Banner Jones executive director and personal injury solicitor Robert Banner has received a Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his contribution to the industry and to the success of the firm.

The unexpected announcement came during the Derbyshire Times Business Excellence Awards at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel, attended by more than 200 people.

Robert qualified as a solicitor in 1976 and became a partner at what was then known as ‘Banners’ in 1984. In 1999 he was instrumental in the merger with ‘Jones and Middleton’, forming the firm Banner Jones Solicitors as it is now known.

He has spent the last 30 years specialising in the field of personal injury, where he has won several multi-million pound settlements for clients with serious injuries, and for which he is acknowledged in the prestigious Legal 500 as a ‘recognised lawyer’ who ‘combines intellectual rigour with very good client skills’.

Alongside his work at Banner Jones, he has also spent the last four years as elected chairman for the Law Management Committee of the Law Society, which is a voluntary post that allows him to provide guidance to other lawyers on how to run, manage and develop successful legal practices.

Banner Jones Solicitors were also awarded with the Peoples Development Award at the ceremony which recognised the firm for its commitment and investment to its employees, providing them with training and development initiatives to develop their performance.

Commenting on his accolade, Robert Banner commented: “I’m quite speechless, and most honoured, to have received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Derbyshire business awards.

“It has been a pleasure to support both the local and national legal community over the years, and to have played a helping to shape and grow Banner Jones into the business that it is today.”

Simon Wright, executive director at Banner Jones Solicitors, said: “What a fantastic evening, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award that Robert.

“I’m so pleased that we have been awarded with the Peoples Development Award as it is really important to us at Banner Jones that our staff enjoy working for us and we have a real passion for their career development and progression.”