When associate solicitor, Charlotte Higgins, was told to get on her bike by employers Bell & Buxton Solicitors she was overjoyed.
Successful cyclist, Charlotte Higgins, who competes under her maiden name of Parnham, has been fully supported in her cycling hobby by “family firm” Bell & Buxton Solicitors, who have enabled her to achieve her many titles through a supportive environment and flexible working.
Bell & Buxton Solicitors is a highly regarded Sheffield-based law firm that specialises in personal and business law providing quality legal advice and exceptional client service.
Charlotte said: “The firm appreciate I have goals outside of work and they help me to achieve them. It has been really reassuring to have the backing of work when I’m trying to compete.
“Cycling has always been a hobby and since 2018 I’ve taken it really seriously and I’ve achieved a lot, but I’ve only been able to do this through an understanding work environment at Bell & Buxton.”
Charlotte became a National Masters Pursuit Champion in 2018 (including World Record), 2019 and 2021. At the same event, Charlotte also became a 500 metre Time Trial Champion in 2018 (including British Record), 2019 and again in 2021.
A talented cyclist, riding for Dame Sarah Storey’s team, Storey Racing, Charlotte holds the British record for the flying kilometre Time Trial (broken at Derby Velodrome in February 2018), the British Record for the 2k Pursuit and the British Record for the 500 Time Trial. Charlotte’s most notable tile was becoming National Derny Champion in 2019, which is her most treasured title due to the work she had to put in to achieve this.
Charlotte said: “The nature of my role within commercial and corporate law means that there can be a lot of working outside of my core hours, so it really means a lot that the firm have an understanding with me regarding my cycling career.
“I feel that I have a strong relationship with the Partners, and they know that I will do everything I can to get a job done. This means working long hours during larger corporate transactions, but at the same time, they appreciate that I also like to fit my racing and training in around work.”
Charles Neal, partner at Bell & Buxton Solicitors, said: “When Charlotte came to Bell & Buxton it was evident that cycling was an important aspect of her life. She had found balancing her twin passions of cycling and the law difficult in the past, but we were happy to support her in both.
“From the outset we agreed to flexible working to encourage her cycling career alongside her legal career. We encourage everyone involved in the firm to achieve a sustainable work-life balance.
“Allowing flexibility has enabled Charlotte to pursue her cycling career with great success. We are extremely proud of all Charlotte’s achievements both inside and outside of the office.”
Charlotte’s notable achievements:
- National Masters Pursuit Champion: 2018 (including World Record)
- National Masters Pursuit Champion: 2019
- National Masters Pursuit Champion: 2021 (including British Record)
- National Masters 500 Time Trial Champion: 2018 (including British Record)
- National Masters 500 Time Trial Champion: 2019
- National Masters 500 Time Trial Champion: 2021
- Elite National Derny Champion: 2019
Charlotte also currently holds the following records:
- British Record for the flying kilometre Time Trial (broken at Derby Velodrome in February 2018)
- British Record for the 2k Pursuit
- British Record for the 500 metre Time Trial
www.bellbuxton.co.uk
