“My first impression of Louise was that this is a woman who could be anyone but she is and became our company’s lawyer in this dispute. And as always whenever you need a lawyer, you are in a bit of a hurry. Yet in the face of our impatience Louise set about her task with vigour, did not allow herself to become flustered and remained calm and thorough, even when I unleashed invective here and there.

First listening carefully and establishing the nature of the problem, then setting out the strategy, and following it up with absolutely fastidious preparation: this is so typical of Louise. Then she suddenly strikes and never lets go. In this respect you can compare her to a pitbull terrier. And let us be honest, you would not want one of them going after you. A pitbull terrier she may be, but she is one who is businesslike, firm and committed to her task, bringing it to a ‘happy end’. Should our company find itself in a similar situation again, we will certainly be asking her for advice.”

Rob Heijkoop is the Managing Director of Rob Heijkoop Trading B.V. www.robheijkooptrading.com