Pragnesh Modhwadia is the Managing Partner of Axiom Stone Solicitors and also one of its founding partners. Pragnesh represents various clients including, high net worth individuals, blue-chip companies, hedge funds, foreign companies, SME’s, property developers and pharmaceutical companies, specialising in both real estate, property law and litigation. Pragnesh has acted on several developments, dealing with matters from initial planning permission to through to disposal of the units. He has acted for various clients on property acquisitions ranging from single sites to the acquisition of a portfolio of properties. He has vast experience representing clients in a wide range of commercial and civil disputes, having appeared before the Court of Appeal, all divisions of the High Court and various County Courts.
What is your current position?
Managing Partner of Axiom Stone Solicitors
What are your proudest achievements? Professional:
I am a family man, I see my achievement as a direct correlation to how proud my family and parents are of my achievements and the firm. In preparation of this interview I called my parents and asked them what would be their most memorable and proudest achievement of me. They said "being on the TV and in the papers". Of course, every parent wants to see their children do well, as do I when my son is older, but beyond "being in the paper or on the TV" I think what they are most proud of is that over the last 8 years we have developed a practice which is positively recognised within the profession, local communities and reputable third parties. To kick start the New Year, my management committee and I met to discuss, plan and roadmap 2016 for us as a business. 8 years ago we didn't have a meeting, a committee or a roadmap, but here we are in 2016, blessed with a fabulous, experienced team who all contribute and share the same vision of success in providing legal services.
Personal:
The birth of my son, Yuvan. Notwithstanding professional achievements, I am a firm believer of having a balance. My son reminds me each day that whilst we may have professional accomplishments and aspirations, having a family and loved ones to share those moments with makes our successes that much more pronounced and rewarding.
What inspires you?
My son, smiles and those who have the courage to pursue their dreams.
What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
As with any business, there are always obstacles to contend with on a daily basis. I have been fortunate, in that we approach obstacles very pragmatically so challenges are either turned around to positively impact the practice or we use them as lessons in life and business, which is equally valuable to us. The fluidity of the economy since I founded the firm has been challenging at times, but we have used this as incentive to avoid complacency and to motivate us to plan for the future and constantly re-evaluate the political and economic sphere, so that we are always one step ahead.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My family, in particular, my brother; His relentless work ethic, devotion both to family and friends alike and his support since the inception of the firm. Honestly speaking, my family are my most avid supporters and simultaneously my biggest critics, teaching me that you need both confidence and humility in equal measures to succeed both in business and in life.
What is the best aspect about your current role?
Seeing the team at Axiom Stone Solicitors grow and the brand being recognised across the industry, both domestically and in international communities. I love hearing all the positive feedback about the firm and our teams, as it is a testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
And the worst?
There are so many opportunities, but not enough hours in the day. I have a great team around me, supporting the firm both operationally and strategically so we are making inroads into most, if not all, of these.
What are your long term goals? Professionally
I’d like to be in a position where we can provide a multitude of services to our clients, by extending our current offerings, and enhancing some of our current practices too. We are always looking for ways to improve our services, whether regarding our IT systems, office locations, experience of our staff etc, which we will continue to monitor and evaluate to ensure we remain innovative and competitive.
Personally
I’m having so much fun with the journey that I’m already on, I want that to continue and I want to keep developing myself as an individual.
If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
Quite controversially I would want to reconsider the current tax regime to encourage investors to invest in the UK. Some of the recent tax changes could have an adverse effect on the UK as being the preferred choice, which could have far reaching effects on individuals and businesses.
If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Oscar Wilde. He is one of my favorite writers, simultaneously a romantic and a cynic. Whilst there are so many of his quotes I love, one of my favorites is: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”
