Wilkes partner recognised with Changemaker award

A partner in the leading law firm Wilkes has won the Changemaker Award at the West Midlands Rainmaker Awards 2026.

Rick Smyth was handed the award which recognises significant contributions to improving opportunities, diversity and inclusion within the deal’s community.

Wilkes was shortlisted in three categories at this year's awards, including Regional Legal Team and Medium Deal of the Year.

The win caps 25 years of charitable work supporting children and young people experiencing vulnerability. Across the Midlands.

Rick has been part of the KidsOut Midlands Committee since 2012, serving as Regional Chair for five years, and in 2013 he launched the Giving Tree Christmas Appeal in the West Midlands corporate finance community.

The appeal went national the following year and now generates over £1 million annually in toys and donations, reaching thousands of children affected by domestic abuse who would otherwise face Christmas without a gift.

He also leads Birmingham Corporate Finance charity band Demons of Tune, which has helped raise around £350,000 over 25 years, and helps with the Committee's annual Question of Sport dinner, which brings in £50,000 a year for KidsOut.

At Wilkes, he has encouraged colleagues to collect and deliver Giving Tree donations and volunteer with the Albrighton Trust.

Rick Smyth said: "This means a lot to me. KidsOut and the Giving Tree Appeal have been part of my life for a long time now, and it's fantastic that the corporate finance community has recognised the difference it makes to so many children across the Midlands."

Pictured: Rick Smyth, Gareth O’Hara and Catherine Kirk.