As managing partner, Jonathan Waters is responsible for Hay & Kilner's central management, and overall strategy and direction. He specialises in corporate mergers and acquisitions and has particular experience in the care home sector, representing several national operators. He also advises charity clients on complex restructuring and operational issues.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? Working on the phones – taking orders and answering queries for a drinks wholesaler. I can’t remember how much it paid, but I remember the joy at that first pay cheque!
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? Stay curious and commit to continuous learning. It is so important to keep up with industry trends and adapt as appropriate. If you don’t then you’ll inevitably fall behind the competition.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? The advance of technology has had a huge impact on the legal profession in the last couple of decades, and the rate of change is only going to accelerate. We used to be surrounded by paper, and now we’re surrounded by screens! AI in particular offers significant challenges for all of us, but also huge opportunities. It is important to embrace that change with a clear focus on service delivery and client experience.
What would your dream job be? Assuming you mean outside the law… I would love to have been a garden designer and to have had the opportunity to create a Chelsea show garden. It was truly inspiring to visit the Chelsea Flower Show and witness first-hand what it is possible to achieve in the short time they have to set everything up.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? It’s not just about knowing the law but understanding how it evolves. Technology is also becoming ever more important, so being open to that change will be essential.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The people of the North East have a reputation for overcoming and adapting to market challenges. The region has long been a hotbed for innovation, and there is huge potential for that to continue into the future – from advance manufacturing and green energy, to life sciences and digital/tech.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Businesses are not just economic entities but also social ones, with an opportunity to significantly impact well-being and development. It is so important to embrace social responsibility, sustainable practices and ethical behaviour, and contribute to community welfare through philanthropy and volunteering.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? I do have green fingers, though perhaps not to the extent of my dream job. Both garden and allotment are therefore in pretty good shape, though I always wish I had more time to devote to them.
Who would play you in a film about your life? Jason Statham (obviously) – though he may struggle with the lack of action scenes. At least we have the same hairstyle…
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Ant & Dec (I’m treating them as one person!) for their humour; David Attenborough for his perspective on life and the world, and Michelle Obama as I’m sure she’d generate some very interesting conversation. I think they’d all be easy to get along with too.
