is doing will really improve the vitality of the town centre.”
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