I have been asked to provide a reference for HL Interactive LLP, whom I understand are applying to the Law Society to be shortlisted for the "Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Standards".

For this purpose, I would confirm that our company have been a client of HL Interactive LLP since December 2005 and indeed, have established an excellent working relationship with them at both managerial and operational level.

Whilst I am aware that the firm were first awarded with their Lexcel accreditation in 2007, I understand that their first annual maintenance visit in August 2008 showed a vast improvement in their operational management and believe this is indicative of their determination to provide excellent customer service.

During the past few months, the firm have been faced with a number of challenges - not least of all a de-merger from their parent company, Halliwells LLP, and an office move to larger premises on King Street, Manchester. However, in addition to maintaining their high level of service throughout each transition, the company have also made a number of key improvements which have certainly been of huge benefit to us. Such improvements include, for example, an upgrade in IT facilities, which has enabled enhanced web access for our staff, quality reporting systems, an improved telephony service, installation of access to our “in-house” administration systems which has provided considerable efficiencies in the reduction of the number of calls/points of contact with out administration department.

The company have also retained - if not, improved upon - their proactive approach to providing a high level of customer service. This is certainly evidenced by their willingness to share information and specialist knowledge with our own staff, providing tailored demonstrations and in-house training sessions to our staff.

In essence, I would thereby endorse their application wholly and wish them every success in their application for 'Excellence' which I believe is a well-warranted Award to recognise their achievements to date.

Yours faithfully

Richard Smith
Vice President
UniCredit Markets & Investment Banking