Stanislas Roquebert

*What did motivate you to move to London ?

 As a customs and trade lawyer, Brexit immediately generated an influx of questions and issues for our clients. Being in London meant being able to respond as effectively as possible to these questions. Beyond these circumstances, London is a city which has a lot to offer, and it was therefore an easy decision to move to London. This being said, this was an old dream to live here with my wife and our two daughters…So, I’m sorry to say that but, for me, Brexit was an opportunity (might be the only one to say that right now😉). We also have offices in Paris and Lyon, so we are present in the most beautiful cities ☺

*How was your integration into this new city ?

We were afraid of integration in the beginning due to Covid. However, our French Touch properties consultant, Roxy, welcomed us the first day of school with a bottle of Champagne, and as our kids were in the same school, we became very close friends (and still are!).

Moreover, London is full of dynamic groups such as sports, social, wine clubs etc. The French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain is very active too, as Français à Londres. So, it was very easy to fit into such a dynamic environment. And of course, after few weeks the French Touch Properties cocktail has been a super occasion to meet friends!

* When did you start your company ?

LightHouse LHLF was created in Paris. The firm then progressively expanded and implanted itself in Lyon. The firm’s arrival in London was the logical next step in the expansion of our business. We are a “boutique” firm: 15 lawyers (Paris, Lyon and London), very active, fun and smarts!

*What does make your company unique?

LightHouse LHLF is a law firm specializing in Customs law VAT and international tax. This is unique ! LHLF’s mission is to advise businesses, but above all to help people. Our real mission is to make our customers’ lives easier. Our energy is entirely focused on this objective.

*How did you come up with the name for your company?

Instead of naming the firm “Dupont & Dupont” as many, we decided to refer to a special place, dear to the founder’s heart (a Californian beach close to where he lived for several years). Of course having an international name was a no brainer. And Lighthouse is perfect image of what we want to be for our clients.

*What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?

Becoming an entrepreneur gives me a lot of freedom in my work. As freedom comes with responsibility, so being an entrepreneur comes with great responsibility towards our clients and employees and this drives me to build, to grow and to share every day. It makes me happy. “Freedom and responsibility”, this is our ambition ! 

*How do you define success? 

On a short time lapse, success can be any small victory: a court decision going our way, a positive outcome of a negotiation, an happy client. All those small moments of success combined together are what make LightHouse a successful and respected law firm. 2 hours on the tennis court (grass of course), 20 km run around the river, tea with milk or a Saturday morning on Savill row are also a good way to define happy moments, and thus success. Success is probably being happy finally! 

*Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?

Enjoy ! Entrepreneurs all share those common patterns : finding ideas and needs, identifying solutions, and providing as well as possible this solution in an effective way to people. Entrepreneurship is a formula; the ingredients differ depending on the field of activity, but those patterns are always present. But are nothing without pleasure, happiness and joy!

*What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Paying the team each month😉 More seriously, a lot of moments. But one of them : a client called me recently after winning a long case law and told me ‘As CEO and founder, this good news will change my life, for real’. Nothing is more important than that: helping people.

Also: in law, nothing is more favourable than initiating a change in legislation and or case law. Obviously, we represent our clients, but we are also part of the “judicial balance”. It is therefore our role to take part in the necessary adjustments of the (sometimes unfair) rules.  

*What do you think are the keys to a company’s success in 2024 and what is your development strategy?

Being present with our clients, being happy to work every day and being present at home. Work life balance is the key ! 

*What does the day-to-day life of entrepreneurs in London look like at this time of year?

Sports, work, pub 😉

*What’s the best advice you can give to anyone looking to settle in London or have a successful expatriation?

Stop thinking, come on, this will be the best decision of your life!