The senior partner at an East Midlands law firm has retired after more than 40 years鈥 service.
Andrew Payne became a partner at Nottingham-based Sills & Betteridge in 1979 and took over the role of senior partner in 2006 from Roger Wallis.
During that time, the firm has undergone significant change, growing into a regional practice with 15 offices across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, South Yorkshire and Northamptonshire employing more than 300 staff.
Following his retirement, Mr Payne will continue to work for the firm as a consultant in the corporate and commercial department. The senior partner role will be taken over by Stephen Wilson.
Mr Payne said: 鈥淢y career with Sills & Betteridge has been both incredibly interesting and rewarding.
鈥淲hile saddened to be retiring as senior partner somewhat earlier than planned, I take great comfort from the fact that I leave the firm as a regional practice and, despite coronavirus, in a strong market position鈥.
His successor, Mr Wilson said: 鈥淎ndrew has had a stellar career and his knowledge, leadership and experience will be greatly missed.
鈥淗e and I have worked together at S&B for over 41 years and he is a great friend as well as a colleague.
鈥淲e all wish him a long and happy retirement and are delighted he has agreed to remain with the firm on a consultancy basis.鈥
The Nottingham office of Sills & Betteridge is headed by employment law partner, Steve Britton.
The firm had been due to formally open its new offices in George Street in March, but this has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
