Poole Townsend
Sector:
Legal, Estate Agency, Financial Services
Location:
Barrow-in-Furness and South Furness Peninsula
Poole Townsend is a proudly local business that has been serving the Furness Peninsula for more than 30 years.
With its roots in two longstanding legal firms that merged in 1993, the company has grown into a multi-disciplinary organisation offering legal services, estate agency, and financial planning – all under one roof.
With its headquarters in Barrow, and offices in Ulverston, Grange-over-Sands, Milnthorpe and Kendal, the company has grown into a familiar sight on the high street with its vibrant yellow, white and blue branding.
Stephanie Woodward, one of the firm’s directors, recently moved back to the area to work in the business: “We’re really privileged that we get to be part of some of the really big life moments that people have,” she says.
“Moving house, planning for retirement – these are huge decisions, and we’re there to guide people through them.”
The business is built on a foundation of trust and community connection. Many of its staff have been with the company for decades, and that continuity has helped Poole Townsend become a household name in Barrow. “We’ve got lots of people who’ve worked in the business for that full 30 years, which is brilliant,” Stephanie said. “It’s that experience and consistency that our clients value.”
“There’s a real buzz in the town right now. We’re seeing new businesses pop up, investment coming in, and more people moving into the area.”
Poole Townsend’s structure is unique. By offering services across three sectors – legal, estate agency, and financial – the business has created a resilient model able to weather economic fluctuations. “If the property market’s not doing so well, we might be doing better on the legal side,” Stephanie explained. “That balance helps us stay strong.”
But it’s not just about strategy – it’s about service. “Ultimately, what’s helped us and continues to help us is just doing a good job for the clients.
“We want to do a good job, and then the clients will come back and tell their friends. That’s how we’ve grown.”
In 2024, Poole Townsend took a bold step to secure its future by becoming an Employee Ownership Trust. This means every employee is now a co-owner of the business. “We didn’t want the business to be run by somebody sat hundreds of miles away who doesn’t care about the people or the community,” Stephanie said. “Now, the shareholders are the employees. We’re all aligned.”
The move has had a transformative effect. “It improves employee engagement, it improves outcomes for clients, and it creates a more positive, productive, and effective workplace,” she adds. “Everyone gets to share in the success.”
Stephanie is also enthusiastic about the wider changes happening in Barrow.
She said: “There’s a real buzz in the town right now. We’re seeing new businesses pop up, investment coming in, and more people moving into the area. That’s fantastic for Poole Townsend – it means more people buying houses, more people planning for their future.”
She believes Barrow is entering a new chapter. “It’s a really exciting time to be doing business here – not just for us, but for the wider business community. We’re proud to be part of that growth.”
Stephanie’s advice to other businesses is simple: stay local, stay committed, and stay focused on people. “We just try and keep it as straightforward and simple as we can to help our clients. That’s why they keep coming back to us, year after year.” Poole Townsend’s story is one of longevity, adaptability, and community spirit. With a strong team, a clear mission, and a deep connection to Barrow, the business is well-positioned to thrive for decades to come.
With a strong team, a clear mission, and a deep connection to Barrow, the business is well-positioned to thrive for decades to come.
