This month, we are celebrating Vicky Law’s incredible milestone: her 20 year anniversary at Shorts. Joining the firm in 2006, Vicky has spent the last two decades building a career around work she enjoys, colleagues she values and a flexibility within a firm that has allowed her to balance family life alongside her role.
Having seen both the Sheffield office and the wider firm grow significantly over the years, she reflects on a journey that has gone by far quicker than she ever imagined.
A friendly welcome from day one
When Vicky joined Shorts in 2006, the Sheffield office was still in its early days, situation towards the top of Ecclesall Road. After visiting a recruitment agency, she was invited to meet one of the partners for what she remembers as a fairly relaxed and informal interview. On her first day, Vicky recalls that Malcolm Pope was the one who answered the door and showed her around the office. While many of the finer details have faded over time, one memory has stayed with her.
"I just remember everyone being really friendly."
It was a simple first impression, but one that has remained true throughout her 20 years with the firm.
Watching Shorts grow
Few people are better placed than Vicky to reflect on how Shorts has evolved over the years.
Having joined when the Sheffield office was still relatively small, she has watched both the office and the wider business grow significantly. New systems have been introduced, the way clients work has transformed, and the firm itself has expanded. Yet despite all that change, she believes the culture has remained remarkably consistent.
"It's just got bigger and bigger and bigger. But it's still the nice, friendly place that it was."
She continues to work alongside colleagues in the Genus team who have also built long careers at Shorts, helping to create the welcoming atmosphere she values so much.
The people make the difference
Ask Vicky what she enjoys most about working at Shorts and her answer comes without hesitation.
"It’s the People."
For her, the strength of those relationships extends well beyond the working day. She looks back over the years with great fondness, recalling the many countless social events, from cocktail making and pottery painting to team get-togethers and celebrations. While the activities vary, the real value that is clearly important to Vicky is the opportunity to spend time together away from the office with other members of her team.
"It's just nice that people want to be together outside of work."
That sense of connection is one of the reasons so many colleagues choose to stay and build long-term careers at Shorts.
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(Vicky ( fourth from the right ) with her team)
A career that has grown alongside family life
During her time at Shorts, Vicky has become a mum to two boys and, like many parents, her priorities and routines have evolved over the years. The flexibility offered by Shorts has allowed her to adapt her working pattern around family life while continuing to enjoy a fulfilling career. Today, she works 28 hours a week around school drop-offs and pick-ups, adjusting her day to fit her family's needs.
"I still get 28 hours done, but I still get to see the kids. It's really nice."
During school holidays she condenses her hours into four days, giving her additional time with her family. Reflecting on what she values most about working at Shorts, flexibility features heavily.
"That is the main thing I really value actually - t he flexibility."
It's clear that being able to build a career around family commitments has made a huge difference. She goes on to say,
"Without that, it just wouldn't be the same."
Twenty years of change
Like many who have spent years in accountancy, Vicky has witnessed huge changes in the profession. When she joined, client records often arrived in paper form, sometimes in less-than-perfect condition. One memorable example still makes her laugh today – when a pair of rubber gloves became an essential piece of equipment when dealing with a particular set of client records.
Thankfully, modern technology has transformed the way people work. Yet, while the tools and processes may look very different today, one thing hasn't changed for Vicky.
"I really do enjoy the work."
Looking back
Reaching 20 years naturally prompts reflection. If she could give one piece of advice to the younger Vicky walking through the doors of the Sheffield office for the first time, it would be simple.
"Be more confident."
Looking back now, there is a sense that she perhaps worried about things that would eventually work themselves out. Instead, she has spent 20 years building a career she enjoys, working with people she likes and balancing work with family life in a way that works for her. When asked why she has stayed with Shorts for so long, her answer perfectly sums up what has mattered most throughout her journey.
"I live nearby. There's flexibility. There's lovely people. Why would I move?"
And, it's hard to argue with that.
Congratulations, Vicky, on 20 years with Shorts. Thank you for your contribution, dedication and the positive impact you've had on colleagues, clients and the firm over the past two decades. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you.
