Gemma Barnett

Leadership and Growth

I believe sustainable growth comes from aligning strategy, people and purpose.

As BD & Marketing Director at Redkite Solicitors and a member of the Executive Board, I work across the business to help turn our strategy into action. For me, business development and marketing are about much more than generating opportunities. They are about understanding what clients need, strengthening relationships, articulating who we are as a firm and ensuring our people are equipped and empowered to contribute to our growth.

I am particularly passionate about making business development part of an organisation’s culture rather than simply a function. The strongest results come when people across a business understand the role they can play in building relationships, enhancing the client experience and creating opportunities for the future.

What I enjoy most about my role is bringing people and ideas together. Whether we are developing our market position, improving the way we work or exploring how technology and innovation can support our ambitions, my focus is on creating meaningful and lasting value for our clients, our colleagues and the wider business.

Professional Background

After graduating from the University of Leeds, I began my career at Capita, where I developed a solid foundation in operations management. I now have more than 25 years’ experience across professional services, including 10 years in the insurance sector and the past 15 years in the legal industry.

Throughout my career, I have held senior roles spanning operations management, contract management, client operations, business development and marketing. That breadth of experience has shaped the way I approach my role today and given me a strong appreciation of the connection between operational excellence, client experience and commercial growth.

I have worked extensively on strengthening client relationships, developing commercial partnerships, improving processes and building high-performing teams. I particularly enjoy working in environments where there is an appetite for change and the opportunity to turn ambitious ideas into practical action.

Leadership and Purpose

Leadership, for me, is about creating opportunities for other people to succeed. I am passionate about social value, equity, diversity and inclusion and believe these should be woven into an organisation’s strategy and culture rather than treated as standalone initiatives.

I have led Women in Leadership forums and am a founding member of She Who, helping to create spaces for meaningful conversations, connection and positive change.

Alongside my executive role, I am committed to supporting the wider legal profession through governance, collaboration and advocacy. I am proud to serve as a Council Member of the Cardiff & District Law Society, particularly after spending 15 years working in the legal sector in non-fee-earning roles. I am passionate about championing the contribution of business services professionals and the vital role they play in the success of modern law firms.

I also served as a charity trustee for seven years, including as Chair of the Board, providing strategic leadership and governance. In 2024, I was honoured to receive the Advisor of the Year award at the Arts & Business Cymru Awards in recognition of this work.

More recently, I was named Rising Leader at the Women in Wales Awards 2026. The recognition was particularly meaningful to me because of my commitment to creating opportunities for others, championing women in leadership and helping to build inclusive workplaces where people can thrive.

Looking Ahead

I am excited about the opportunities ahead for Redkite Solicitors as we continue to grow and evolve.

My focus is on ensuring our business development and marketing strategy supports sustainable growth while keeping our clients and people at its heart. That means continuing to strengthen our relationships, understand our markets, invest in our people and embrace technology and innovation where they can make a meaningful difference.

Professional services are changing, and I believe the firms that will thrive are those that combine strong relationships and outstanding expertise with a willingness to think differently. I am proud to play a part in shaping that future at Redkite Solicitors.

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, I live in Barry with my husband and two children and love being close to the sea. I enjoy walking my labradoodle, practising hot yoga and watching Wales play almost any sport – although rugby will always be a particular favourite. I am also a big fan of live music and enjoy getting to gigs whenever I can.