Anthony Smith, LL.B (Managing Director)

Anthony Smith is the managing director of Progression. Anthony’s key role is growing and developing the business. After setting up Progression in 2005, the company now has four offices – soon to be five – in Ulverston, Windermere, Grange-over-Sands and Barrow-in-Furness – with 25 staff.

A specialist commercial lawyer with over 20 years’ experience. After qualifying in Sheffield, Anthony spent 15 years working as a commercial lawyer in Bristol, the last 11 years of which were as a partner in a city practice leading commercial and residential property teams.

Anthony established Progression Solicitors in 2005 after moving to the Lake District. Anthony is the firm’s managing director and head of property and commercial services.

Alongside Progression, Anthony has experience in commercial and residential property including development of affordable housing schemes. From 2008 to 2010 he spent a significant amount of time promoting the development and construction of rural affordable housing in the south west. Anthony received an LABC Social Housing Developer of the Year award in 2010 for building 17 disabled spec affordable houses as part of Progression Homes.

Anthony has always been keen in supporting the local community in whatever way possible. Being an active member of Windermere Rotary, he was one of the supporters of Rock on Windermere 2016 and helped organise the Low Wood No Wood Cardboard Boat Race for 3 years running, in support of the Calvert Trust. Anthony and the firm gained recognition of their efforts by being awarded the silver award in the legal/insurance sector of the International CSR Excellence Awards 2015.

Anthony has particular expertise in family businesses and is a keen supporter of the Cumbria Family Business Awards since their inception in 2016.