Minster Law Awards Ball 2025: Meet our award-winning colleagues
Minster Law’s annual Awards Ball is a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise our colleagues’ achievements over the past year and celebrate together at a glamorous ceremony.
Each year, our colleagues nominate those who they believe have best demonstrated our values, with tenacity, creativity, courage, and teamwork that we uphold every day in our business. We had a huge number of colleagues nominated this year which is a wonderful reflection of all the incredible achievements by our colleagues and the subsequent recognition from peers.
Our 2025 Awards Ball at the Queens Hotel in Leeds, saw over 300 colleagues attend to cheer on the finalists and winners across seven prestigious award categories.
Without further ado, it’s a pleasure to introduce our award-winning colleagues.
Stand Together Award – With a shared purpose, we can have a more positive impact on the people around us
Winner: Craig Gravil, Associate Solicitor & Team Leader, Serious Injury Team
Time with Minster Law: 5 years+
Craig has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and collaboration, going above and beyond to support colleagues across the business. Over the past year, Craig has played a vital role in bringing teams together, even where there were different skill sets and levels of experience. He created a collaborative environment where everyone felt included, supported, and able to thrive.
Craig promoted open communication and even took it upon himself to deliver training sessions – all with the aim of strengthening the team and improving the quality of work. Consistently stepping beyond the expectations of his role, he has shown true leadership, empathy, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
After getting over the initial shock, I was incredibly proud to be selected as the winner of this award, as there were so many deserving nominees. It made me realise that all the hard work that you do, really does get recognised at a firm like Minster Law and is never taken for granted.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Rarely have I been part of a team that has so many talented individuals within it, each of them passionate about what they do. The ethos within the team is all about raising the bar and striving to become better, not only in the performance of the department itself, but in the development of every individual within it. I am inspired to see where my journey takes me from here as Minster Law continues to grow and evolve over the next few years and beyond.
Be Courageous Award – Believe in the opportunity and have the courage to follow it to wherever it leads us
Winner: Daisy Turner Doran, OIC team coach
Time with Minster Law: 3+ years
In a time of transition and pressure, Daisy stepped up beyond the expectations of her role, keeping the team motivated, supported, and on track.
Despite having only recently moved into a new position, she took on extra responsibility, provided steady leadership, and became a role model for others through her positivity and determination.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
Being nominated for this award was an incredible honour and an unforgettable experience, but winning it was a moment I will never forget. It was a very proud milestone in my career, and knowing my colleagues nominated me made it especially meaningful.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Working at Minster Law has been very rewarding, especially over the last six months, when I’ve had the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities alongside my role as Team Coach. Every day brings new challenges, but I’ve been surrounded by support and encouragement throughout. It’s extremely motivating to know that the work we do for our customers doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m proud to be part of a business that genuinely cares about its people and celebrates the positive impact we have on our clients.
Find a Way – The difference between what is difficult and what is possible lies within our own resolve
Winner: Kieran Audsley, Digital Product Manager
Time with Minster Law: 4 years
Kieran consistently finds solutions, overcomes challenges, and drives positive change across the business. He actively contributes ideas, gathers feedback from colleagues, and ensures suggestions are heard and acted upon. He is always willing to step out of his comfort zone to get the job done, facing challenges with determination and creativity, and encouraging others to get involved and make a difference.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
I was genuinely surprised and incredibly proud. It’s humbling to be recognised for finding creative solutions and pushing through challenges – especially among such talented colleagues.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Being part of Minster Law feels like being surrounded by people who care deeply about making a difference. There’s a real sense of collaboration, support, and drive to innovate. I’ve had the chance to work with brilliant people across multiple departments, and it’s inspiring to see how everyone contributes to our shared goals. It’s a place where ideas are welcomed, and growth is encouraged.
Outstanding Committee Contribution Award – Celebrating those colleagues who have contributed to any of our important committees, or have been involved in a piece of work outside of their normal role which has had a positive impact on the culture of our business or local community
Winner: George King, Trainee Solicitor
Time with Minster Law: 2 years
George took on a challenging and complex task outside of his usual responsibilities. He conducted thorough research on an important subject, ensuring the findings were clear, well thought out, and actionable. The insights gathered have been and will continue to be incredibly important for the business. In addition, he confidently presented these findings to a senior audience – not an easy task, and not an easy topic – demonstrating professionalism, courage, and meticulous preparation.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
I was absolutely thrilled to win the Outstanding Committee Contribution Award. It was such a proud and memorable moment and I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey at Minster Law. It was fantastic to celebrate alongside so many talented and inspiring colleagues.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Being part of the Minster Law team is genuinely rewarding. There’s a real sense of community and collaboration, where everyone is encouraged to contribute and make a difference. Through the CSR Committee, I’ve had the chance to work with incredible colleagues on projects that positively impact our local communities. The culture here is supportive, empowering, and focused on helping each other grow – both professionally and personally. I really appreciate the guidance and trust I’m given, which motivates me to keep learning and contribute my best every day.
Jonathan Bamforth’s Great Service Award – Jonathan was a strong advocate for delivering excellent customer service and his approach was pivotal in creating and shaping what has become one of the most successful serious injury teams in our industry. In tribute to Jonathan, this award recognises those helping and delighting our customers through great service
Winner: Neal Batty, Legal Advisor, OIC Admitted
Time with Minster Law: 2 years
Over the past year, Neal has set the standard, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to ensuring every customer is supported and valued. His approach inspires colleagues and shows what great service looks like every single day.
His personal journey within the business, from onboarding to handling complex claims, is also a testament to growth, learning, and the impact of dedication and resilience. He truly embodies our values and demonstrates how commitment and passion can make a real difference.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
I’m over the moon to see how far I’ve come—stepping out of my comfort zone from the onboarding team into my new role in OIC. I am grateful to see Minster opens new pathways and create opportunities for myself and the other colleagues.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Being part of this team feels truly unified—we move forward as one, with no one left behind.
CEO Choice Award – recognises colleagues who consistently goes above and beyond, inspiring those around them and making a lasting impact on both colleagues and customers.
Winner: Richard Cleary, Client Relations Team Leader
Time with Minster Law: 13 years
Richard embodies our values every single day through his positivity, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement. He supports clients at their most vulnerable moments while balancing a complex workload. He leads by example, champions others, and is always looking for ways to make a difference, no matter how big or small. His energy, creativity, and determination lift the whole team and help drive the business forward.
- How do you feel when you win the award?
I was shocked initially! It’s great to have been nominated by my peers, but to then be hand-picked by the CEO was quite a privilege. Often, mine is a role that presents significant challenges as we try to resolve a problem that has arisen where a customer may have experienced some dissatisfaction. Therefore, to be recognised for the support I’m able to provide reinforces how much I love my job.
- What does it feel like to be part of the Minster Law team?
Brilliant – it’s a real community that supports one another and I’m proud to be part of it!
Team of the Year Award – Proving that there’s no ‘I’ in ‘team’
Winner: Minster Law Scotland
For their outstanding unity, adaptability, and commitment to collaboration, Minster Law Scotland has gone above and beyond this year, with their outstanding performance reflected in a 4.9-star Trustpilot score. They’ve embraced new systems, processes, and welcomed new colleagues, all while demonstrating behaviours aligned with our core values and strengthening our culture. Their collective spirit, ‘all in it together’ attitude, and dedication to delivering excellent customer outcomes have truly set them apart.
Marina Harper, Executive Director, said “This recognition means so much to all of us. It is a testament to the dedication, commitment and collaboration that each person brings to the table every single day. I’m beyond proud to lead such a passionate and talented group of individuals who consistently go above and beyond.”
