Law firm Kennedys has moved its Birmingham team to a new office.
The global practice has relocated from Newhall Street to a new home in The Colmore Building, Colmore Circus.
Kennedys established its Birmingham office in 2008, with an initial team of six since then it has grown to 108 staff, including 12 partners.
The Birmingham office serves local and international clients, with insurance teams specialising in healthcare, professional liability, motor, employers' liability, public liability, property, energy, construction and local authority claims.
Email newsletters
BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire.
Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates.
We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away.
For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here.
Lead partner in the city Eamon Mooney said: "This new space reiterates Kennedys' commitment to the Birmingham market, home to the largest insurance institute outside of London.
"We are excited to offer a contemporary environment for colleagues that accommodates hybrid working and also serves as a central, welcoming location for our clients."
As part of the firm's partnership with charity Every Child Online, the Birmingham move saw nearly 400 pieces of IT equipment including PCs, monitors and TV screens donated to children and young adults across the United Kingdom.
Recommended
Knights completes acquisition of West Midlands law firm
2025-10-24 00:15:50
Law firm Knights has strengthened its presence in the West Midlands after completing the acquisition of Thursfields for £12.5 million. The news, provisionally announced in July, brings around 100 experienced professionals to Knights across Birmingham, Kidderminster, Solihull and Worcester. It will add an experienced private wealth offer, spanning private client, family and residential property alongside corporate, real estate and dispute resolution services. Chester-based Knights said the acquisition of Thursfields aligned with its plans for organic growth through selective, considered acquisitions and the intention to double the size of the business in the coming years. BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Chief executive David Beech said: "We are delighted to acquire Thursfields, a premium, full-service law firm which shares many cultural and operational similarities to Knights and significantly strengthens our position as a leading legal and professional services business in the West Midlands. "With particular strength in private wealth, it further enhances our expertise in an important and growing part of our business, which will support our future growth plans." The newly enlarged group now employs more than 1,000 staff across 26 locations across the UK. Michelle O’Hara was managing partner at Thursfields and has stayed on as a partner post-completion. She said: "Knights is a business with a similar ethos to Thursfields, with a strong culture which cultivates collaboration across its offices, to the benefit of client service.
Hull law firm ranked in elite list after work at forefront of Britain's 'biggest miscarriage of justice'
2025-10-22 10:22:57
Hull’s Hudgell Solicitors has been included in The Times ‘Best 250 Law Firms’ in England and Wales list four the fourth successive year. Human rights work has been highlighted for a first time, with the firm the only representative of the Humber region. It outlines how Hudgell has been “at the forefront of what has been described as ‘the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history’,” - the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, as it is placed alongside the country’s legal elite. The team has helped more than 70 former subpostmasters to clear their names, having been wrongfully prosecuted when accused of theft and false accounting due to a glitch in a computer system. Read more: The listing also cites work representing more than 170 people injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, highlighting ‘packages of support, including dedicated rehabilitation services and financial assistance’ which have been provided. The accolade follows impressive rankings and testimonials for the work of Hudgells’ legal teams in the leading Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners 2024 legal guides, recently published. Chief executive Rachel Di Clemente said: “We’re thrilled to be included in this list once again, and to have strengthened our position with the inclusion of the work of our civil liberties department, alongside our personal injury and clinical negligence teams. Over the past month we have seen the achievements of our team extensively recognised by both our clients and by experts in the legal field in a number of independent assessments.
Pattersons Commercial Law acquired by Nelsons
2025-11-10 17:13:20
Leicestershire-based Pattersons Commercial Law is the latest law firm to be bought by Nelsons. Pattersons, which is based in Ratby, just outside Leicester, was founded seven years ago by Rik Pancholi and specialises in corporate and commercial work – particularly with owner-managed businesses. The team will add its expertise to the existing Nelsons corporate and commercial team in Leicester’s New Walk, and bolster its dispute resolution, employment, insolvency and commercial property teams. Nelsons, which also has offices in Nottingham and Derby, is a £20 million turnover business, and was acquired by national law firm Lawfront on May 4, the day after its 40th anniversary. It has grown through acquisition – which was how it launched in Leicester and Derby back in 2000. In 2020 it bought Leicester family solicitors and mediators Glynis Wright & Co. A spokeswoman said: “This acquisition demonstrates Lawfront’s strategy of backing the management of leading regional law firms to achieve their own growth ambitions, both organically and by acquisition.” Mr Pancholi, who is managing director at Pattersons, said: “An opportunity came up to explore joining Nelsons; a firm I trained and qualified with in 2008. “I left Nelsons in 2011 when my family expatriated to Singapore for a couple of years and so when our discussions started, it reminded me that the culture of Nelsons is incredibly similar to that which we have created at Pattersons Commercial Law. “This move feels more like coming back home for me personally and into a space where I know our team will thrive and our clients will be incredibly well supported. “That culture appears to be even stronger with Nelsons having become part of Lawfront and I can see our experienced and knowledgeable team will benefit from the greater resources provided by our Nelsons and Lawfront colleagues.” Nelsons chairman Tim Hastings said: “I’m so pleased to welcome Rik back to Nelsons and to have his team become part of our dynamic Leicester office. “Their skills perfectly complement the existing broad range of services we offer. “Becoming a Lawfront firm has given us access to resources and additional expertise that will help us to realise our own bold growth plans, of which Pattersons Commercial Law is now a part. “I’m confident that the larger combined team will be an asset to the business from day one and that they will be valued by colleagues and clients alike.” Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to support Nelsons in bringing the Pattersons Commercial Law team into the Leicester office and the wider group. “The key to group success is backing our regional leadership teams to achieve their own growth ambitions. We look forward to working with Rik and his excellent team.”
Law firm Birketts to open Bristol office
2025-11-14 13:09:57
Law firm Birketts has announced plans to open a permanent office in Bristol. The company has operated a hub in the city since January 2021, which it has used as a base for its South West staff. The new office is set to open in the autumn and will be Birketts' seventh in the UK. The firm already has offices in London, Sevenoaks, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, and Norwich. The firm will be based at the EQ building - an office development near Temple Meads station. EQ is Bristol’s first new office aiming to be net zero carbon in operation in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework approach. The five partners leading the firm’s Bristol practice will be Tom Berisford (banking and finance); Deborah Carrivick (international private client), Stuart Cleak (real estate renewables); and Dan Crockford and Alex Penberthy (shipping and international trade). The seven lawyers are legal directors Clarissa Dumolo and Jane Johnson; senior associates Oliver Evans and Joanna Mansel; associate Mark Brookman; solicitor Markella Papadopoulou; and trainee legal executive Jade Urbanski. There will also be business services professionals Gabbie Hazzell, Kate Jenkins and Jazz Gee. Jonathan Agar, chief executive at Birketts, said: “The opening of our Bristol office is a key step in Birketts’ growth trajectory and will further expand our network of offices in southern England. Our hub has been extremely successful and has laid the foundations for the introduction of our brand of Next Level Law to the South West. "The feedback from clients in Bristol has made it crystal clear how much potential there is for the firm to operate competitively from an established office in the city, and we look forward to being able to provide both new and existing clients a more comprehensive legal service from our new location.” Ms Carrivick added: “We have all lived and worked in Bristol for many years and are delighted that Birketts is formalising our presence in the city."
The year in North East business 2023: the region's 10 best companies
2025-10-25 01:50:02
Muckle Perennial good guys of the North East scene, Newcastle commercial law firm Muckle this year received the region’s top accolade when it was named North East Company of the Year. The company also announced record-breaking revenues, rising profits and received platinum status from the Investors in People scheme. RE:GEN Group Sunderland-based RE:GEN Group, a key player in the North East social housing market, was named the North East’s fastest-growing company at the annual Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 event. The company opened new headquarters and took on 33 staff from collapsed construction firm Tolent. Read more:the 10 biggest business stories of the year Go here for more North East business news Banks Group It was a lucrative year for the County Durham family firm, which sold its renewable energy division to Canadian fund manager Brookfield for a reported for $1bn. The company also launched a new housebuilding division and in June announced a significant rise in both revenues and profits. Winn Group The most impressive financial results of the year were probably recorded by the Newcastle legal services firm, which saw its revenue more than double to £235m. More growth is expected this year and the company has set out plans to create more than 150 new jobs. Wootzano The robotics firm was a double winner at the North East Business Awards, being named Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside Company of the Year and winning the regional innovation award. It also sealed a £37m deal in America for its fruit-picking robots, and is expanding its headquarters at Sedgefield’s NETPark. Double Eleven/Pneuma Group The Middlesbrough computer games developer was named the region’s fastest-growing large company and also picked up a national growth award from the Sunday Times. Meanwhile, its newly-created parent company Pneuma Group sealed a deal to take over the Six restaurant at Gateshead’s Baltic gallery and hinted that more deals are set to come in a range of sectors. Pragmatic The global shortage of semiconductors has made UK firm Pragmatic one of the hottest properties in the business world. Earlier this month it announced a £180m investment round that will see it build two more manufacturing lines at its plant in Durham, and create more than 500 skilled jobs in the North East and Cambridge over the next five years. Opencast Newcastle software firm Opencast was one of just three North East firms that made it onto the FEBE Growth 100 list, which recognises the UK’s fastest growing founder-led private companies. Opencast also secured deals worth more than £10m after extending its partnership with the Department for Education, while CEO Tom Lawson was named on the LDC Top 50 list of the UK’s most ambitious business leaders. CellRev/3DBT One of The Journal’s ‘Ones to Watch’ at the start off 2023, CellRev (previously known as CellulaREvolution) secured £1.4m in investment to develop its methods of creating lab-grown meat. It is also working with BSF Enterprise, the listed Newcastle tech company which owns tissue engineering company 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT), on a joint venture that brings together expertise from the two Newcastle University spin-outs. Nissan
Law firm DAC Beachcroft to move staff to new Bristol offices
2025-10-22 15:38:15
International law firm DAC Beachcroft is planning to move its staff in Bristol to new state-of-the-art offices near Temple Meads station. The company, which employs 800 people in the South West, is taking levels six and seven of the Welcome Building - a workspace currently under development in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. The offices - formerly 4 Glass Wharf - are being delivered as a joint venture between EPISO 5, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners, and Trammell Crow Company, and are expected to be complete in the second quarter of this year. DAC Beachcroft is currently located on Portwall Place in the city. Ben Daniels, Bristol location head at DAC Beachcroft, said: “Providing our colleagues with a high-quality working environment that supports flexible working and collaboration is a priority for us. Welcome Building is ideally located in the centre of Bristol with great travel links and adaptable working spaces. We were also impressed by the building's excellent sustainability credentials and its emphasis on creating a local community." The 207,000 sq ft Welcome Building was designed by Darling Associates Architects and offers the largest available floorplates in the city, ranging from 22,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft. The building will be an all-electric workspace, with solar panels on the roof, and it will target net zero carbon in operation. It will have facilities for cyclists and runners, and will be connected to the Bristol Heat Network, from which it will extract all of its heat load. The heat is procured from the zero-carbon water source heat pump at Castle Park energy centre. Toby Pentecost, senior vice president and head of UK offices at Trammell Crow Company, said: “Having recently celebrated the topping out of the site, we are incredibly proud to be able to announce the arrival of DAC Beachcroft. This is a great result underlining the amazing space and amenities Welcome Building has to offer. With sustainability and wellbeing at the very heart of the project, we are in discussions with several other occupiers as we head towards completion.” James Brodie, managing director, at Tristan Capital Partners, added: “Welcome Building is an exemplar development providing high-quality ESG certified workspace set within a thriving part of Bristol city centre. Companies are continuing the flight to quality seeking premises which combine best-in-class workspace, modern amenities, ESG credentials and a great location, all of which Welcome Building offers.” Knight Frank and Alder King are leasing agents for Welcome Building.
Family law firm Grant Stephens opens Swansea office and targets more growth in south west Wales
2025-11-14 15:52:51
Grant Stephens Family Law is opening an office in Swansea as it looks to continue its growth in south west Wales. The firm says it has chosen to open the waterfront office “due to expansion in both clients, turnover, and headcount”. It will be headed up by director Nia Thomas alongside existing employees from the firm’s Cardiff base including family lawyer Lowri Walters and trainee solicitor James Jones. The team plans to grow the office this year. Nia Thomas, director and head of the Swansea office, said: “Since we opened in 2013, we’ve grown year-on-year in headcount and enquiries, with many of our clients coming from the south west Wales area. This is why expanding into Swansea was the next logical step for the firm. “Over the last year of working at Grant Stephens Family Law, there’s been a lot of positive change at the firm, and I’ve been working alongside some of the most incredible talent in the legal industry. “Being from South West Wales myself, and having worked in firms in Swansea previously, I’m excited to spearhead this new phase of growth at the firm with the objective of getting the best results for our clients continuing to be at the heart of everything we do.” The business now has 15 members of staff across its bases in the J Shed Arcade in Swansea and at Park Place in central Cardiff. Grant Stephens, founder and managing director, said: “I am immensely proud of the team and all their hard work in contributing to the company’s growth. “Expanding to a second office has been on our radar for some time and opening in Wales’ second biggest city made the most sense based on our already established presence within Swansea and West Wales.
What new flexible working laws mean for employers
2025-11-18 04:14:15
Employees have the right to ask to work flexibly from the first day in a new job following new laws coming into force. Before, the rule only applied if the person had worked for the business for at least 26 weeks. The shake-up of flexible working rules is among a raft of employment law modifications that have come into effect this month. Dorset-based law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is urging employers to make sure they have procedures in place to meet the new legislation. Before the new rules came into force, employees could previously make one request every 12 months to work part-time, term time, compressed hours and remotely. Now, under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, employees can ask for flexible working on day one of their new job and can make two requests in any 12-month period. Kate Brooks, head of employment and HR services at Ellis Jones, has warned the onus is now on the employer, who must make a decision within two months and any refusal must be for one of eight prescribed reasons. “Flexible working, particularly remote working, remains a major issue for some businesses and their employees," she said. “The changes mean that the employee not only has the right to request flexible working from their first day, they no longer have to explain what effect it would have on the employer and how any effect might be dealt with." Ms Brooks says it is "paramount" for firms to consider an individual’s request on a case-by-case basis, and not adopt a general approach to rejecting flexible work requests as it could amount to unlawful discrimination. She also urges employers to review and update their policies to align with the new regulations, put a flexible work request policy in place and consider training for managers. “These changes to flexible working are long awaited," she said. "Clearly some firms need their people in the workplace. However, more generally, not only are there clear benefits for workers but these new measures will also be beneficial to many businesses. “Research has shown that businesses that embrace flexible working can attract a more talented pool of employees and increase staff motivation, which in turn reduces staff turnover and increases retention. Employers are encouraged to embrace the shift in workplace dynamics, and see this as a positive opportunity for their business to grow and excel.” Other employment law changes which have come into force this month cover redundancy protection during pregnancy, maternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave. There have also been changes to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage and increases to statutory family-related pay and sick pay.
Law firm expands with new offices in Gloucestershire
2025-11-20 17:13:32
A specialist conveyancing law firm headquartered in Cheltenham has expanded into new offices in Quedgeley in Gloucester. Montpellier Legal already has a base at The Brewery Quarter Cheltenham as well as on Kensington High Street in London. The company said the expansion of the business followed its "remarkable success" since launching in 2021 and follows "a commitment" to providing a service to clients across the region. The new office in Gloucester will be headed up by Luke Virgo, an associate at the firm, along with a dedicated team. Simon Thomas, chief executive of Montpellier Legal, said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Gloucester. This expansion is the next chapter in our journey, fuelled by local demand." "The decision to expand into Gloucester was a strategic move for Montpellier Legal, driven by growing demand by clients and introducers for their services in the area," a company spokesperson added.
Buyout deal for law firm Higgs
2025-10-30 06:17:41
A Black Country law firm has expanded its footprint in the West Midlands with a buyout deal. Brierley Hill outfit Higgs has acquired Lewis Onions Solicitors which is based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Higgs said the undisclosed deal would strengthen its presence in the restructuring and insolvency market, working with clients facing financial challenges and restructuring needs. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. Lewis Onions said: "I want to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base. "This move allows me to focus on client work and allows me to support the exciting ambitions of the Higgs team. "I believe that our clients will instantly benefit from the expertise and range of services that Higgs can deliver and our team will also benefit from the greater resources that Higgs can provide." Higgs' senior partner Nick Moxon added: "Lewis Onions Solicitors has been a well-known and respected firm in Birmingham for over two decades so this is a meeting of minds and alignment of ambitions. "This acquisition will expand our services to clients with Lewis' team bringing substantial restructuring and insolvency experience. "At the same time, we can offer Lewis' clients a full range of services from our employment, property and corporate teams that previously the team would have needed to refer elsewhere.
Legal app inCase bought by Access Group's legal division
2025-11-18 04:36:03
An app developed by a leading North West lawyer has been acquired by a technology group. Access Legal, a division of the Loughborough-based Access Group, has acquired inCase, an award-winning mobile app that was one of the first to pave the way for clear communication between legal professionals and clients on a mobile device. Access Legal said the deal boosts its strategy to offer “unrivalled” capability and service to legal practitioners and law firms. It will add it to existing products on case and practice management software, legal learning and compliance, conveyancing and property services, cloud hosting solutions and HR and finance tools. Read more:Sharp Gaming folded into Betfred Group as technology division Go here for more North West business news Managing director Emma de Sousa said: “By bringing inCase into Access Legal’s ecosystem, we’re excited to deliver further value to our customers so they can, in turn, truly delight their clients with an enhanced experience. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to be the partner of choice in the legal market and brings a powerful offering to help enable our customers with their client-focused strategies.” inCase has been used by over 3,300 legal professionals and supported over 230,000 law firm clients over the last 12 months. The app aims to increase fee earner productivity by making client communication quick and easy, and freeing up up lawyers’ capacity to focus on clients. It was founded by former Manchester Law Society president Sucheet Amin, MD of personal injury firm, Aequitas Legal.
Leicestershire law firm appoints new director and promises to continue its legacy of support for clients
2025-10-23 10:05:06
An East Midlands law firm has recently made a new addition, Manjit Kaur Sandhu, to its board of directors. Based in the Leicestershire area, Rich & Carr has been serving the local community since 1960, and this new addition to its team exemplifies a clear plan of succession for the business. With offices in Birstall, Blaby, Lutterworth, Syston and Oadby, as well as its headquarters in Leicester, the business deals in a range of legal services ranging from wills, probate and trusts to corporate, commercial and residential property, accident claims, employment law and more. It is also proud to have one of the largest residential conveyancing departments in the local area, and to offer a reputable service where customers don't have to worry about any hidden costs. Rich & Carr takes a personalised approach to dealing with its customers, unlike many other law firms in the UK which operate a call-centre type of approach. Its solicitors often travel between offices to meet clients face-to-face, and customers are appointed a fully qualified solicitor or legal executive to deal with their case from start to finish, instead of having their file exchange hands and be dealt with by less senior members of staff. David Roberts, head of dispute resolution and director at Rich & Carr, says: "As a firm, we're definitely looking forward to having our new director starting their role with us in January 2024. We've been planning to welcome a new face to our board for quite some time, and I hope that we will be able to grow our team and continue the legacy of our business in the years to come." Rich & Carr is a growing firm with a local presence. Although it was founded over 60 years ago, its experience and reputation extend much further. The business combined its skills in residential property with a specialism in private client work, wills, probate and trusts after it merged with the law firm Freer Bouskell in 2009. Thanks to Freer Bouskell's professional staff and its 250 years of experience in serving the local community, Rich & Carr was able to grow its portfolio of services and collective team as well. As Rich & Carr proudly owns one of the largest property teams in Leicestershire, it can help its clients with all the ins and outs of buying or selling a property, re-mortgaging or transferring ownership. Qualified and trained professionals are available at each of the firm's offices, who pride themselves on delivering a friendly, convenient and reliable service. But that's not all, the firm has expertise in commercial property too, and the Rich & Carr team has previously acted on behalf of landlords, tenants, landowners, developers, individuals and businesses who come from a range of sectors. Other specialisms of the firm include dispute resolution, such as contractual, property or consumer disputes or debt collection, for individuals and businesses, and personal injury, employment and family disputes for individuals. As a member of Rich and Carr's board of directors, David has been with the firm for more than three decades, having qualified as a solicitor in 1980. Aside from dispute resolution, he also specialises in accident and personal injury claims, and can handle cases that focus on contractual disputes as well as employment settlement agreements. Also on the board of directors is John Barr, head of residential property, who has been with the firm for over 20 years and specialises in all elements of residential conveyancing. Mark Tildesley, who is the senior director of the business, has been with the firm since 1980, and focuses in both corporate commercial law and commercial property.
Law firm expands with Black Country launch
2025-11-10 22:40:05
A Birmingham law firm has branched out by launching a new office in the West Midlands. Anthony Collins has opened a private client office hub in Wolverhampton which is being led by partner and childcare solicitor Madhur Sharma. The firm said the decision to establish the hub in Salop Street arose as a result of it wanting to increase the number of families it supported with specialist legal expertise and build on its work within the childcare field. The launch of the Wolverhampton office follows the firm being awarded an additional family legal services contract by the Legal Aid Agency. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. This complements the equivalent Legal Aid contract successfully held by Anthony Collins in Birmingham since the firm's inception 50 years ago. The new base adds to its Birmingham head office in Edmund Street and teams in Macclesfield and Manchester. Ms Sharma has worked in the Wolverhampton and Black Country area for more than two decades. She said: "One of our main goals as a client-centric, social purpose law firm is to make our support as accessible as possible. "This new office hub is essential to furthering this, bringing our services one step closer to more people and families to change their lives for the better. "The opening of an office in Wolverhampton has been an ambition of mine since joining Anthony Collins in 2019. "On a personal level, seeing this come to fruition is incredible and an opportunity for myself and the team to continue developing relationships and make a lasting, positive difference to communities I've worked with for most of my career." Jas Tamber, partner and head of the firm's childcare team, added: "This is a natural step in our mission to provide the best representation for as many children and families as possible. "We have one of the top childcare teams in the Midlands and the new office means more people will be able to benefit from our specialists' insight and experience.
Tributes to ‘one of a kind’ Bermans founder Keith Berman, whose law firm saw success in UK and USA
2025-11-02 05:34:07
A “flamboyant” law firm founder who became one of the first English solicitors to open an office in New York has died. Keith Berman founded Bermans in Liverpool in 1970 and grew the firm into a national player, as well as growing it into a substantial North West business. Keith moved to New York in 1980 and qualified there to begin practising as an English solicitor, opening the Bermans office in 1982. In a statement today, Bermans said the office “ orchestrated litigation worldwide and provided a valuable resource for UK and European Clients with American interests (and vice versa)”. The company added: “At that time not even the big London Firms had an operational New York office so to open in the Big Apple and make a success of it was a remarkable achievement.” Ian Munford, senior consultant, joined Bermans in 1978. He worked directly for Keith as a newly qualified solicitor and even shared an office with him. Mr Munford opened Bermans’ Manchester office in 1985 and is still with the firm. He said: “Keith was a perfectionist who liked every staple attaching documents to a letter to be at exactly 90 degrees and a Bermans ‘style’ of writing. He was also ahead of his time in relation to office automation and IT. “He was a flamboyant character, to say the least, and would wear a cape and a dickie bow tie to work many days. He worked very hard himself and expected no less from others including myself but he generously rewarded and promoted those who did reflect his high standards . “RIP Keith, you were definitely one of a kind.” The firm’s statement said Keith Berman was “proud of the reputation the firm with his name carries today.” On X, formerly Twitter, his daughter Chloé Jo Davis thanked people for their kind words on the loss of "our beloved father/brother/uncle/grandpa/cousin Keith Berman." Bermans is today part of the MAPD group, which stands for ‘Making a Positive Difference’ and which acquired Bermans in 2022. The firm now has 20 partners, with the announcement this month that employment partner Sarah Collier and litigation specialist Sarah Wellicome were joining the team.
East Mids Movers and Shakers: CPW, OTB, 1284, Cambridge and Counties, North Notts BID, PKF Smith Cooper, Lime Solicitors, Doorcerts, JDR Group
2025-10-25 18:41:11
1284: Loughborough corporate communications agency 1284 has recruited former newspaper editor and journalism lecturer, Richard Bowyer. He joins chartered PR practitioners George Oliver and Amy Orton – both experienced journalists – at the business. Richard has more than 30 years’ experience in journalism, starting out at the Coalville and Ashby Times, before going to titles including the Peterborough Telegraph, Wolverhampton Express & Star, Derby Telegraph, and Lincolnshire Echo. He was editor-in-chief for Staffordshire Sentinel Newspapers in Stoke before spending nine years teaching journalism at the University of Derby. Richard joins the 1284 team part-time as content editor and will support with print page design, editing, and B2B content for 1284’s small business and local authority clients. Former Leicester Mercury editor George Oliver said: “His arrival maintains our policy of recruiting highly experienced professionals, bringing significant understanding of the media and comms industries, as well as deep Midlands networks.” North Notts BID: Sally Gillborn, chief executive of North Notts BID, has celebrated formally receiving her MBE at an investiture ceremony. Sally was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours List, for her services to business and to the economy in Nottinghamshire. She was awarded her medal by King Charles at the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 25. Having been responsible for securing and leading the UK’s first district-wide business improvement district, Sally oversaw a successful first five-year term, introducing several business support measures, particularly during the pandemic. Sally and her team secured a second term for North Notts BID in July 2022. She said: “I am humbled to receive this prestigious honour for spearheading and leading North Notts BID, and for doing a job that I love and take great pride in.” PKF Smith Cooper: The PKF Smith Cooper Corporate Finance team has hired senior executive Callum Leslie in its Midlands division, which continues to grow. The firm is currently on the lookout for high-calibre individuals and ambitious professionals to join the Midlands offices in Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham with the aim of doubling its advisory team numbers. Callum worked in audit for five years at a top-10 UK accounting firm in the Midlands, starting his career as a school leaver in 2018. He was promoted twice and became an assistant manager, developing extensive experience in working with privately owned businesses in a range of sectors across the region. He qualified as an accountant in 2022. Last year PKF ranked as the 7th most active dealmaker in the UK, completing 139 deals worth £2.3 billion. CPW: International building services consultancy CPW has welcomed 16 new recruits onto its 2023 apprenticeship programme, which is being delivered in partnership with regional colleges. Some 17 per cent of CPW’s workforce is currently part of the programme – which was established 22 years ago. This year’s trainees have joined the Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Huntingdon, Nottingham, and Solihull offices, and includes specialised apprentices in the lighting, public health, and HR teams – a first for the firm as it looks to diversify its offering. CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 300 staff based across 13 offices. It specialises in designing and creating energy solutions into existing and new buildings. OTB: Nottingham-based UK immigration law firm OTB Legal is expanding again, after making three strategic new hires. The firm, which is ranked as a top tier immigration law firm in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, has welcomed Kate Gamester and Amie Higgins as associate solicitors and new paralegal Bridget Umoru. Kate Gamester specialises in business immigration, sponsor licence management and compliance and right to work checks. Amie Higgins was called to the Bar in 2005 and admitted to the Roll as a solicitor in 2008, and is an experienced human rights and public law specialist. Bridget Umoru was called to the Bar of England and Wales and has worked with various legal charities providing practical and emotional support to vulnerable clients. She is also experienced in providing high level day to day support to solicitors particularly in immigration and personal law matters. JDR Group: Two apprentices are starting to use their newfound skills to help UK firms grow their businesses after joining Derby digital marketing firm JDR Group. Sophie Teece and Amelia Slater have joined the Pride Park firm as digital marketing assistants, spending their working days generating blog content, undertaking keyword research and putting in place SEO techniques. JDR Group provides web design, social media and content marketing to around 200 small to medium companies around the UK. Sophie, 22, joined the company from college after deciding she wanted to learn more about digital marketing, having also tried to launch her own business. Amelia, 20, recently returned from travelling during a gap year, having also decided to pursue a different career route to going to university. Both are now on a 15-month apprenticeship and are being mentored by Charlotte Thornton, who is a website project co-ordinator and production team leader at the firm, having herself joined JDR Group as an apprentice straight from school four years ago. Doorcerts Manufacturing: Fire door and frames supplier Doorcerts Manufacturing, which is based in Stanton Hill, Nottinghamshire, has appointed Iona Ellis to the role of management accountant, and recruited Craig Priest to the job of marketing coordinator. Doorcerts’ commercial manager Sarah Armson said: “We’re building something special here at Doorcerts and we need great people to help us reach our goals. “Because we’re working hard on a number of projects, we needed people to join the team and be key players in what we are doing. “Iona brings with her substantial expertise in finance and data, while Craig has a wealth of experience in producing eye-catching marketing materials.” Lime Solicitors: Consumer champion law firm Lime Solicitors has announced two promotions across its personal injury and medical negligence teams in the Midlands. Catastrophic injury expert Vicky Blodwell has been promoted to partner in Birmingham, while medical negligence expert Michelle Harper has been promoted to legal director in Leicester. Vicky works as part of Lime Solicitors’ personal injury team, helping clients who have experienced serious injury, including spinal cord injury and brain injury. Michelle specialises in medical negligence claims against healthcare providers including NHS trusts, GPs, private consultants, dentists and care homes, and has a keen interest in women’s health including gynaecological injuries, injuries arising from child birth and still births. Cambridge & Counties: Specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has appointed two additional non-executive directors to its board as it looks to further build on recent growth in the UK market. Elizabeth Lockwood has joined as an NED and chair of the risk & compliance committee. She has over 25 years of experience as a risk management specialist, and previously held senior and executive roles at NatWest including as deputy chief risk officer for NatWest Holdings. She also holds non-exec roles at Melton Building Society and its subsidiary Nexa Finance, and sits as an external expert member of the audit & risk committee at the Samaritans.
Howes Percival turnover up almost a fifth in 12 months
2025-10-28 21:01:19
Law firm Howes Percival's turnover has increased 19 per cent, according to its latest annual results – following a period of sustained growth which has seen revenues rise 33 per cent in three years. The firm, which has offices across the Midlands, saw turnover increase from £23.6 million in 2020, to £31.3 million in its most recent year, thanks to growth across all its offices and practice areas. It said revenues in its corporate, commercial and banking department was up 74 per cent in three years, employment law was up 23 per cent, property was up 25 per cent, litigation up 31 per cent and private client was up 15 per cent. Howes Percival has offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Norwich, and has 55 partners and 147 lawyers in total. Back in the summer it announced it had created 50 new roles in the last two years to meet increased demand for its services. Over the next two years, the firm plans to continue recruiting across all six offices, creating a further 50 roles, including partners and solicitors as well as support roles in areas such as accounts, IT and HR. Chief financial Officer Fayaz Sattar said: "This is a fantastic result, and I am pleased with our performance over the last financial year, given the wider economic situation in the UK. “We had been targeting a figure just over £28 million in 2023, so to have exceeded our plan quite significantly is testament to the efforts of the entire team. "Looking forward our core markets are holding up well and have remained resilient, despite inflation in general and the economy as a whole. “We obviously can't control the wider economic factors, but we can ensure that we are a well-diversified firm, investing in our fee earner expertise, IT and back-office infrastructure to continue to provide the most competitive and attractive offer we can to clients." Howes Percival chairman and East Midlands partner Geraint Davies said: "We really are thrilled with this result given the unprecedented economic times we are in. “Everyone has worked incredibly hard so it is great to see the results reflect this. We are continuing to take market share in all our locations and there is real momentum behind the firm at the moment. “We will be investing further through 2024/25, in our people and in the business itself, to meet the client demand we are seeing and deliver further growth. "Our strategy has been to invest in our teams and the business as a whole for a number of years now, and without doubt, we are seeing the results of that plan. “Our people are central to everything we do. We want to be a firm that attracts the best talent and is seen as the place to nurture and develop your career from trainees through to partners and at every level for our non-fee earner teams.
'I was JD Sports' top lawyer and now I'm helping companies become the next global success'
2025-11-09 12:20:44
Siobhan Almond spent over a decade at JD Sport, helping it to grow into the retail giant it is today. Working her way up to general counsel, she had global responsibility for all the group's legal operations and was at the heart of efforts to acquire brands across the world. But after the well-documented changes at the top of the business, she decided it was time for a change of her own. Having joined Manchester-based venture capital investor Praetura Ventures as an operational partner in May, she's now focused on helping companies from all over the North West follow in JD's footsteps and become the next global success story. In an exclusive interview with BusinessLive, Siobhan Almond spoke about what she learnt from her time at JD Sports, why she decided to leave and how she's working to help create the next big thing. READ MORE: American Golf owner loses almost £10m as cost-of-living crisis hits sales READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter "When I joined in 2012, JD was just embarking upon its international expansion", she said. It was already a pretty successful UK retailer, successful on the High Street despite the difficulties, and it was just moving into France and Spain. I saw it go on this phenomenal international expansion journey as well continuing the growth in the UK. "There was double digit like-for-like retail sales consistently year on year which was just unheard of as well as establishing itself in countries where the sports market is different and it's not the same type of High Street. Of course you've got language differences, cultural differences, but we really went on a journey to bring JD Sports to lots of different international territories. "My role was to see if we were acquiring a business that existed in one international territory already and to assess that business, do all the due diligence and the decide if it was the right business to acquire. We then the actual transaction itself and then post-conclusion, it was about integration. "It was about learning about that business and I helped them in any way possible. I got them the range of advice that they needed and helped them become part of the group and I guess that process is what has enabled me to be a real help to the portfolio companies within Praetura. I can relate to what they're going through and help them make the decisions about the founders and which ones we think we should back. "Once these founders have got that investment, it's just the same as some of those I used to work within the JD group. Suddenly they have cash in their own pockets and they are part of a group and they have the expectations of an investor for the first time. "At JD I worked to get them used to that process and to meet those expectations but to grow in their own way and to cultivate their business and growth strategies in a way that suited them, because every territory and every kind of different iteration of JD was different. So that whole journey that I went through with JD saw huge growth. It's something that I really hope I'm going to be able to use consistently in my current role. "The goal of lots of founders is they want to be an international, globally successful business and hopefully I can help them share some insights into what we did wrong, what wasn't a success and, obviously, all the things that we did right and that made it a success that it was." After more than a decade at JD Sports, Siobhan Almond decided it was time to leave. The group had grown beyond all recognition over her time but with a new chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer, it was time for a fresh start somewhere else. She said: "It was really for a change. I'm a lawyer and even though my role was everything else as well as a lawyer, it's unusual for lawyers to stay in one place. It's good for me to experience different sectors, different types of businesses. Even though there was a real range of styles of business within the JD group from very small founder-led businesses right until the kind of the FTSE-100 JD entity itself. "I wanted a different change and, of course, there was a huge change within JD itself. The whole thing is pretty much changed now with a new chairman, new CEO, new CFO and often when that happens, it's the right time to move on and develop new relationships and work with different businesses." Praetura Ventures is well-known in the North West for investing in businesses that show great potential for growth. The companies that the firm backs have normally already shown a degree of success before securing additional investment. But success is rarely measured in a straight line and part of Siobhan Almond's role is "to be that shoulder to cry on why when things have slowed down" and then find a solution. She said: "When you get some founders who are really enthusiastic and who've had maybe some initial success and then it slows down it's a challenge. One of my roles is to be that shoulder to cry on why when things have slowed down and then to try and troubleshoot with them and work out why that might be happening or why they're not getting the traction in the first place. "I think it's quite easy for a founder to be able to 'do this and, yes, we can do that' and they get that initial interest and they get excited, they want to do everything. What was good about JD was they knew what they were good at, that's where they're most successful. "JD didn't offer lots of stuff. It went into outdoor retail, fashion, all kinds of different businesses, but really the crux of what was the huge success was the sports fashion retailer and I guess I learned a lot from that. "There are sometimes difficult conversations, grounding conversations, but ultimately I just try to be the most approachable version of myself. I'm not there with any ulterior motive and that's the kind of unique thing. "One of the reasons I loved the opportunity to be an operational partner is I'm really there just with the intention of helping those founders and that company with whatever they need. So it might be something that's kind of akin to my background which is something compliance or legal related. It might be something about retail, but again, it might be something totally new for me and it's just having another voice and other sounding boards. I'm not interested in anything other than what's the right thing for that company, and that's quite refreshing for some of the founders." "To be honest, the thing that I learnt the most and I've seen in other businesses not done as well is the detail. There were lots of things JD could have done better, but what it did do was it had its head in the detail. "The people that ran the business could tell you about each of its stores, pretty much anywhere in the world, how it was performing. No matter how big it got iIt never lost sight of how important the detail is. "A big lesson for me is to never get complacent, never just assume that things are going to roll in just because they did last year, and really keep you right on that detail. Most of the founders that I work with are already excellent at the detail.
Nelsons makes second acquisition in matter of weeks and takes over Cleggs Solicitors
2025-11-09 01:27:24
East Midlands law firm Nelsons has acquired Nottingham-based Cleggs Solicitors – its second takeover in a matter of weeks. Nelsons, which has offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, has made the move after acquiring Pattersons Commercial Law, based in Ratby, Leicestershire, in October. Nelsons itself was acquired by new national law firm Lawfront back in the spring in a move that management said would significantly accelerate Nelson’s growth strategy and take the wider group’s annual revenues of £41 million-plus. Mark Williams, managing director and head of private client at Cleggs Solicitors, said: “Having become the sole equity partner at Cleggs I wanted to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base. “The Nelsons brand has a personable feel, and the firm believes in building long-term relationships. Our clients and team recognise the importance of this approach and so there was an immediate sharing of values. “This move supports the exciting ambitions of both firms and many of our clients will instantly benefit from the expertise and range of services that Nelsons can deliver, with our team also benefiting from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.” Nelsons chairman Tim Hastings said: “Cleggs Solicitors has been a well-known and respected firm in Nottingham for decades, so this is a meeting of minds and alignment of ambitions. “This acquisition will expand our services to clients with Mark’s team bringing substantial commercial and new build residential property experience. “At the same time, we can offer Cleggs’ clients a full range of services from our employment and corporate teams that previously the team would have needed to refer elsewhere. “I’m looking forward to maximising our combined potential as we come together to pool expertise and resource." Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to support Nelsons in bringing the Cleggs team into the Nottingham office and the wider group. “This and the acquisition of Pattersons Commercial Law in October demonstrate Lawfront’s strategy of backing the management of leading regional law firms, supporting them to achieve their own growth ambitions, both organically and by acquisition.”
MBO at Black Norman Solicitors is backed by River Capital
2025-11-20 00:14:18
A law firm has undergone a management buyout after securing a six-figure loan from River Capital. The funding will support a succession plan and future expansion at Black Norman Solicitors. The practice was founded in 1976 and specialises in property and private client work. The loan will enable two of its current owner/directors, Richard Entwistle and Shoab Panwar, to acquire the shares of founding partner Howard Norman, who at 74 is moving to a consultancy role. It will also provide working capital for expansion plans, as the Crosby-based firm hopes to grow from 30 to 35 staff in coming years. Jim Moore, investment manager at River Capital, said: “We're pleased to support Black Norman Solicitors in this important transition. “The firm has a strong track record spanning nearly five decades, and this funding will help ensure its continued success under the next generation of leadership. It's a testament to the firm's resilience and adaptability that they're undertaking this succession plan while also focusing on future growth." Richard Entwistle, director at Black Norman Solicitors, said: "We're grateful for River Capital's support during this pivotal moment for our firm. This funding allows us to implement our succession plan while positioning the business for future expansion that includes incorporating new talent to lead the business in the future. It's an exciting time for Black Norman Solicitors as we build on our strong foundation and look towards new opportunities." Shoab Panwar, fellow director at Black Norman Solicitors, added: "This investment from River Capital is a vote of confidence in our business model and our plans for the future. It will allow us to continue providing high-quality legal services to our clients while also investing in our team and infrastructure." Liverpool’s River Capital manages the NW Business Growth Loan Fund, which provides debt funding of between £100,000 and £500,000 to North West SMEs to support growth and job creation.
Long-serving Hill Dickinson chief executive to step down as successor named
2025-11-08 00:37:05
The chief executive of law firm Hill Dickinson is to step down in 2024, it has been announced. Peter Jackson will be succeeded in the role by business services group head, Craig Scott, on April 30. Mr Jackson, a marine and transport specialist, he has been with the Liverpool-headquartered firm since 1983, where he was made managing partner in 2005 and became CEO in 2016. Mr Jackson will be staying with the firm in an advisory capacity and will become a member of its board. Mr Scott will become CEO following more than 13 years as a corporate partner and is a former head of corporate at the practice. READ MORE: 'I was JD Sports' top lawyer and now I'm helping companies become the next global success' READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter Fiona Parry, partner and head of the commercial litigation team, who has also been at the firm since 2010, has been named as the new head of BSG. Established in 1810, Hill Dickinson is an international commercial law firm which employs around 950 people across 10 offices, six of which are in the UK and four in Hong Kong, Singapore, Piraeus and Monaco. Mr Jackson said: "The past 18 years at the helm of the firm have been both exciting and rewarding and the business is now exactly where we want it to be. Since 2005, Hill Dickinson has grown from revenues of £31m to £128.6m as of April 2023 – our sixth year of consecutive growth - and the firm is a highly trusted brand, with people of great integrity and extremely loyal clients. "Craig was the clear and unanimous choice for Hill Dickinson’s new CEO. He has driven major growth in revenue and in team strength and depth in the BSG, which is now the firm’s largest division. Under his strategic leadership we will continue to remain a large independent, profitable legal firm, with ambitious growth plans for all our services. I am very confident about the future of the firm with Craig at the helm." Mr Scott added: "Put simply, my focus is going to be continuing to invest in the retention of our valued people, strategic recruitment of high performing talent and pushing on with our plans for further sustainable profitable growth in the marine (MBG) and healthcare (HBG) business groups as well as BSG, which has been serving us so well over the last three years. The record growth in profit levels that we have achieved in that recent three-year period has meant that we have been able to retain our cornerstone contributors of the Hill Dickinson practice and in turn invest significantly in acquiring talented ambitious people as part of planning the long-term foundations for future success across all our chosen growth locations. "Some great people are being drawn to the firm, and major name clients are choosing to work with us, because we are continually investing in growing our standing as a large independent law firm, big enough on the national stage to be a respected quality outfit, but without losing our strong presence and connection to our people and local networks in each of our chosen locations and their related business communities. It's no doubt that I have big shoes to fill, l and I’m truly honoured to take the baton from Peter." Chairman Jonathan Brown said: "What Peter has achieved during four decades at the firm as a partner, custodian and CEO to help guide its evolution as a firm is a credit to him. His personal dedication to the success and stability of Hill Dickinson during his long tenure has been an inspiration to us all. Peter will be working closely with Craig and the team over the coming months to ensure a smooth succession."
Recommended
Knights completes acquisition of West Midlands law firm
2025-10-24 00:15:50
Law firm Knights has strengthened its presence in the West Midlands after completing the acquisition of Thursfields for £12.5 million. The news, provisionally announced in July, brings around 100 experienced professionals to Knights across Birmingham, Kidderminster, Solihull and Worcester. It will add an experienced private wealth offer, spanning private client, family and residential property alongside corporate, real estate and dispute resolution services. Chester-based Knights said the acquisition of Thursfields aligned with its plans for organic growth through selective, considered acquisitions and the intention to double the size of the business in the coming years. BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. Chief executive David Beech said: "We are delighted to acquire Thursfields, a premium, full-service law firm which shares many cultural and operational similarities to Knights and significantly strengthens our position as a leading legal and professional services business in the West Midlands. "With particular strength in private wealth, it further enhances our expertise in an important and growing part of our business, which will support our future growth plans." The newly enlarged group now employs more than 1,000 staff across 26 locations across the UK. Michelle O’Hara was managing partner at Thursfields and has stayed on as a partner post-completion. She said: "Knights is a business with a similar ethos to Thursfields, with a strong culture which cultivates collaboration across its offices, to the benefit of client service.
Hull law firm ranked in elite list after work at forefront of Britain's 'biggest miscarriage of justice'
2025-10-22 10:22:57
Hull’s Hudgell Solicitors has been included in The Times ‘Best 250 Law Firms’ in England and Wales list four the fourth successive year. Human rights work has been highlighted for a first time, with the firm the only representative of the Humber region. It outlines how Hudgell has been “at the forefront of what has been described as ‘the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history’,” - the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, as it is placed alongside the country’s legal elite. The team has helped more than 70 former subpostmasters to clear their names, having been wrongfully prosecuted when accused of theft and false accounting due to a glitch in a computer system. Read more: The listing also cites work representing more than 170 people injured in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, highlighting ‘packages of support, including dedicated rehabilitation services and financial assistance’ which have been provided. The accolade follows impressive rankings and testimonials for the work of Hudgells’ legal teams in the leading Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners 2024 legal guides, recently published. Chief executive Rachel Di Clemente said: “We’re thrilled to be included in this list once again, and to have strengthened our position with the inclusion of the work of our civil liberties department, alongside our personal injury and clinical negligence teams. Over the past month we have seen the achievements of our team extensively recognised by both our clients and by experts in the legal field in a number of independent assessments.
Pattersons Commercial Law acquired by Nelsons
2025-11-10 17:13:20
Leicestershire-based Pattersons Commercial Law is the latest law firm to be bought by Nelsons. Pattersons, which is based in Ratby, just outside Leicester, was founded seven years ago by Rik Pancholi and specialises in corporate and commercial work – particularly with owner-managed businesses. The team will add its expertise to the existing Nelsons corporate and commercial team in Leicester’s New Walk, and bolster its dispute resolution, employment, insolvency and commercial property teams. Nelsons, which also has offices in Nottingham and Derby, is a £20 million turnover business, and was acquired by national law firm Lawfront on May 4, the day after its 40th anniversary. It has grown through acquisition – which was how it launched in Leicester and Derby back in 2000. In 2020 it bought Leicester family solicitors and mediators Glynis Wright & Co. A spokeswoman said: “This acquisition demonstrates Lawfront’s strategy of backing the management of leading regional law firms to achieve their own growth ambitions, both organically and by acquisition.” Mr Pancholi, who is managing director at Pattersons, said: “An opportunity came up to explore joining Nelsons; a firm I trained and qualified with in 2008. “I left Nelsons in 2011 when my family expatriated to Singapore for a couple of years and so when our discussions started, it reminded me that the culture of Nelsons is incredibly similar to that which we have created at Pattersons Commercial Law. “This move feels more like coming back home for me personally and into a space where I know our team will thrive and our clients will be incredibly well supported. “That culture appears to be even stronger with Nelsons having become part of Lawfront and I can see our experienced and knowledgeable team will benefit from the greater resources provided by our Nelsons and Lawfront colleagues.” Nelsons chairman Tim Hastings said: “I’m so pleased to welcome Rik back to Nelsons and to have his team become part of our dynamic Leicester office. “Their skills perfectly complement the existing broad range of services we offer. “Becoming a Lawfront firm has given us access to resources and additional expertise that will help us to realise our own bold growth plans, of which Pattersons Commercial Law is now a part. “I’m confident that the larger combined team will be an asset to the business from day one and that they will be valued by colleagues and clients alike.” Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to support Nelsons in bringing the Pattersons Commercial Law team into the Leicester office and the wider group. “The key to group success is backing our regional leadership teams to achieve their own growth ambitions. We look forward to working with Rik and his excellent team.”
Law firm Birketts to open Bristol office
2025-11-14 13:09:57
Law firm Birketts has announced plans to open a permanent office in Bristol. The company has operated a hub in the city since January 2021, which it has used as a base for its South West staff. The new office is set to open in the autumn and will be Birketts' seventh in the UK. The firm already has offices in London, Sevenoaks, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, and Norwich. The firm will be based at the EQ building - an office development near Temple Meads station. EQ is Bristol’s first new office aiming to be net zero carbon in operation in accordance with the UK Green Building Council’s framework approach. The five partners leading the firm’s Bristol practice will be Tom Berisford (banking and finance); Deborah Carrivick (international private client), Stuart Cleak (real estate renewables); and Dan Crockford and Alex Penberthy (shipping and international trade). The seven lawyers are legal directors Clarissa Dumolo and Jane Johnson; senior associates Oliver Evans and Joanna Mansel; associate Mark Brookman; solicitor Markella Papadopoulou; and trainee legal executive Jade Urbanski. There will also be business services professionals Gabbie Hazzell, Kate Jenkins and Jazz Gee. Jonathan Agar, chief executive at Birketts, said: “The opening of our Bristol office is a key step in Birketts’ growth trajectory and will further expand our network of offices in southern England. Our hub has been extremely successful and has laid the foundations for the introduction of our brand of Next Level Law to the South West. "The feedback from clients in Bristol has made it crystal clear how much potential there is for the firm to operate competitively from an established office in the city, and we look forward to being able to provide both new and existing clients a more comprehensive legal service from our new location.” Ms Carrivick added: “We have all lived and worked in Bristol for many years and are delighted that Birketts is formalising our presence in the city."
The year in North East business 2023: the region's 10 best companies
2025-10-25 01:50:02
Muckle Perennial good guys of the North East scene, Newcastle commercial law firm Muckle this year received the region’s top accolade when it was named North East Company of the Year. The company also announced record-breaking revenues, rising profits and received platinum status from the Investors in People scheme. RE:GEN Group Sunderland-based RE:GEN Group, a key player in the North East social housing market, was named the North East’s fastest-growing company at the annual Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 event. The company opened new headquarters and took on 33 staff from collapsed construction firm Tolent. Read more:the 10 biggest business stories of the year Go here for more North East business news Banks Group It was a lucrative year for the County Durham family firm, which sold its renewable energy division to Canadian fund manager Brookfield for a reported for $1bn. The company also launched a new housebuilding division and in June announced a significant rise in both revenues and profits. Winn Group The most impressive financial results of the year were probably recorded by the Newcastle legal services firm, which saw its revenue more than double to £235m. More growth is expected this year and the company has set out plans to create more than 150 new jobs. Wootzano The robotics firm was a double winner at the North East Business Awards, being named Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside Company of the Year and winning the regional innovation award. It also sealed a £37m deal in America for its fruit-picking robots, and is expanding its headquarters at Sedgefield’s NETPark. Double Eleven/Pneuma Group The Middlesbrough computer games developer was named the region’s fastest-growing large company and also picked up a national growth award from the Sunday Times. Meanwhile, its newly-created parent company Pneuma Group sealed a deal to take over the Six restaurant at Gateshead’s Baltic gallery and hinted that more deals are set to come in a range of sectors. Pragmatic The global shortage of semiconductors has made UK firm Pragmatic one of the hottest properties in the business world. Earlier this month it announced a £180m investment round that will see it build two more manufacturing lines at its plant in Durham, and create more than 500 skilled jobs in the North East and Cambridge over the next five years. Opencast Newcastle software firm Opencast was one of just three North East firms that made it onto the FEBE Growth 100 list, which recognises the UK’s fastest growing founder-led private companies. Opencast also secured deals worth more than £10m after extending its partnership with the Department for Education, while CEO Tom Lawson was named on the LDC Top 50 list of the UK’s most ambitious business leaders. CellRev/3DBT One of The Journal’s ‘Ones to Watch’ at the start off 2023, CellRev (previously known as CellulaREvolution) secured £1.4m in investment to develop its methods of creating lab-grown meat. It is also working with BSF Enterprise, the listed Newcastle tech company which owns tissue engineering company 3D Bio-Tissues (3DBT), on a joint venture that brings together expertise from the two Newcastle University spin-outs. Nissan
Law firm DAC Beachcroft to move staff to new Bristol offices
2025-10-22 15:38:15
International law firm DAC Beachcroft is planning to move its staff in Bristol to new state-of-the-art offices near Temple Meads station. The company, which employs 800 people in the South West, is taking levels six and seven of the Welcome Building - a workspace currently under development in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. The offices - formerly 4 Glass Wharf - are being delivered as a joint venture between EPISO 5, a fund managed by Tristan Capital Partners, and Trammell Crow Company, and are expected to be complete in the second quarter of this year. DAC Beachcroft is currently located on Portwall Place in the city. Ben Daniels, Bristol location head at DAC Beachcroft, said: “Providing our colleagues with a high-quality working environment that supports flexible working and collaboration is a priority for us. Welcome Building is ideally located in the centre of Bristol with great travel links and adaptable working spaces. We were also impressed by the building's excellent sustainability credentials and its emphasis on creating a local community." The 207,000 sq ft Welcome Building was designed by Darling Associates Architects and offers the largest available floorplates in the city, ranging from 22,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft. The building will be an all-electric workspace, with solar panels on the roof, and it will target net zero carbon in operation. It will have facilities for cyclists and runners, and will be connected to the Bristol Heat Network, from which it will extract all of its heat load. The heat is procured from the zero-carbon water source heat pump at Castle Park energy centre. Toby Pentecost, senior vice president and head of UK offices at Trammell Crow Company, said: “Having recently celebrated the topping out of the site, we are incredibly proud to be able to announce the arrival of DAC Beachcroft. This is a great result underlining the amazing space and amenities Welcome Building has to offer. With sustainability and wellbeing at the very heart of the project, we are in discussions with several other occupiers as we head towards completion.” James Brodie, managing director, at Tristan Capital Partners, added: “Welcome Building is an exemplar development providing high-quality ESG certified workspace set within a thriving part of Bristol city centre. Companies are continuing the flight to quality seeking premises which combine best-in-class workspace, modern amenities, ESG credentials and a great location, all of which Welcome Building offers.” Knight Frank and Alder King are leasing agents for Welcome Building.
Family law firm Grant Stephens opens Swansea office and targets more growth in south west Wales
2025-11-14 15:52:51
Grant Stephens Family Law is opening an office in Swansea as it looks to continue its growth in south west Wales. The firm says it has chosen to open the waterfront office “due to expansion in both clients, turnover, and headcount”. It will be headed up by director Nia Thomas alongside existing employees from the firm’s Cardiff base including family lawyer Lowri Walters and trainee solicitor James Jones. The team plans to grow the office this year. Nia Thomas, director and head of the Swansea office, said: “Since we opened in 2013, we’ve grown year-on-year in headcount and enquiries, with many of our clients coming from the south west Wales area. This is why expanding into Swansea was the next logical step for the firm. “Over the last year of working at Grant Stephens Family Law, there’s been a lot of positive change at the firm, and I’ve been working alongside some of the most incredible talent in the legal industry. “Being from South West Wales myself, and having worked in firms in Swansea previously, I’m excited to spearhead this new phase of growth at the firm with the objective of getting the best results for our clients continuing to be at the heart of everything we do.” The business now has 15 members of staff across its bases in the J Shed Arcade in Swansea and at Park Place in central Cardiff. Grant Stephens, founder and managing director, said: “I am immensely proud of the team and all their hard work in contributing to the company’s growth. “Expanding to a second office has been on our radar for some time and opening in Wales’ second biggest city made the most sense based on our already established presence within Swansea and West Wales.
What new flexible working laws mean for employers
2025-11-18 04:14:15
Employees have the right to ask to work flexibly from the first day in a new job following new laws coming into force. Before, the rule only applied if the person had worked for the business for at least 26 weeks. The shake-up of flexible working rules is among a raft of employment law modifications that have come into effect this month. Dorset-based law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors is urging employers to make sure they have procedures in place to meet the new legislation. Before the new rules came into force, employees could previously make one request every 12 months to work part-time, term time, compressed hours and remotely. Now, under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, employees can ask for flexible working on day one of their new job and can make two requests in any 12-month period. Kate Brooks, head of employment and HR services at Ellis Jones, has warned the onus is now on the employer, who must make a decision within two months and any refusal must be for one of eight prescribed reasons. “Flexible working, particularly remote working, remains a major issue for some businesses and their employees," she said. “The changes mean that the employee not only has the right to request flexible working from their first day, they no longer have to explain what effect it would have on the employer and how any effect might be dealt with." Ms Brooks says it is "paramount" for firms to consider an individual’s request on a case-by-case basis, and not adopt a general approach to rejecting flexible work requests as it could amount to unlawful discrimination. She also urges employers to review and update their policies to align with the new regulations, put a flexible work request policy in place and consider training for managers. “These changes to flexible working are long awaited," she said. "Clearly some firms need their people in the workplace. However, more generally, not only are there clear benefits for workers but these new measures will also be beneficial to many businesses. “Research has shown that businesses that embrace flexible working can attract a more talented pool of employees and increase staff motivation, which in turn reduces staff turnover and increases retention. Employers are encouraged to embrace the shift in workplace dynamics, and see this as a positive opportunity for their business to grow and excel.” Other employment law changes which have come into force this month cover redundancy protection during pregnancy, maternity leave, adoption leave and shared parental leave. There have also been changes to the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage and increases to statutory family-related pay and sick pay.
Law firm expands with new offices in Gloucestershire
2025-11-20 17:13:32
A specialist conveyancing law firm headquartered in Cheltenham has expanded into new offices in Quedgeley in Gloucester. Montpellier Legal already has a base at The Brewery Quarter Cheltenham as well as on Kensington High Street in London. The company said the expansion of the business followed its "remarkable success" since launching in 2021 and follows "a commitment" to providing a service to clients across the region. The new office in Gloucester will be headed up by Luke Virgo, an associate at the firm, along with a dedicated team. Simon Thomas, chief executive of Montpellier Legal, said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Gloucester. This expansion is the next chapter in our journey, fuelled by local demand." "The decision to expand into Gloucester was a strategic move for Montpellier Legal, driven by growing demand by clients and introducers for their services in the area," a company spokesperson added.
Buyout deal for law firm Higgs
2025-10-30 06:17:41
A Black Country law firm has expanded its footprint in the West Midlands with a buyout deal. Brierley Hill outfit Higgs has acquired Lewis Onions Solicitors which is based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. Higgs said the undisclosed deal would strengthen its presence in the restructuring and insolvency market, working with clients facing financial challenges and restructuring needs. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. Lewis Onions said: "I want to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base. "This move allows me to focus on client work and allows me to support the exciting ambitions of the Higgs team. "I believe that our clients will instantly benefit from the expertise and range of services that Higgs can deliver and our team will also benefit from the greater resources that Higgs can provide." Higgs' senior partner Nick Moxon added: "Lewis Onions Solicitors has been a well-known and respected firm in Birmingham for over two decades so this is a meeting of minds and alignment of ambitions. "This acquisition will expand our services to clients with Lewis' team bringing substantial restructuring and insolvency experience. "At the same time, we can offer Lewis' clients a full range of services from our employment, property and corporate teams that previously the team would have needed to refer elsewhere.
Legal app inCase bought by Access Group's legal division
2025-11-18 04:36:03
An app developed by a leading North West lawyer has been acquired by a technology group. Access Legal, a division of the Loughborough-based Access Group, has acquired inCase, an award-winning mobile app that was one of the first to pave the way for clear communication between legal professionals and clients on a mobile device. Access Legal said the deal boosts its strategy to offer “unrivalled” capability and service to legal practitioners and law firms. It will add it to existing products on case and practice management software, legal learning and compliance, conveyancing and property services, cloud hosting solutions and HR and finance tools. Read more:Sharp Gaming folded into Betfred Group as technology division Go here for more North West business news Managing director Emma de Sousa said: “By bringing inCase into Access Legal’s ecosystem, we’re excited to deliver further value to our customers so they can, in turn, truly delight their clients with an enhanced experience. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with our mission to be the partner of choice in the legal market and brings a powerful offering to help enable our customers with their client-focused strategies.” inCase has been used by over 3,300 legal professionals and supported over 230,000 law firm clients over the last 12 months. The app aims to increase fee earner productivity by making client communication quick and easy, and freeing up up lawyers’ capacity to focus on clients. It was founded by former Manchester Law Society president Sucheet Amin, MD of personal injury firm, Aequitas Legal.
Leicestershire law firm appoints new director and promises to continue its legacy of support for clients
2025-10-23 10:05:06
An East Midlands law firm has recently made a new addition, Manjit Kaur Sandhu, to its board of directors. Based in the Leicestershire area, Rich & Carr has been serving the local community since 1960, and this new addition to its team exemplifies a clear plan of succession for the business. With offices in Birstall, Blaby, Lutterworth, Syston and Oadby, as well as its headquarters in Leicester, the business deals in a range of legal services ranging from wills, probate and trusts to corporate, commercial and residential property, accident claims, employment law and more. It is also proud to have one of the largest residential conveyancing departments in the local area, and to offer a reputable service where customers don't have to worry about any hidden costs. Rich & Carr takes a personalised approach to dealing with its customers, unlike many other law firms in the UK which operate a call-centre type of approach. Its solicitors often travel between offices to meet clients face-to-face, and customers are appointed a fully qualified solicitor or legal executive to deal with their case from start to finish, instead of having their file exchange hands and be dealt with by less senior members of staff. David Roberts, head of dispute resolution and director at Rich & Carr, says: "As a firm, we're definitely looking forward to having our new director starting their role with us in January 2024. We've been planning to welcome a new face to our board for quite some time, and I hope that we will be able to grow our team and continue the legacy of our business in the years to come." Rich & Carr is a growing firm with a local presence. Although it was founded over 60 years ago, its experience and reputation extend much further. The business combined its skills in residential property with a specialism in private client work, wills, probate and trusts after it merged with the law firm Freer Bouskell in 2009. Thanks to Freer Bouskell's professional staff and its 250 years of experience in serving the local community, Rich & Carr was able to grow its portfolio of services and collective team as well. As Rich & Carr proudly owns one of the largest property teams in Leicestershire, it can help its clients with all the ins and outs of buying or selling a property, re-mortgaging or transferring ownership. Qualified and trained professionals are available at each of the firm's offices, who pride themselves on delivering a friendly, convenient and reliable service. But that's not all, the firm has expertise in commercial property too, and the Rich & Carr team has previously acted on behalf of landlords, tenants, landowners, developers, individuals and businesses who come from a range of sectors. Other specialisms of the firm include dispute resolution, such as contractual, property or consumer disputes or debt collection, for individuals and businesses, and personal injury, employment and family disputes for individuals. As a member of Rich and Carr's board of directors, David has been with the firm for more than three decades, having qualified as a solicitor in 1980. Aside from dispute resolution, he also specialises in accident and personal injury claims, and can handle cases that focus on contractual disputes as well as employment settlement agreements. Also on the board of directors is John Barr, head of residential property, who has been with the firm for over 20 years and specialises in all elements of residential conveyancing. Mark Tildesley, who is the senior director of the business, has been with the firm since 1980, and focuses in both corporate commercial law and commercial property.
Law firm expands with Black Country launch
2025-11-10 22:40:05
A Birmingham law firm has branched out by launching a new office in the West Midlands. Anthony Collins has opened a private client office hub in Wolverhampton which is being led by partner and childcare solicitor Madhur Sharma. The firm said the decision to establish the hub in Salop Street arose as a result of it wanting to increase the number of families it supported with specialist legal expertise and build on its work within the childcare field. The launch of the Wolverhampton office follows the firm being awarded an additional family legal services contract by the Legal Aid Agency. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. This complements the equivalent Legal Aid contract successfully held by Anthony Collins in Birmingham since the firm's inception 50 years ago. The new base adds to its Birmingham head office in Edmund Street and teams in Macclesfield and Manchester. Ms Sharma has worked in the Wolverhampton and Black Country area for more than two decades. She said: "One of our main goals as a client-centric, social purpose law firm is to make our support as accessible as possible. "This new office hub is essential to furthering this, bringing our services one step closer to more people and families to change their lives for the better. "The opening of an office in Wolverhampton has been an ambition of mine since joining Anthony Collins in 2019. "On a personal level, seeing this come to fruition is incredible and an opportunity for myself and the team to continue developing relationships and make a lasting, positive difference to communities I've worked with for most of my career." Jas Tamber, partner and head of the firm's childcare team, added: "This is a natural step in our mission to provide the best representation for as many children and families as possible. "We have one of the top childcare teams in the Midlands and the new office means more people will be able to benefit from our specialists' insight and experience.
Tributes to ‘one of a kind’ Bermans founder Keith Berman, whose law firm saw success in UK and USA
2025-11-02 05:34:07
A “flamboyant” law firm founder who became one of the first English solicitors to open an office in New York has died. Keith Berman founded Bermans in Liverpool in 1970 and grew the firm into a national player, as well as growing it into a substantial North West business. Keith moved to New York in 1980 and qualified there to begin practising as an English solicitor, opening the Bermans office in 1982. In a statement today, Bermans said the office “ orchestrated litigation worldwide and provided a valuable resource for UK and European Clients with American interests (and vice versa)”. The company added: “At that time not even the big London Firms had an operational New York office so to open in the Big Apple and make a success of it was a remarkable achievement.” Ian Munford, senior consultant, joined Bermans in 1978. He worked directly for Keith as a newly qualified solicitor and even shared an office with him. Mr Munford opened Bermans’ Manchester office in 1985 and is still with the firm. He said: “Keith was a perfectionist who liked every staple attaching documents to a letter to be at exactly 90 degrees and a Bermans ‘style’ of writing. He was also ahead of his time in relation to office automation and IT. “He was a flamboyant character, to say the least, and would wear a cape and a dickie bow tie to work many days. He worked very hard himself and expected no less from others including myself but he generously rewarded and promoted those who did reflect his high standards . “RIP Keith, you were definitely one of a kind.” The firm’s statement said Keith Berman was “proud of the reputation the firm with his name carries today.” On X, formerly Twitter, his daughter Chloé Jo Davis thanked people for their kind words on the loss of "our beloved father/brother/uncle/grandpa/cousin Keith Berman." Bermans is today part of the MAPD group, which stands for ‘Making a Positive Difference’ and which acquired Bermans in 2022. The firm now has 20 partners, with the announcement this month that employment partner Sarah Collier and litigation specialist Sarah Wellicome were joining the team.
East Mids Movers and Shakers: CPW, OTB, 1284, Cambridge and Counties, North Notts BID, PKF Smith Cooper, Lime Solicitors, Doorcerts, JDR Group
2025-10-25 18:41:11
1284: Loughborough corporate communications agency 1284 has recruited former newspaper editor and journalism lecturer, Richard Bowyer. He joins chartered PR practitioners George Oliver and Amy Orton – both experienced journalists – at the business. Richard has more than 30 years’ experience in journalism, starting out at the Coalville and Ashby Times, before going to titles including the Peterborough Telegraph, Wolverhampton Express & Star, Derby Telegraph, and Lincolnshire Echo. He was editor-in-chief for Staffordshire Sentinel Newspapers in Stoke before spending nine years teaching journalism at the University of Derby. Richard joins the 1284 team part-time as content editor and will support with print page design, editing, and B2B content for 1284’s small business and local authority clients. Former Leicester Mercury editor George Oliver said: “His arrival maintains our policy of recruiting highly experienced professionals, bringing significant understanding of the media and comms industries, as well as deep Midlands networks.” North Notts BID: Sally Gillborn, chief executive of North Notts BID, has celebrated formally receiving her MBE at an investiture ceremony. Sally was awarded the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the New Year Honours List, for her services to business and to the economy in Nottinghamshire. She was awarded her medal by King Charles at the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on October 25. Having been responsible for securing and leading the UK’s first district-wide business improvement district, Sally oversaw a successful first five-year term, introducing several business support measures, particularly during the pandemic. Sally and her team secured a second term for North Notts BID in July 2022. She said: “I am humbled to receive this prestigious honour for spearheading and leading North Notts BID, and for doing a job that I love and take great pride in.” PKF Smith Cooper: The PKF Smith Cooper Corporate Finance team has hired senior executive Callum Leslie in its Midlands division, which continues to grow. The firm is currently on the lookout for high-calibre individuals and ambitious professionals to join the Midlands offices in Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham with the aim of doubling its advisory team numbers. Callum worked in audit for five years at a top-10 UK accounting firm in the Midlands, starting his career as a school leaver in 2018. He was promoted twice and became an assistant manager, developing extensive experience in working with privately owned businesses in a range of sectors across the region. He qualified as an accountant in 2022. Last year PKF ranked as the 7th most active dealmaker in the UK, completing 139 deals worth £2.3 billion. CPW: International building services consultancy CPW has welcomed 16 new recruits onto its 2023 apprenticeship programme, which is being delivered in partnership with regional colleges. Some 17 per cent of CPW’s workforce is currently part of the programme – which was established 22 years ago. This year’s trainees have joined the Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Huntingdon, Nottingham, and Solihull offices, and includes specialised apprentices in the lighting, public health, and HR teams – a first for the firm as it looks to diversify its offering. CPW is an international M&E consultancy with more than 300 staff based across 13 offices. It specialises in designing and creating energy solutions into existing and new buildings. OTB: Nottingham-based UK immigration law firm OTB Legal is expanding again, after making three strategic new hires. The firm, which is ranked as a top tier immigration law firm in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, has welcomed Kate Gamester and Amie Higgins as associate solicitors and new paralegal Bridget Umoru. Kate Gamester specialises in business immigration, sponsor licence management and compliance and right to work checks. Amie Higgins was called to the Bar in 2005 and admitted to the Roll as a solicitor in 2008, and is an experienced human rights and public law specialist. Bridget Umoru was called to the Bar of England and Wales and has worked with various legal charities providing practical and emotional support to vulnerable clients. She is also experienced in providing high level day to day support to solicitors particularly in immigration and personal law matters. JDR Group: Two apprentices are starting to use their newfound skills to help UK firms grow their businesses after joining Derby digital marketing firm JDR Group. Sophie Teece and Amelia Slater have joined the Pride Park firm as digital marketing assistants, spending their working days generating blog content, undertaking keyword research and putting in place SEO techniques. JDR Group provides web design, social media and content marketing to around 200 small to medium companies around the UK. Sophie, 22, joined the company from college after deciding she wanted to learn more about digital marketing, having also tried to launch her own business. Amelia, 20, recently returned from travelling during a gap year, having also decided to pursue a different career route to going to university. Both are now on a 15-month apprenticeship and are being mentored by Charlotte Thornton, who is a website project co-ordinator and production team leader at the firm, having herself joined JDR Group as an apprentice straight from school four years ago. Doorcerts Manufacturing: Fire door and frames supplier Doorcerts Manufacturing, which is based in Stanton Hill, Nottinghamshire, has appointed Iona Ellis to the role of management accountant, and recruited Craig Priest to the job of marketing coordinator. Doorcerts’ commercial manager Sarah Armson said: “We’re building something special here at Doorcerts and we need great people to help us reach our goals. “Because we’re working hard on a number of projects, we needed people to join the team and be key players in what we are doing. “Iona brings with her substantial expertise in finance and data, while Craig has a wealth of experience in producing eye-catching marketing materials.” Lime Solicitors: Consumer champion law firm Lime Solicitors has announced two promotions across its personal injury and medical negligence teams in the Midlands. Catastrophic injury expert Vicky Blodwell has been promoted to partner in Birmingham, while medical negligence expert Michelle Harper has been promoted to legal director in Leicester. Vicky works as part of Lime Solicitors’ personal injury team, helping clients who have experienced serious injury, including spinal cord injury and brain injury. Michelle specialises in medical negligence claims against healthcare providers including NHS trusts, GPs, private consultants, dentists and care homes, and has a keen interest in women’s health including gynaecological injuries, injuries arising from child birth and still births. Cambridge & Counties: Specialist lender Cambridge & Counties Bank has appointed two additional non-executive directors to its board as it looks to further build on recent growth in the UK market. Elizabeth Lockwood has joined as an NED and chair of the risk & compliance committee. She has over 25 years of experience as a risk management specialist, and previously held senior and executive roles at NatWest including as deputy chief risk officer for NatWest Holdings. She also holds non-exec roles at Melton Building Society and its subsidiary Nexa Finance, and sits as an external expert member of the audit & risk committee at the Samaritans.
Howes Percival turnover up almost a fifth in 12 months
2025-10-28 21:01:19
Law firm Howes Percival's turnover has increased 19 per cent, according to its latest annual results – following a period of sustained growth which has seen revenues rise 33 per cent in three years. The firm, which has offices across the Midlands, saw turnover increase from £23.6 million in 2020, to £31.3 million in its most recent year, thanks to growth across all its offices and practice areas. It said revenues in its corporate, commercial and banking department was up 74 per cent in three years, employment law was up 23 per cent, property was up 25 per cent, litigation up 31 per cent and private client was up 15 per cent. Howes Percival has offices in Cambridge, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Northampton and Norwich, and has 55 partners and 147 lawyers in total. Back in the summer it announced it had created 50 new roles in the last two years to meet increased demand for its services. Over the next two years, the firm plans to continue recruiting across all six offices, creating a further 50 roles, including partners and solicitors as well as support roles in areas such as accounts, IT and HR. Chief financial Officer Fayaz Sattar said: "This is a fantastic result, and I am pleased with our performance over the last financial year, given the wider economic situation in the UK. “We had been targeting a figure just over £28 million in 2023, so to have exceeded our plan quite significantly is testament to the efforts of the entire team. "Looking forward our core markets are holding up well and have remained resilient, despite inflation in general and the economy as a whole. “We obviously can't control the wider economic factors, but we can ensure that we are a well-diversified firm, investing in our fee earner expertise, IT and back-office infrastructure to continue to provide the most competitive and attractive offer we can to clients." Howes Percival chairman and East Midlands partner Geraint Davies said: "We really are thrilled with this result given the unprecedented economic times we are in. “Everyone has worked incredibly hard so it is great to see the results reflect this. We are continuing to take market share in all our locations and there is real momentum behind the firm at the moment. “We will be investing further through 2024/25, in our people and in the business itself, to meet the client demand we are seeing and deliver further growth. "Our strategy has been to invest in our teams and the business as a whole for a number of years now, and without doubt, we are seeing the results of that plan. “Our people are central to everything we do. We want to be a firm that attracts the best talent and is seen as the place to nurture and develop your career from trainees through to partners and at every level for our non-fee earner teams.
'I was JD Sports' top lawyer and now I'm helping companies become the next global success'
2025-11-09 12:20:44
Siobhan Almond spent over a decade at JD Sport, helping it to grow into the retail giant it is today. Working her way up to general counsel, she had global responsibility for all the group's legal operations and was at the heart of efforts to acquire brands across the world. But after the well-documented changes at the top of the business, she decided it was time for a change of her own. Having joined Manchester-based venture capital investor Praetura Ventures as an operational partner in May, she's now focused on helping companies from all over the North West follow in JD's footsteps and become the next global success story. In an exclusive interview with BusinessLive, Siobhan Almond spoke about what she learnt from her time at JD Sports, why she decided to leave and how she's working to help create the next big thing. READ MORE: American Golf owner loses almost £10m as cost-of-living crisis hits sales READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter "When I joined in 2012, JD was just embarking upon its international expansion", she said. It was already a pretty successful UK retailer, successful on the High Street despite the difficulties, and it was just moving into France and Spain. I saw it go on this phenomenal international expansion journey as well continuing the growth in the UK. "There was double digit like-for-like retail sales consistently year on year which was just unheard of as well as establishing itself in countries where the sports market is different and it's not the same type of High Street. Of course you've got language differences, cultural differences, but we really went on a journey to bring JD Sports to lots of different international territories. "My role was to see if we were acquiring a business that existed in one international territory already and to assess that business, do all the due diligence and the decide if it was the right business to acquire. We then the actual transaction itself and then post-conclusion, it was about integration. "It was about learning about that business and I helped them in any way possible. I got them the range of advice that they needed and helped them become part of the group and I guess that process is what has enabled me to be a real help to the portfolio companies within Praetura. I can relate to what they're going through and help them make the decisions about the founders and which ones we think we should back. "Once these founders have got that investment, it's just the same as some of those I used to work within the JD group. Suddenly they have cash in their own pockets and they are part of a group and they have the expectations of an investor for the first time. "At JD I worked to get them used to that process and to meet those expectations but to grow in their own way and to cultivate their business and growth strategies in a way that suited them, because every territory and every kind of different iteration of JD was different. So that whole journey that I went through with JD saw huge growth. It's something that I really hope I'm going to be able to use consistently in my current role. "The goal of lots of founders is they want to be an international, globally successful business and hopefully I can help them share some insights into what we did wrong, what wasn't a success and, obviously, all the things that we did right and that made it a success that it was." After more than a decade at JD Sports, Siobhan Almond decided it was time to leave. The group had grown beyond all recognition over her time but with a new chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer, it was time for a fresh start somewhere else. She said: "It was really for a change. I'm a lawyer and even though my role was everything else as well as a lawyer, it's unusual for lawyers to stay in one place. It's good for me to experience different sectors, different types of businesses. Even though there was a real range of styles of business within the JD group from very small founder-led businesses right until the kind of the FTSE-100 JD entity itself. "I wanted a different change and, of course, there was a huge change within JD itself. The whole thing is pretty much changed now with a new chairman, new CEO, new CFO and often when that happens, it's the right time to move on and develop new relationships and work with different businesses." Praetura Ventures is well-known in the North West for investing in businesses that show great potential for growth. The companies that the firm backs have normally already shown a degree of success before securing additional investment. But success is rarely measured in a straight line and part of Siobhan Almond's role is "to be that shoulder to cry on why when things have slowed down" and then find a solution. She said: "When you get some founders who are really enthusiastic and who've had maybe some initial success and then it slows down it's a challenge. One of my roles is to be that shoulder to cry on why when things have slowed down and then to try and troubleshoot with them and work out why that might be happening or why they're not getting the traction in the first place. "I think it's quite easy for a founder to be able to 'do this and, yes, we can do that' and they get that initial interest and they get excited, they want to do everything. What was good about JD was they knew what they were good at, that's where they're most successful. "JD didn't offer lots of stuff. It went into outdoor retail, fashion, all kinds of different businesses, but really the crux of what was the huge success was the sports fashion retailer and I guess I learned a lot from that. "There are sometimes difficult conversations, grounding conversations, but ultimately I just try to be the most approachable version of myself. I'm not there with any ulterior motive and that's the kind of unique thing. "One of the reasons I loved the opportunity to be an operational partner is I'm really there just with the intention of helping those founders and that company with whatever they need. So it might be something that's kind of akin to my background which is something compliance or legal related. It might be something about retail, but again, it might be something totally new for me and it's just having another voice and other sounding boards. I'm not interested in anything other than what's the right thing for that company, and that's quite refreshing for some of the founders." "To be honest, the thing that I learnt the most and I've seen in other businesses not done as well is the detail. There were lots of things JD could have done better, but what it did do was it had its head in the detail. "The people that ran the business could tell you about each of its stores, pretty much anywhere in the world, how it was performing. No matter how big it got iIt never lost sight of how important the detail is. "A big lesson for me is to never get complacent, never just assume that things are going to roll in just because they did last year, and really keep you right on that detail. Most of the founders that I work with are already excellent at the detail.
Nelsons makes second acquisition in matter of weeks and takes over Cleggs Solicitors
2025-11-09 01:27:24
East Midlands law firm Nelsons has acquired Nottingham-based Cleggs Solicitors – its second takeover in a matter of weeks. Nelsons, which has offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, has made the move after acquiring Pattersons Commercial Law, based in Ratby, Leicestershire, in October. Nelsons itself was acquired by new national law firm Lawfront back in the spring in a move that management said would significantly accelerate Nelson’s growth strategy and take the wider group’s annual revenues of £41 million-plus. Mark Williams, managing director and head of private client at Cleggs Solicitors, said: “Having become the sole equity partner at Cleggs I wanted to maintain the growth and future of our talented team as well as continuing to offer more to our loyal client base. “The Nelsons brand has a personable feel, and the firm believes in building long-term relationships. Our clients and team recognise the importance of this approach and so there was an immediate sharing of values. “This move supports the exciting ambitions of both firms and many of our clients will instantly benefit from the expertise and range of services that Nelsons can deliver, with our team also benefiting from the greater resources that Nelsons as a Lawfront firm can provide.” Nelsons chairman Tim Hastings said: “Cleggs Solicitors has been a well-known and respected firm in Nottingham for decades, so this is a meeting of minds and alignment of ambitions. “This acquisition will expand our services to clients with Mark’s team bringing substantial commercial and new build residential property experience. “At the same time, we can offer Cleggs’ clients a full range of services from our employment and corporate teams that previously the team would have needed to refer elsewhere. “I’m looking forward to maximising our combined potential as we come together to pool expertise and resource." Lawfront chief executive Neil Lloyd said: “We are very pleased to support Nelsons in bringing the Cleggs team into the Nottingham office and the wider group. “This and the acquisition of Pattersons Commercial Law in October demonstrate Lawfront’s strategy of backing the management of leading regional law firms, supporting them to achieve their own growth ambitions, both organically and by acquisition.”
MBO at Black Norman Solicitors is backed by River Capital
2025-11-20 00:14:18
A law firm has undergone a management buyout after securing a six-figure loan from River Capital. The funding will support a succession plan and future expansion at Black Norman Solicitors. The practice was founded in 1976 and specialises in property and private client work. The loan will enable two of its current owner/directors, Richard Entwistle and Shoab Panwar, to acquire the shares of founding partner Howard Norman, who at 74 is moving to a consultancy role. It will also provide working capital for expansion plans, as the Crosby-based firm hopes to grow from 30 to 35 staff in coming years. Jim Moore, investment manager at River Capital, said: “We're pleased to support Black Norman Solicitors in this important transition. “The firm has a strong track record spanning nearly five decades, and this funding will help ensure its continued success under the next generation of leadership. It's a testament to the firm's resilience and adaptability that they're undertaking this succession plan while also focusing on future growth." Richard Entwistle, director at Black Norman Solicitors, said: "We're grateful for River Capital's support during this pivotal moment for our firm. This funding allows us to implement our succession plan while positioning the business for future expansion that includes incorporating new talent to lead the business in the future. It's an exciting time for Black Norman Solicitors as we build on our strong foundation and look towards new opportunities." Shoab Panwar, fellow director at Black Norman Solicitors, added: "This investment from River Capital is a vote of confidence in our business model and our plans for the future. It will allow us to continue providing high-quality legal services to our clients while also investing in our team and infrastructure." Liverpool’s River Capital manages the NW Business Growth Loan Fund, which provides debt funding of between £100,000 and £500,000 to North West SMEs to support growth and job creation.
Long-serving Hill Dickinson chief executive to step down as successor named
2025-11-08 00:37:05
The chief executive of law firm Hill Dickinson is to step down in 2024, it has been announced. Peter Jackson will be succeeded in the role by business services group head, Craig Scott, on April 30. Mr Jackson, a marine and transport specialist, he has been with the Liverpool-headquartered firm since 1983, where he was made managing partner in 2005 and became CEO in 2016. Mr Jackson will be staying with the firm in an advisory capacity and will become a member of its board. Mr Scott will become CEO following more than 13 years as a corporate partner and is a former head of corporate at the practice. READ MORE: 'I was JD Sports' top lawyer and now I'm helping companies become the next global success' READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter Fiona Parry, partner and head of the commercial litigation team, who has also been at the firm since 2010, has been named as the new head of BSG. Established in 1810, Hill Dickinson is an international commercial law firm which employs around 950 people across 10 offices, six of which are in the UK and four in Hong Kong, Singapore, Piraeus and Monaco. Mr Jackson said: "The past 18 years at the helm of the firm have been both exciting and rewarding and the business is now exactly where we want it to be. Since 2005, Hill Dickinson has grown from revenues of £31m to £128.6m as of April 2023 – our sixth year of consecutive growth - and the firm is a highly trusted brand, with people of great integrity and extremely loyal clients. "Craig was the clear and unanimous choice for Hill Dickinson’s new CEO. He has driven major growth in revenue and in team strength and depth in the BSG, which is now the firm’s largest division. Under his strategic leadership we will continue to remain a large independent, profitable legal firm, with ambitious growth plans for all our services. I am very confident about the future of the firm with Craig at the helm." Mr Scott added: "Put simply, my focus is going to be continuing to invest in the retention of our valued people, strategic recruitment of high performing talent and pushing on with our plans for further sustainable profitable growth in the marine (MBG) and healthcare (HBG) business groups as well as BSG, which has been serving us so well over the last three years. The record growth in profit levels that we have achieved in that recent three-year period has meant that we have been able to retain our cornerstone contributors of the Hill Dickinson practice and in turn invest significantly in acquiring talented ambitious people as part of planning the long-term foundations for future success across all our chosen growth locations. "Some great people are being drawn to the firm, and major name clients are choosing to work with us, because we are continually investing in growing our standing as a large independent law firm, big enough on the national stage to be a respected quality outfit, but without losing our strong presence and connection to our people and local networks in each of our chosen locations and their related business communities. It's no doubt that I have big shoes to fill, l and I’m truly honoured to take the baton from Peter." Chairman Jonathan Brown said: "What Peter has achieved during four decades at the firm as a partner, custodian and CEO to help guide its evolution as a firm is a credit to him. His personal dedication to the success and stability of Hill Dickinson during his long tenure has been an inspiration to us all. Peter will be working closely with Craig and the team over the coming months to ensure a smooth succession."
Hill Dickinson expands new Birmingham office
2025-11-17 05:13:29
Commercial law firm Hill Dickinson has recruited a new real estate and real estate litigation team at its Birmingham office. The two new teams will join the firm's five-strong corporate team which recently spearheaded the launch of its new office in Newhall Street in February. All the new staff are lateral hires from rival firm Irwin Mitchell. The real estate team is led by partner Ben Acheson who had previously been head of Irwin Mitchell's Birmingham real estate team. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. He has more than 15 years of experience, with expertise in investment and development transactions, acting for both landlords and tenants. Joining him is senior associate Stuart McDonald who will support him on a wide variety of property work, with experience in strategic land and development, landlord and tenant and corporate banking support. Completing the real estate team are paralegals Sufyan Mulla and Leah Bouckley and apprentice solicitor Alicia Robinson. Heading up the real estate litigation team is partner Tim Rayner who joins with a career spanning more than 20 years, dealing with real estate disputes. The team deals with the full range of commercial property disputes but with a focus on investor-landlords and corporate occupiers, specialising in dilapidations. He is joined by legal director Alison Willis, who brings with her almost 11 years of experience in real estate disputes, also with an emphasis on landlord and tenant matters and associate Sana Ikhlaq. The additions form part of the firm's growth plans to strengthen its corporate and banking services nationally from the new Birmingham base. Craig Scott, chief executive elect and head of business services, said: "As the UK's second largest city, the real estate market in Birmingham continues to grow so it's the perfect time to be establishing a dedicated real estate team in the city to fulfil the growing demand we are seeing for our services here.
Thatchers cider loses trademark battle with Aldi
2025-11-02 03:48:41
Somerset cidermaker Thatchers has lost a High Court trademark battle with supermarket chain Aldi over rival cider products. The brewer, which is based at Myrtle Farm in Sandford, sued the German discounter for allegedly infringing the trademark of its “cloudy lemon cider”, claiming that Aldi’s Taurus brand “copycatted” its product. But the judge dismissed Thatchers' case. Judge Melissa Clarke concluded there was a “low degree of similarity” between the rival products and “no likelihood of confusion” for consumers. At a trial in London in November, Thatchers accused Aldi of gaining an “unfair advantage” by copying the product the family-run cider business released in February 2020 “in both taste and appearance”. Lawyers representing Thatchers argued that the Taurus drink was “likely to misrepresent to consumers some commercial connection to Thatchers”. The German retailer, which operates more than 1,000 stores in the UK, accepted it used the Thatchers product as a “benchmark” but denied infringement. Aldi lawyers also denied it was “passing off” its product, launched in May 2022, as one appearing to be from Thatchers and rejected claims that it was “riding on the coat-tails of the reputation” of the Thatchers brand. Judge Clarke said she was “satisfied on the balance of probabilities” that seeing the Aldi product “would call to mind” the Thatchers trademark, causing “a link in the mind of the average consumer”. But she concluded that Aldi had not infringed and was not liable for “passing off”, adding that the German supermarket’s product did not take unfair advantage of nor was “detrimental” to the reputation of the Thatchers trademark. Judge Clarke found that Aldi did not develop its product “with an intention to take advantage of the goodwill and reputation” of the Thatchers trademark, adding that she was satisfied “there is no misrepresentation that Aldi is connected in trade with Thatchers”. An Aldi spokesperson said: “There’s nothing cloudy about this judgment. It’s clear cut. Aldi exclusive brands are just that: exclusive to Aldi while leading the market on quality and price.” Martin Thatcher, a fourth-generation cider maker at the family firm, said it was “compelled” to bring the case “as we were concerned that the packaging of international retailer Aldi’s product was misleading shoppers due to the strong resemblance to Thatchers Cloudy Lemon Cider”. He said the company is disappointed with the ruling, adding: “Despite the decision not going our way, we still believe taking this action was the right thing to do. “We care about creating the perfect cider and thanks to a proud history of four generations of expert cider makers innovating and investing, we have done just that.” During the trial, the judge was invited to take a “taste test” of the rival drinks. She said in her ruling: “I have conducted my own blind taste test, as I was requested to do. “I am no expert and have never tasted cloudy lemon cider before. I found the taste of the two products to be very similar, but I accept they are different.” The trial was told that the Thatchers product was developed through “a comprehensive market analysis, feedback, and taste testing process, using over 25,000 litres of the initial cloudy lemon product”. Thatchers’ barrister, Martin Howe KC, said the company spent nearly £3m on marketing between 2020 and 2022 and had sold £20.7m worth of the cloudy lemon cider drink as of September 2022. Mr Howe said Aldi had achieved “extraordinarily high” sales of its Taurus product – more than £1.4m – after a “lack both of development investment, or marketing spend”, adding that this “can only have been achieved by reason of Thatchers’ investment in the Thatchers product”. But Judge Clarke ruled that claims that Aldi’s sales could only be the result of gaining unfair advantage from Thatchers’ investment “amount to little more than supposition”. The dispute came in the wake of Aldi losing a separate court battle with Marks and Spencer after being accused of copying its light-up Christmas gin bottles.
St Austell law firm moves to new flagship office
2025-11-11 19:57:12
A Cornish law firm has expanded into a new flagship office in St Austell following a period of "significant growth". Charles French Solicitors, which also has offices in Truro and Newquay, has take space at St Austell Enterprise Park. The company said it made the move following demand for its services. The firm provides advice on commercial property, residential conveyancing, dispute resolution, family and matrimonial and wills, probate and trusts. Charles French, director of Charles French Solicitors, said: “It feels like a huge milestone to open our new flagship space in St Austell, which is more visible than our previous office. Being located within St Austell Enterprise Park shows our investment into the county, as we strive to grow and develop our teams. "As we continue to see increased demand in the requirement for specialist legal advice, we’re also planning for the future of the firm and so this new office allows us to ensure that we’re best placed for our predicted growth." LIKE THIS STORY? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox. The new office, at Bayview House on Treverbyn Road, has a mixture of informal working areas and break-out spaces, and formal meeting rooms, the company said.
Weightmans expands cybersecurity business into North America
2025-11-15 05:33:59
Liverpool-based law firm Weightmans is expanding its cybersecurity business CyXcel with a permanent base in America. The firm said that the cybersecurity, breach management and transformation consultancy has exceeded its strategic objectives and seen rapid growth across an international client-base overseen since being launched last year. Now it will establish a North American operation with a specialist team aiming to replicate the services it has offered in the UK. Read more:Growth Hub boss highlights importance of skills Go here for more North West business news John Schorah, managing partner at Weightmans, said: “We are delighted that after a strong first year, CyXcel is expanding rapidly with the opening of a new operation in North America. Our investment in CyXcel reflects not only the increased global demand for cyber technical services but also the firm’s growing stature on the world stage as a pioneer of solutions to the broader business challenges faced by our clients.” Edward Lewis, managing partner and co-founder of CyXcel, said: “We are now in a very strong position to leverage the success CyXcel has already seen in the UK and Europe since launch, and replicate it in North America, the biggest cybersecurity market in the world. This presents a huge opportunity to realise a market leading position, and I must thank both Weightmans and our fabulous team for laying such solid foundations in making our global ambitions possible.”
Law firm Clarke Willmott 'devastated' after partner dies
2025-10-30 10:02:15
A "much loved" lawyer who played an active role in Bristol's business community has died. Neil Baker, a partner at law firm Clarke Willmott, passed away on Monday (March 11). The company, which has South West offices in Bristol and also Taunton, in Somerset, said it was "devastated" by the news of Mr Baker's death. He had been with the firm since 1999 and was described as "one of the country's leading planning lawyers". "He was also a much-loved and valued member of our firm, where he led our excellent planning team," the company said in a statement. Mr Baker was an active figure in the Bristol business community and particularly well known in the property sector, organising the SW Planning Dinner as well as for his involvement with Bristol Round Table and 41 Club, the firm said."Most importantly, Neil was a much-loved member of his family, husband to Sarah and proud father to James and Meggie (Megan). All our thoughts are first and foremost with them at this very difficult time," Clarke Willmott said. Peter Swinburn, chief executive at Clarke Willmott, said the company's immediate efforts were focused on supporting Mr Baker's family and also colleagues who had worked most closely with Mr Baker. "It has been a terribly difficult 24 hours for all of us at Clarke Willmott," he said. "In due course we will be able to reflect on the huge contribution made by Neil to our firm and the broader community in Bristol and beyond.”
Shortlist revealed for 2024 Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards
2025-11-01 18:54:12
More than 60 individuals and law firms have been shortlisted in an annual awards. The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2024, which returns next month, has announced this year's finalists, with multiple nominations for Weightmans, Aston University and St Philips Chambers among others. The 14 categories feature three new ones for 2024 - outstanding student contribution, legal PA and junior barrister (scroll down for the full shortlist). Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. Now in its 22nd year, finalists will be interviewed by a panel of legal sector experts and business leaders ahead of the ceremony at Birmingham's ICC on March 14. Birmingham Law Society president Alice Kinder added: "I would like to congratulate every individual and organisation shortlisted for an award. "The shortlist not only showcases the vibrant range of talent in Birmingham but also places our city on the map as a dynamic and influential legal hub. "This year's awards reflects our commitment to recognising the diverse contributions made by professionals from all backgrounds and set an inspiring precedent for the future of our legal community." The judging panel for the awards was led by Jabeer Miah, president of Northamptonshire Law Society. He said: "It has been a pleasure for me and my colleagues to read and consider the entry submissions for the 2024 Birmingham Legal Awards. "All entries were of high quality and the work being undertaken in Birmingham is commendable and really impressed the judges. "Entrants should be proud of their submissions and it took the judges a lot longer than expected to finalise the shortlist, albeit the judges enjoyed learning of the great work the Birmingham legal community is undertaking." Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year Gurpreet Chaggar, Aston University Ruqayya Kalsoom, Aston University Dana Burdan, Newman University Anmol Virdi, The University of Birmingham Law School Eleanor Ford, The University of Law Apprentice of the Year Hollie Ingram, Browne Jacobson Caira Baker, Capsticks Solicitors Ellie Brookes, Pinsent Masons Jai Akhurst, Squire Patton Boggs Tom Reeves, Weightmans Trainee Solicitor of the Year Isabella Davies, Anthony Collins Solicitors Hannah O'Brien, Bevan Brittan Drew Wilson, Gateley Legal Sarah Hall, Squire Patton Boggs James Statham, Weightmans Paralegal of the Year Carrie Hu, Chase Morgan Solicitors Dalbinda Gill, DWF Bria Hampson, Shoosmiths Lily Emmet, Weightmans Rikesh Chauhan, Weightmans Legal PA of the Year Carol Page, Chase Morgan Solicitors Dawn Baggott, DWF Jodie Beckett, Eversheds Sutherland Jemma Jackson, Tenet Compliance and Litigation Kathryn Frost, Weightmans Solicitor of the Year Marie Kilgallen, Irwin Mitchell Shereen Johal, Shoosmiths Jo Tunicliff, Shoosmiths Joel Blake, The Wilkes Partnership Soyod Yasin, Wildings Solicitors Junior Barrister of the Year (ten years' call and under) Grace Gwynne, No5 Barristers' Chambers Bethany Armitage, St Philips Chambers Chevan llangaratne, St Philips Chambers Matthew Cullen, St Philips Chambers Callum Church, St Philips Chambers Barrister of the Year (over ten years' call) Omar Sherif Ensaff, No5 Barristers' Chambers Jason M Hadden, St Ives Chambers Ali Tabari, St Philips Chambers Sophie Garner, St Philips Chambers Elizabeth Hodgetts, St Philips Chambers Partner of the Year Adam Maguire, Clarke Willmott Marissa Jacquet-Smoothy, Grove Tompkins Bosworth Emma Rush, Irwin Mitchell Emma Louise-Hewitt, Sydney Mitchell Maryam Storr, Weightmans In-House Lawyer of the Year Sophie Samani, Henderson & Jones Laura Stockin, Legal Ombudsman Baljinder Singh-Atwal, West Midlands Police Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award Birmingham Black Lawyers Bila Law Academy Gateley Legal Pinsent Masons Weightmans Pro Bono Award Birmingham City University Law Clinic Birmingham Law School's Pro Bono Group Family Advice Midlands Shoosmiths & University of Law Small Business Advice Line Partnership The Litigation Programme Regional Law Firm of the Year Chase Morgan Solicitors Davisons Law Roythornes Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership Wildings Solicitors National Law Firm of the Year Bevan Brittan Gateley Legal Shakespeare Martineau Shoosmiths
Businesses sign up to Burton YMCA charity sleepout
2025-10-30 04:14:17
Local businesses have signed up to sponsor and take part in Burton YMCA’s annual sleepout on November 10. Companies taking part this year include Ginho Group, Cosy Direct, Else Solicitors, Trent & Dove Housing, Hardy Signs and Fishers Solicitors. More than 100 people have signed up to the event, which takes place overnight at Burton Albion Football Club and St Modwen’s graveyard. Funds raised this year will be particularly critical as the cost of living continues to hit hard, meaning the charity is experiencing increased demand across all of its services as people struggle to cope. A spokeswoman said: “Businesses taking part in the sleepout will experience a little of what it’s like to be homeless and how vulnerable people live day-to-day, whilst raising money to support the charity’s work in the local community, including homeless outreach facilities, housing, foodbank and mediation in the East Staffordshire Borough area. “Now in its 15 th year, the Sleepout has raised over £400,000 to support its services over the years.” YMCA Burton fundraising and partnerships manager Paula Senior said: “It’s very heartening that several businesses have signed up to the sleepout this year and encouraging their employees to participate. “There is still time to sign up to the sleepout so please do – we are hoping we can reach a sell out year if we can. “I’d like to thank all the businesses who have signed up whether they are first timers are long-standing supporters, we are grateful for all the support. “If you cannot take part but still want to be involved, then you have the option of sponsoring a box! “For £100 you will get mentions on our social media channels and have a dedicated box which will be used by a participant on the night.” Charlotte Osbourne, marketing coordinator at Else Solicitors is on her third sleepout. She said: “This will be my third sleepout and my second one at the church. “I always take part with a good friend and this year I am looking forward to Georgina from the Else team joining us for her first sleepout experience. “The work that YMCA Burton do is so important and I hope by taking part in the sleepout again, I can not only fundraise, but also help to raise awareness and highlight the brilliant work and support that the charity provides within our community. Cosy Direct has signed up a team of eight people who will be taking part for the first time. Laila Riggott, head of people and culture at Cosy, said: “We’re really excited to be supporting Burton’s YMCA sleep out this November. “It will be our first year sleeping out at the Pirelli Stadium and our strong team of ladies from Cosy and Derby Kids Camp (men most welcome, too) will be joining in solidarity to raise awareness and foster empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness. “It’s a great opportunity to come together as a community, learn from each other, and work towards creating a better, more supportive environment for everyone.” Shaun Gray, European managing director of Ginho said: “Ginho are proud to be supporting the YMCA sleepout again this year, it’s a fantastic fundraiser but also gives us a snapshot of the harsh reality that others less fortunate within our town endure on a nightly basis.” Hardy Signs has been supporting the Sleepout for a number of years and this year marketing executive Blu Hardy is sleeping out in the graveyard for her first Sleepout. Blu said: “Sleeping outside during the cold of November sounds horrendous, but unfortunately, it’s a reality for many people. By experiencing even a fraction of the challenges many face, “I hope to raise awareness for the homeless community and bring attention to the YMCA's crucial work.”
Huge new neighbourhood to be built on outskirts of Barnstaple
2025-11-17 18:07:29
A huge new neighbourhood is set to be built on the outskirts of Barnstaple in North Devon over the next decade. Housebuilder Lovell and housing association LiveWest have agreed a joint venture to acquire a plot of land for up to 820 homes. The deal will see LiveWest's commercial arm, Westco Properties, developing the 135-acre site with the housing division of the FTSE-250 listed construction giant Morgan Sindall. It is the first joint venture to be struck between the two organisations and marks the start of a multi-phase, multi-year relationship. Lovell and Westco plan to deliver at least 324 homes as affordable homes via delivery on behalf of LiveWest. Ross Field, regional managing director of Lovell, said: “Lovell are delighted to have secured this fantastic scheme working in partnership with Westco Properties. It builds on the momentum we are creating in the South West to deliver high-quality mixed-tenure developments. The project will provide homes across all tenures, open spaces for community use and allocated land for future education and employment opportunities." The development site, which has outline planning consent, will also include a new primary school, neighbourhood hub and employment space as well as 27 hectares of new open space. Simon Hawketts, director at LiveWest, said: “We are committed to providing good-quality, open-market and affordable homes and creating thriving communities. Our exciting partnership with Lovell in North Devon will provide a fantastic opportunity for local people to access great affordable housing over the next 10 years. "We are proud to play our part in meeting the housing crisis and in making lasting change in providing a home for everyone.” International law firm Trowers & Hamlins advised on the deal between its clients Lovell and LiveWest. The transaction was led by real estate partner Jack Frier and assisted by associate Matt Rundle. "We are passionate about the creation of much-needed homes and to have been involved in creating the first partnership between two of our key clients in the region is fantastic," added Mr Frier.
Bhumika Parmar appointed 2023/24 president of Leicestershire Law Society
2025-10-21 19:36:17
Bhumika Parmar has been appointed president of the Leicestershire Law Society, succeeding Gina Samuel-Richards who has served in the post for the past year. Mrs Parmar is the director of BP Legal Solicitors, in Belgrave Gate, Leicester, which she founded in 2009. She purchased national law firm Solicitors4landlords in 2022 and has been an active member of county law society for some years. A society spokeswoman said: “Throughout her legal career, Mrs Parmar has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Legal Industry and contribution to the Leicester Community and has accomplished a leading case taught at universities. “Her dedication to the legal industry has made a meaningful impact on the legal landscape, earning her the respect and admiration of her peers. “As president, Mrs Parmar is committed to improving access to justice, enhancing professional development opportunities, and strengthening the legal community. “Leicestershire Law Society is confident that under Mrs Parmar's leadership, the Society will continue to thrive and make a positive difference in the legal profession and the broader community.” Her charities for the year will be young people’s charity Menphys, the Zinthiya Trust, which supports venerable women, and Help the Homeless. Mrs Parmar said: “During my tenure, I intend to continue the great work done by my predecessors and encourage young people into a career in law and continue collaborating with the Leicestershire Junior Lawyers division.
Ward Hadaway on the acquisition trail as it targets £100m turnover in 10 years
2025-10-26 07:04:36
The new managing partner of Newcastle law firm Ward Hadaway says he is on the lookout for acquisition targets as part of an ambitious plan to more than double turnover. Steven Petrie, who has been a partner at the firm for 12 years and took over from Martin Hulls in the top job earlier this month, told BusinessLive that he is looking at smaller firms between £5m-£15m turnover that could help accelerate Ward Hadaway towards £100m turnover by 2034, from its current position of £45m. With agents having already identified some targets, the approach could see the firm expand beyond its Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester bases into new territories. Mr Petrie said future acquisitions could also help the firm grow its market share in Leeds and Manchester, where he described it as a medium-sized player with a smaller market position than in the North East. Both the larger Yorkshire and North West legal markets are seen as fertile ground for Ward Hadaway, which was set up in 1988 and last year reported operating profits of £12.28m. Read more: Filtronic signs stellar deal with Elon Musk's Space X to boost orders Read more: North East business leaders regain confidence amid profit growth and fewer administrations Explaining the firm's desire to remain independent, Mr Petrie, who first joined Ward Hadaway in 2012 as part of its insolvency team, said: "We've been growing at a significant rate during Covid - between 7-9% for the last four or five years. We see that with a strong wind and a little bit of a push we believe that we can continue to grow at 10% for the next five years. Now, we're approaching £50m turnover so to increase by 10% each year between now and 2029 should get us to £75m and from there to 2034 we believe we'll get to that £100m. "We're going to do that by a few things: some organic growth, including quality people we're bringing through the firm from solicitor apprenticeships, the trainee programme which has seen 100% retention in recent years and also huge success in our lateral hires. We pride ourselves on the quality of our people and I know a lot of people say that, but we genuinely do." Ward Hadaway employs nearly 500 people and while headcount is expected to grow to facilitate the financial growth, Mr Petrie said the firm is not looking to acquire large volume businesses that come with lots of legal staff. Focus will continue on selling services to owner-managed SMEs, while there has also been growth in the firm's disputes, employment and property teams over the past few years as well as potential in its public sector team which was said to be benefiting instructions surrounding maturing PFI contracts. A recent report from LawtechUK, a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) backed initiative, which looks at digital transformation in the legal sector pointed to the role North East firms have to play in the market. Mr Petrie explained Ward Hadaway is making efforts in that area. He said: "We've set up an artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation group and that consists not just of all the legal departments but some of the business services teams as well. For instance, we've got the accountants team looking at practice management systems, we've got the marketing team looking at CRM systems and then we've got corporate commercial teams looking at things like what AI is available. For example, you can have a lawyer reading a 50-page contract, and it could take a couple of hours, whereas AI could now do that in 30 seconds.
Latest East Midlands Movers and Shakers: Flint Bishop, Notts LGBT+ Network, Adey Steel, GSSArchitecture, Pinelog, Knights, David Wilson and Lemon & Lime
2025-11-17 12:32:53
Flint Bishop: Derby law firm Flint Bishop has announced the appointment of Jon Jefferies (pictured above) as partner in its commercial litigation team. Prior to joining Flint Bishop, he served as the managing partner and practice head for the commercial litigation team at the Derby office of national law firm Freeths. He has more than 30 years of legal expertise in complex commercial litigation, employment, and insolvency cases, representing a wide range of high-value commercial clients including corporate entities, manufacturers, and landowners. As well as helping in areas such as partnership disputes and shareholder disputes, he is a specialist in property-related cases including boundary disputes, rights of way disputes, easement disputes, disputes in relation to rights of light, and minerals ownership. He was pivotal role in advising on a multi-million-pound shareholder dispute involving a group of private companies – a hard-fought case spanning 18 months, culminating in substantial success for his clients. Other notable work highlights include acting for Ibstock Brick in the Court of Appeal in a landmark case establishing mineral rights and advising a major manufacturer in connection with a dispute arising out of alleged breaches of a contract to be undertaken in the Yemen. Adey Steel Group: Charlotte Huband has been appointed as HSE manager at the Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group. The 26-year-old joins the steel fabrication infrastructure specialist from global apparel and footwear company the VF Corporation, where she was health and safety advisor. She will oversee HSE for both Adey Steel and Adey SteelShop. Charlotte started her career in health & safety with Leicestershire County Council. She said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Adey Steel Group. “It’s a highly progressive, forward-thinking company within its sector and I look forward to working closely with the team to deliver our industry-leading safety first approach to health, safety and the environment within our day-to-day operations.” Charlotte, who lives with her partner and two dogs Luna and Ruby in north west Leicestershire, actually began her professional life with horses after a career competing in eventing at international level. She worked for several years as an equine physio alongside supporting Team GB show jumper Holly Smith before changing careers. Notts LGBT+ Network: Notts LGBT+ Network has unveiled a new board of trustees as it prepares to enter its 50th year of operation. The new board of trustees is made up of seven people and will oversee the governance and day-to-day running of the charity, which is made up of more than 20 unpaid volunteers, all from the local LGBTQ+ community. Joining Danni Everard, Tony Barker, Richard Almond and Hollie Wistow, who have all previously served as trustees, is business development consultant Mala Abel, defence sector strategy and agility consultant Dan Cornell and Martin Stone, director at Nottingham-based digital PR agency Tank and creative agency Warbox. As part of the new board structure, Mala will serve as network chair, with Martin taking on the role of vice chair. They will be supported by Richard as treasurer and Hollie as secretary for the charity. As well as operating a weeknight phone, text and online chat advice service, the network compiles the county’s biggest online resource hub of LGBTQ+ social groups, support services and events. It also delivers training sessions to businesses and organisations on a range of LGBTQ+ issues. It started in 1975, when it was then known as the Nottingham Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. GSSArchitecture: Phil Hunt, senior associate at Kettering-based GSS, has recently completed his training and passed his examination to become a Passive House designer. It means the architectural practice can apply energy-efficient Passive House standards to its new and current schemes, together with fully Passive House projects in the future. In addition to reduced energy consumption, the benefits of Passive House include increased comfort for the occupants as they are free from draughts, cold spots, and excessive overheating, providing a constant supply of fresh, clean air. Phil said: “Passive House is a building standard that is truly energy efficient, comfortable, and affordable at the same time. “I’m really pleased to have this opportunity to apply what I have learnt to both new builds and refurbishment projects and am excited to take this forward in future projects.” Pinelog: Steve Betts has joined Chesterfield-based timber lodge manufacturer Pinelog – a designer and manufacturer of luxury timber lodges and buildings – as its production manager. He has experience in manufacturing, engineering and fabrication to his role at Pinelog, where he will support it from design conception to manufacture, delivery, installation and customer handover. He said: “I’m a process driven person, with years of experience in fine tuning production and developing teams’ skillsets. I’m excited to see how I can support Pinelog’s vision.” He has worked for a number of blue-chip companies including 17 years with Toyota in both Derby and Japan. Most recently, he worked in a consultancy role for a modular building manufacturer in the north of the UK. David Wilson Homes: Two David Wilson Homes site managers have each earned a prestigious award for properties being built in Leicestershire. The National House Building Council (NHBC) has recognised Alex Coltman and Ben Jones with a Seal of Excellence Award. Alex, who has been working for David Wilson Homes for the past 26 years, currently oversees the progress of the housebuilder’s Grange View development in Hugglescote, in north west Leicestershire. Ben, who has spent five out of the past eight years working for David Wilson Homes and managing its Wigston Meadows development in Wigston, has achieved his second Seal of Excellence Award. To win an award, site managers are marked against key criteria such as technical expertise, health and safety, consistency, leadership and attention to detail. Both men won Pride in the Job Quality Awards earlier in the year. Knights: A corporate lawyer has joined Knights as the business continues its growth across the East Midlands. Partner Paul Simpson joins the team in Lincoln and brings more than 20 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer. He works with clients on a wide range of opportunities and challenges, including management buy-ins and buyouts, acquisitions, disposals, reorganisations and demergers, shareholder and joint venture arrangements and partnership agreements. He said: “Knights is a growing business and it’s a great time to join. I’m looking forward to being part of a national team with great experience in all the key regions of the country – including here in the East Midlands. I can’t wait to get started.” Paul’s arrival bolsters Knights’ team of more than 200 professionals in the East Midlands, working alongside a growing team in the business’ 25 offices nationwide. He is the 33rd recruit to join the Knights team in the East Midlands so far this year, with more set to follow. Lemon and Lime Interiors: Derbyshire-based home staging firm Lemon and Lime Interiors has appointed experienced property professional Gemma Goulding as a leading sales consultant to drive growth in the south of England. Gemma has spent a decade at London and luxury estate agents Hamptons where she managed the Stroud branch. There she found herself regularly providing staging advice to help clients increase the market appeal of their home and increase their chances of a successful sale. Elaine Penhaul, director at Lemon and Lime, invited Gemma to join the team, making the switch from selling premium homes to giving advice to sellers on how to maximise their sale through staging.
Conveyancing firm to expand into offices at Five Valleys Stroud
2025-10-26 12:46:51
A Gloucestershire conveyancing firm is planning to expand into new offices at Five Valleys shopping centre in Stroud. Montpellier Legal has committed to 2,000 sq ft of space, which is currently under construction. The team celebrated a traditional topping out ceremony at the site last week, marking the completion of the steel work by local contractors S & C Bennett Construction. The new building is due to be completed in the summer in time for the legal practice to move in. The firm, which also has branches in Cheltenham and Gloucester, was joined by representatives from property developers Dransfield, which have been remodelling the centre since 2019, at the topping out ceremony. Andrew Malley, director for Dransfield Properties, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Montpellier Legal to Five Valleys. This is the culmination of a lot of work in terms of procuring the building and the firm will be bringing a professional business into the centre of Stroud. “The company is expanding and bringing in more jobs for local people and in doing so is supporting the business community in Stroud.” Nick Ponting, chief operating officer of Montpellier Legal, added: “Having grown up and worked in Stroud for a number of years, it’s really exciting to launch our newest office in the town, specifically within Five Valleys. Bringing Montpellier Legal to Stroud will further enhance the experience for our clients and introducers.” LIKE THIS STORY? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox. Montpellier Legal works nationally and employs a team of more than 50 conveyancing specialists.
McCain Foods fined £700k after East Mids worker had to have fingers amputated following accident
2025-11-12 21:09:39
Frozen chip giant McCain Foods has been fined £700,000 after an employee had to have parts of two fingers removed following an accident at a factory in Lincolnshire. Tom Matthews, from Grantham, had part of his left index and middle finger amputated after the incident on September 2, 2019. He had been cleaning a batter system machine when his hand was drawn into it at the firm’s factory in Easton, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said. On Wednesday, McCain Foods was fined £700,000 at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to contravening two health and safety regulations, after being prosecuted by the HSE. Following the case, Mr Matthews, a father of two who champions health and safety in his current job at a different company, warned others to avoid his misfortune. He said: “The last four years have been hard and an ongoing struggle both physically and mentally. “I still have circulation problems in my left hand following the incident that should never have happened. “While I’m currently working, my new role is with the health and safety team at a different company as I want to use my story as an example to others and make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.” The HSE said that its investigation found McCain Foods had failed to provide appropriate guarding to prevent access to the rotary valve and had not conducted an adequate risk assessment of the batter machine. It also found that it had not provided employees with sufficient health and safety training or supervision, the executive said. The company, whose international headquarters is in Canada but whose UK base is in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was also ordered to pay £6,508.51 in costs and a victim surcharge of £170. HSE inspector Muir Finlay said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided had the company taken simple steps to guard dangerous parts of machinery and provide employees with suitable training and supervision. “Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.” McCain Foods said in a statement that steps had been taken to improve safety since the incident. A spokesperson said: “At McCain, we take the health and safety of our colleagues extremely seriously and have co-operated fully throughout all stages of this case. “Since the incident in 2019, we have further enhanced our machinery safety measures, and across our six UK sites, we have had zero employee safety incidents over the past 12 months.
£750,000 raise for Hull prop-tech firm behind high rise Building Safety Act compliance platform
2025-11-15 06:50:30
A Hull tech business that helps owners of high-rise buildings to meet strict new safety rules has secured further major funding. Bimense’s platform helps companies comply with the Building Safety Act, which aims to improve safety in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. It is being introduced in phases since coming into law last year. A £750,000 injection from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance will enable the company to add new features to its Operance platform in response to the latest measures. The business was founded seven years ago by Ian Yeo and Scott Pilgrim, specialists in building information modelling. Launching in 2020, then with NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance backing, the latest round - the third to date - brings the total received to almost £2 million. Read more: Scott Pilgrim, chief product officer at Bimsense, said: “We are excited to secure this additional funding which supports our mission to manage the world’s building information and create safe, harmonious places for everyone. Our Operance platform has been at the forefront of innovation, helping companies meet the requirements of the new building safety regime efficiently. This funding will enable us to take it to the next level.” Operance is now used by housing authorities such as Campden, Basildon and Harrow and construction firms including Kier, Higgins, United Living, Vermont and Rider Levett Bucknall. Bimsense increased turnover by 44 per cent in the financial year ending in August. The company, which currently employs 22 staff, expects to create six new jobs in the year ahead. Maurice Disasi, investment manager at Mercia, said: “The Building Safety Act will bring about major changes in the construction and property industry and will drive uptake of digital technology. Operance is the first platform that has been specifically designed to help firms meet the requirements of the Act. This latest funding will enable the company to add new features and expand its presence in an industry that is ripe for change.” Since October 1, owners of higher risk buildings - a classification covering 13,000 properties - have had to produce a safety case report to show how risks - having previously been assessed - will be managed. Next April further provisions on the collection of building information come in.
Law firm moves to new Birmingham office
2025-11-16 09:27:29
A law firm has moved its Birmingham team to a new office. MFG Solicitors has relocated from the city's Jewellery Quarter to a new base in Waterloo House, Waterloo Street. The 2,500 sq ft facility has been fitted out with private meeting rooms, breakout areas and open plan desk space. The firm's chairman Iain Morrison said: "Our move to Waterloo House represents another new and exciting chapter for the firm. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. "It's been six years since we moved into the Birmingham market and since then we have significantly grown our offering and presence, helped by adding further expertise to our team. "That has ultimately allowed us to take on additional clients, especially on the corporate, commercial property and employment sides. "The new office is right in the middle of the city but, more importantly, it's really accessible and has the capacity to cope with our further growth in the months and years ahead. The feedback from clients has already been extremely positive."
Historic law firm opens new office in Cornwall
2025-10-23 23:34:40
An historic South West law firm has opened a new office in Liskeard in Cornwall. Coodes Solicitors was established in 1747, operating across Devon and Cornwall, and now has eight offices in the region including its headquarters in Truro. The business has moved to The Workshed, part of the town’s redeveloped Cattle Market. It was previously based at Windsor Place. Peter Lamble, chair and partner at Coodes Solicitors, said the move to The Workshed was "an important milestone" for the law firm. "[It is] part of our wider commitment to maintaining our network of offices serving the communities of Cornwall and Devon," he said. “It is an investment which demonstrates our support for the people and businesses of Liskeard and we look forward to continuing to play our part in the success of the town as a thriving hub for the community in South East Cornwall.” The Liskeard office of Coodes was opened in 1987, following the acquisition of a small local practice. It has grown to become the largest firm in the town and since April 2023, has expanded its team by nearly 15%, it said. Last year, Coodes scooped a number of awards including the Personal Injury Awards, the Devon and Somerset Law Society Awards and the Cornwall Law Society Awards. It was also recognised in the Legal 500 and the Chambers and Partners Guide 2025.
Another deal for Knights with Thursfields buyout
2025-10-31 21:54:21
A West Midlands law firm has been acquired by a growing legal group for £12.5 million. Thursfields has been bought by Knights, adding four more offices to its expanding network alongside its head office in Chester. Thursfields has bases in Birmingham, Kidderminster, Solihull and Worcester and, in recent years, has transformed from a traditional law firm into a more corporate provider of legal services. It works with clients nationally in fields such as private wealth, family and residential property, corporate law and dispute resolution. BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts. You can sign up to receive morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss. Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive. The acquisition brings more than 100 professionals into the Knights group and significantly strengthens its presence in the West Midlands where it already has teams based in Birmingham and Staffordshire among 23 offices nationwide. Knights said this latest acquisition was aligned with its strategy to bolster its future organic growth through acquisitions and it particularly extended its expertise in private wealth services. Chief executive David Beech said: "We are delighted to acquire Thursfields, a premium, full-service law firm which shares many cultural and operational similarities to Knights and significantly strengthens our position as a leading legal and professional services business in the West Midlands. "With particular strength in private wealth, it further enhances our expertise in an important and growing part of our business which will support our future growth plans." Michelle O'Hara, managing partner of Thursfields, added: "Knights is a business with a similar ethos to Thursfields, with a strong culture which cultivates collaboration across its offices to the benefit of client service. "We look forward to working closely with the team and leveraging Knights' scale, reputation and extensive capabilities to unlock our future growth potential."
Winn Group toasts profit growth despite personal injury sector challenges
2025-11-11 03:23:57
Newcastle law firm Winn Group has described another year of "solid growth" with sizeable profit growth on the back of road traffic collision work. The Byker-based accident management specialist, which operates brands including Winn Solicitors, Winn National Accident Specialists, Winns Wills, On Hire and On Insurance, saw operating profits boosted 53% to £35.2m in year to the end of March. Changes to the way turnover is reported by the group mean new accounts filed at Companies House show a fall from £235m in 2023 to £190m during the period, though on a like-for-like basis revenue actually increased by 27%. The growth came as Winn significantly boosted its manpower, adding 140 people to its workforce which now stands at 671. Bosses said it had been challenging time for the personal injury claims market, following the introduction of the Civil Liability Bill in 2021, bringing restructuring and consolidation across the sector. Winn said its relationships with insurers and brokers has helped, with CEO Chris Birkett pointing out the group now has about 60% of the motor claims market covered. Read more: Prominent Byker building becomes England's first Honorary Consulate to India as 160-bed hotel plans revealed Read more: MPs call for investigation into FCA's handling of WealthTek scandal Winn's 'first notification of loss' team was now said to be handling around 10,000 calls each month from drivers and their passengers involved in collisions. The accounts show the group processed around 10,700 road traffic accident personal jury cases, up from about 9,420 in 2023 and about 19,800 cases with no personal injury element, up form about 17,800 the previous year. The group's replacement vehicle and repair business - On Hire Limited - saw revenue increase by 29% to £168.2m on a like-for-like basis, though reporting of non-protocol hire at recoverable value saw for 2023 meant the accounts showed an 18% fall from £206.2m. Winn said the growth was down to increased levels of hire, repair, recovery and storage instructions, improved protocol hire recovery, and growth in ancillary revenue, including salvage. But Winn's medico-legal services subsidiary, On Medical, which had been impacted by the Civil Liability Bill, saw revenue plummet from £11.58m to £4m. The business stopped taking new instructions in April with Winn's board having decided to outsource its services and offer On Medical's 20 staff positions elsewhere in the group. Meanwhile Winn Solicitors - the group's claims management business - was impacted by whiplash reforms but ended the year with a 6% increase in legal fees thanks to a significant bump in non-personal injury legal fees, up 71%. Jeff Winn, executive chairman, said: "This has been another year of exceptional performance for Winn Group despite the challenging market and macro-economic conditions. The team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability and delivered significant growth, driving the business to an estimated valuation of £350m. Our commitment to delivering a strong and positive customer experience continues to set us apart as a leader in the insurance services provider sector." Winn CEO Chris Birkett said: “The group is in a strong financial position and well placed to take advantage of business opportunities if the strategic fit is right. We are also looking at extend our services for insurer clients to include the management of fault incidents which we feel could come under Consumer Duty requirements."
East Mids movers and shakers: Alphageek, Medilink Midlands, Pick Everard, ConSpare, Intercede, Ultra Events, Loughboroug
2025-10-25 13:15:57
Octavian Security: Nottinghamshire-based security protection firm Octavian Security UK has made a quartet of senior appointments (pictured above). Kiran Ghuman has been named as the new managing director while Anoop Dhaliwal joins as director of business development. Hannah Foody joins as business development manager, coming from a legal background, most recently a private client advisor at Taylor Rose in Birmingham, while Bilal Ahmed joins as finance director. Bilal joined Octavian after completing a fixed term contract at the Arts Council England as senior officer, financial and risk analysis. Ultra Events: Castle Donington mum-of-one Rebecca Barton has joined Ultra Events as an event organiser. Derby-based Ultra Events organises fundraising challenges such as ballroom dancing, boxing matches, stand up comedy and overseas adventures for worthy causes. Rebecca, who is 33, challenged herself to Ultra Ballroom back in April this year, raising money for Cancer Research, after finding out she carried the BRCA1 breast cancer gene. She will undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Now, she has been recruited to mentor competitors, motivate them to achieve their personal goals and their fundraising aspirations. She said: “Cancer Research is really special to me. When I first took up the challenge, I had an amazing experience and after 8-weeks of training, I was in the best shape of my life. “To have the opportunity to help other people complete the experience is amazing.” Alphageek: Derby digital marketing agency Alphageek has made three key appointments to its expanding team. Jessie Mae Lambert has been hired as internal marketing manager at Alphageek Digital, based in Century House, Friar Gate, after working as a content marketing lead for Driving Test Success, in Rugeley. The former Allestree Woodlands School pupil is joined by paid social executive Kate Pham, who recently graduated with a master's in digital marketing from Nottingham Trent University. Katie Dillingham has been appointed organic social media executive, after completing an apprenticeship with Althaus Digital. Alphageek, which currently employs 23 members of staff, offers a whole range of digital marketing including paid online advertising, SEO, pay-per-click campaigns, web design and development, content creation and brand amplification services. It has recruited 10 new team members so far this year and is advertising further positions, including a PPC manager and a paid social executive. Medilink Midlands: Christian Kumar, the chief executive of Medtech Makers Lab, has been appointed entrepreneur in residence for Nottingham-based Medilink Midlands. Christian has extensive experience in corporate finance, investment banking and wealth management, gained over three decades involved in driving strategic growth for various enterprises. Medilink Midlands is the industry association for life science businesses in the Midlands, and Medtech Makers Lab works with governments, foundations, accelerators and academia to scale global technology. It is based in Towcester, Northamptonshire. Christian said: “The Entrepreneur in Residence programme is designed to facilitate innovation, providing support and a tactical roadmap for innovators in the Midlands. “I’m delighted to be engaging with Medilink Midlands and only too pleased to be able to put my knowledge and experience to excellent use.” Pick Everard: Pick Everard has appointed a new director of civil engineering. Max Thurgood brings with him 31 years of experience in civil engineering construction, including in rail, stadia, education, healthcare and housing. That has included time in Abu Dhabi, where he worked as a contract manager on the Yacht Club and Harbour Masters Office, part of the Yas Marina Racing circuit. An Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) fellowship member, Max’s responsibilities will be to lead and develop the civil engineering team, growing it nationally. Max’s career has also seen him deliver several schemes and charitable pro bono engagements in Myanmar, supporting UN endeavours that help elevate social standing and value in the region. As well as supporting recruitment in his new role, he will also be working alongside key partners – developing effective business strategy and enhancing day-to-day operations. ConSpare: James Bullock has been made chief executive of ConSpare, after 28 years as the managing director of Sutton-in-Ashfield-based concrete batching plant equipment and spare parts supplier. In his new role Mr Bullock, who has been with the business for 40 years, will help reorganise and streamline the business while planning future growth. Mr Bullock said: “I have been proud to serve as the managing director of ConSpare for almost three decades, and to have taken on the mantle of the family business from my father alongside my brother David. “The business has grown substantially recently, and we’ve adopted a much greater focus on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of the concrete industry. “Having more than 40 years of experience in the industry means that I’m in a strong position to help affect change, and I’m relishing the opportunity to tackle a slightly different challenge over the coming years.” Loughborough University: A Loughborough alumnus, who now works as a director for a leading construction business, has returned to the university as a visiting professor. Peter Jones, the technical and operational efficiency director at Skanska, has been awarded the honorary appointment in construction operation excellence within the university’s School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. The role, which is for an initial three-year period, will help ensure the university’s research and teaching programmes are relevant to the current needs of industry. Dr Jones has worked at Skanska for almost two decades – starting off as design director in 2005 before taking up roles including technical director and head of design management. He has also held roles within the Department of Trade and Industry and HMRC. Gateley Legal: Gateley Legal has grown its Nottingham construction team to nine legal professionals servicing the East Midlands region following four new appointments. Della Copley joins as a senior associate, having spent five years at Geldards LLP. She has a strong construction background, specialising in contentious matters including dispute resolution methods such as litigation, adjudication and arbitration. Catherine Everington completed her training at Gateley Legal and spent a year with the construction team before joining Shakespeare Martineau for 18 months. She re-joins the Nottingham team as a solicitor and will work closely alongside legal director Charles Jakeman to support clients with the Government’s developer remediation contract, as well as core development matters. Miriam Forman and Davis Barwell join as trainee solicitors and will support the team with contentious matters for housebuilder, developer, contractor and subcontractor clients, as well as managing construction documentation for major projects. The four new appointments join partner Piet van Gelder, legal director Charles Jakeman, solicitors Jaclyn Nelson and Ryan Ball and paralegal Beth Eady. Aon: Professional services firm Aon has strengthened the team in its Leicester office with nine promotions and appointments. Leading the promotions is Paul Winrow, who has been promoted to head of office. Paul has a career spanning 22 years, most recently as client management director. Daryl Burgess, who has 25 years’ industry experience, has been promoted to client director and will manage the insurance programmes for clients across the private and public sector, including those with a global presence. Katie Millward has been promoted to client service manager and Victoria Brett to client service specialist. In addition, there have been five appointments. Laura Jennings joins as business development manager, Gunjan Pancholi as broking manager, Mathew Undenge as client manager, Adam Waterstreet as claims management executive, and Lynton Hinds as client service adviser. Aon works with Leicestershire-based clients from SMEs to large corporates, providing commercial risk, health, reinsurance and wealth support. trentbarton: East Midlands bus company trentbarton has welcomed Amber Fairweather as its new marketing and communications assistant. Amber has joined from an account manager role at the news publisher National World. Prior to that she was a wholesale and corporate business development team leader at the Derbyshire artisan doughnut bakery Project D. She will work alongside Scarlet McCourt, who earlier this year was promoted to be trentbarton’s marketing and communications manager. Amber, who lives in Long Eaton, said: “As a public transport rider myself I am proud to be part of the really good bus company.” Ideagen: Nottingham-based global software company Ideagen has appointed John Molamphy as its new chief technology and product officer. John will be responsible for driving Ideagen's product innovation strategy including exploring future opportunities for AI and other emerging tech. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, John has held CTO, COO, VP product & engineering and other senior roles at prominent companies such as Verizon Connect, Fleetmatics, Dell and Office Depot. Ideagen CEO Ben Dorks added: "John is a highly experienced and respected leader in the technology industry, and I am delighted to welcome him to Ideagen.” Roythornes Solicitors: Top 150 law firm Roythornes Solicitors has welcomed three experienced professionals to its offices in Nottingham and Birmingham. In Nottingham, Craig-Staten Spencer takes on the role of principal lead for tax and trust administration, alongside senior associate Chris Chan who has returned to private practice to continue to specialise in property litigation following a stint working in-house. On the other side of the Midlands, Claire Langford arrives in Roythornes’ Birmingham office as head of residential conveyancing, where she aims to grow a team driven by providing a high-quality personal service. Hallam: Full-service digital agency Hallam has expanded its paid media team with a mix of new hires and internal promotions. Simran Harichand and Amani Majed have been promoted to senior paid media consultant roles and Maria Paschalidou has been hired by the firm. This year Hallam was named “best integrated search agency” at both the European Search Awards in May 2023 and the Global Search Awards in July, closely followed by a win at the European Paid Media Awards this September. Jack added: “It’s been a really exciting year for our team – it’s a testament to their hard work to ensure our clients are getting the best from their budget. “The award wins, promotions and team expansion are a perfect reflection of the efforts put into each and every campaign we deliver.” Intercede: Lutterworth-based digital identity, credential management and secure mobility specialist Intercede has appointed Daniel O'Brien to its board as a non-executive director. Mr O'Brien brings more than 30 years' experience in financial roles across successful listed, PE backed and privately owned international organisations. He studied at the Cambridge prior to qualifying as a chartered accountant at Deloitte in 1991 where he spent eight years working in audit assurance.
Northern law firm Ward Hadaway increases headcount as revenues grow
2025-11-10 14:44:36
North law firm Ward Hadaway increased its workforce by 78 people in the last year as part of moves to attract and retain talent. The company, which has based in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, announced the new arrivals across its offices as well as 54 promotions, a number which includes retaining all of the 12 qualifying trainees and apprentices within the business when they finished their training contracts. The company, which launched 35 years ago, now has more than 450 people across its three bases and said that it has seen growth in the North West and Yorkshire, following significant investments in the Leeds and Manchester regions in recent years, as well as expansion of its legal services. Read more:plan to turn city centre office block into apartments Go here for more North East business news The firm’s managing partner Martin Hulls said: “Our business is our people. People who appreciate the needs of our clients by living and breathing their challenges with them. Employees who attract the region’s talent to work alongside them because they themselves feel motivated and invested in Ward Hadaway. Our people also challenge us to operate responsibly as we look to the future of our business, our communities and our planet. “We have an exceptional group of legal experts across our offices supported by a fantastic business support team, and our clients appreciate our full-service offering, delivered with a straightforward, friendly approach, tailored to their needs. We are extremely proud of our committed teams, working for our loyal clients who continually challenge and inspire us. The firm’s consistently strong financial performance demonstrates yet again the results that this powerful combination can deliver.” The company also said it had chalked up revenue for the financial year of over £45m, representing an eighth consecutive year of growth. Full accounts have yet to be published and they will be filed in January.
New law firm launches in Birmingham
2025-10-27 07:29:04
A new law firm has been launched in Birmingham. A team of five former Thursfields staff have partnered with legal disruptor Excello Law to launch DBA Law which will focus on property and property litigation in the city. The new-look team comprises partners Helena Bannister, Terry Dickson and Anna Albini, associate Evita Svampane and paralegal Louise Evans. They have previously worked together at three law firms - Buckles, Wright Hassall and most recently Thursfields. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. DBA Law will be based in Excello Law's Birmingham office in Two Snowhill and will advise a wide range of property clients, covering all aspects of transactional and contentious real estate law including site acquisition for development, landlord and tenant and asset management. The firm will also specialise in long residential leasehold matters, mixed-use block management, lease extensions and enfranchisement. Excello Law was founded in 2009 and is a national, disruptor law firm that offers clients direct access to partner-level solicitors who choose when and where they work. DBA Law is the ninth firm to be launched in partnership with it as part of its 'House of Brands'. Ms Bannister said: "This is the perfect time for us to launch our own legal practice and Excello Law has been the ideal partner in making it happen. "They've provided the perfect balance between the autonomy to shape our business on our own terms and the extensive backing we need to grow." Jo Losty, Excello Law's chief operating officer, added: "DBA Law is the ninth law firm to join our growing House of Brands and the fourth to launch this year."
Talbots Law seals third acquisition in a year
2025-11-19 00:19:44
A West Midlands law firm has completed its third acquisition in the space of a year. Talbots Law has bought out Worcester practice Scaiff, giving the firm its first ever base in the city. All 16 staff at Scaiff are being retained, with expansion plans already in place to recruit a further ten solicitors and administrative employees over the course of the next 12 months. Talbots said it also planned to carry out "significant investment" in sympathetically refurbishing Scaiff's the grade II offices in Foregate Street. Email newsletters BusinessLive is your home for business news from across the West Midlands including Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Coventry and Staffordshire. Click through here to sign up for our email newsletter and also view the broad range of other bulletins we offer including weekly sector-specific updates. We will also send out 'Breaking News' emails for any stories which must be seen right away. LinkedIn For all the latest stories, views and polls, follow our BusinessLive West Midlands LinkedIn page here. The firm will rebrand as part of the deal to Talbots Law whose chief executive Dave Hodgetts said: "While we've got offices in Kidderminster and Bewdley, we've never had a high street presence in Worcester. This acquisition gives us an immediate footprint in a city and area rich in potential. "Scaiff has been operating here for more than 30 years and has a proven track record of offering family, personal injury, wills and probate and residential conveyancing services to local people. "All this expertise is being retained and will be supplemented by the additional capacity and infrastructure we can offer and access to business services and dispute resolution legal advice. Annual fees are currently £1.2 million and we expect these to increase to £2 million by the end of 2024." Scaiff's managing partner Simon Shaw will stay in post following completion of the deal. He added: "Our existing clients will benefit from having access to a larger team and new legal specialisms that we haven't been able to offer before. "On the flip side, we are bringing considerable personal injury expertise to Talbots which I know is an area it is keen to grow in." Scaiff is the third acquisition made by Talbots Law in the past year, following deals to buy Sarginsons in Coventry and Wright Solicitors, with offices in Dudley and Bewdley. Revenue rose by £2 million to £24 million last year, with a £30 million target set for 2025, with further acquisition deals planned, both in the West and East Midlands. Talbots Law was founded in 1828 and has 450 staff located in 11 offices across the Black Country, Birmingham, Coventry and Worcestershire.
East Midlands people: Freeths, Finch Consulting, Nelsons, Simoco, Loughborough University, Wattbike & UK Industrial Fusion Solutions
2025-11-14 04:12:46
Loughborough Business School: The Chairman of investment bank UBS, Colm Kelleher (pictured above), has accepted the title of visiting professor of banking and finance at Loughborough Business School. Colm had a 30-year career with Morgan Stanley, where he served as president until 2019 overseeing both its institutional securities business and wealth management division. As well as solid leadership experience in banking he has excellent relationships around the world, and a deep understanding of the global banking landscape. Colm said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed visiting professor by Loughborough Business School. “I look forward to sharing my insights and experience with the students and faculty. Together we can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of banking and finance.” Freeths: Freeths law firm has made eight appointments across its employment, pensions and immigration practice led by Rena Magdani in the Leicester office – spread across the business’s 13 offices including London, Oxford, Leicester, Leeds and Manchester. The new starters join after its financial results for 2022/3 showed turnover up 14.9 per cent to £129 million – with its employment, pensions and immigration team seeing a 34 per cent increase in turnover in the last four years. The employment team has been bolstered by Nicola Wallbank joining the Oxford office as a partner, Rob Smedley joining Leeds as a director, Ella Sheppard joining Leicester as a senior associate, associate Phoebe Anand joining the London office, associate Niamh Hogg joining in Manchester, and associate Adele Coupland joining in Sheffield. In addition, Max Ballad joins the pensions team in Leeds as a director and Irum Saleem joins the immigration team in Leeds as an associate Rena Magdani, partner and national head of employment, pensions and immigration, said: “We have seen a significant increase in demand for our services and they join us at an exciting time as we continue our growth strategy.” Finch Consulting: Leicestershire-based health and safety risk management experts Finch Consulting have appointed mechanical and electrical chartered engineer Tom Leach. Tom has more than 20 years’ of experience, more recently in roles including surveying, project management, consultancy, and as an associate director. He joins Finch as a senior consultant. In his new role, he help the business win and deliver work. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining such an agile and multi-disciplined team where I feel I can make my mark and add value to the business. I will also be furthering my professional development through Finch taking on several courses.” Nelsons: Nelsons has promoted seven employees across a range of legal departments and its management team in Nottingham. Commercial property specialist Kieron Crowther has been promoted to partner from legal director, having qualified as a solicitor in 2002 and joining the firm in 2019. Kieron has experience in land acquisition and disposal as well as commercial developments and has recently been providing expertise in commercial renewable energy and development work. Solicitors Liam Wilkinson and Carolle White have been promoted to legal directors while Paula Haverkamp and Karen Salt have become senior associates. Rounding off the promotions in Nottingham are Graham Richardson, who is now legal accounts manager, and Elise-Marie Storer, who has moved into the role of learning and development specialist. Nelsons has offices in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Wattbike: E-commerce and digital transformation expert Ahmed Khodja has joined the Wattbike team as its direct-to-consumer director, a new role which will see him responsible for setting its global consumer vision. Khodja joins the Nottingham-based Indoor bike brand with a track record in e-commerce strategy, following a decade working with global manufacturer and online licensed sportswear retailer Fanatics. There he worked with some of the world’s top sports teams and athletes. Wattbike was launched more than 20 years ago to create a new kind of indoor training bike, measuring every pedal stroke and giving instant insights to help people get more from every workout. The bikes are crafted and designed in the UK and Wattbikes says they are tough enough to withstand the intense training of elite athletes as well as home users. Customers include more than 500 Olympic medallists, Premier League footballers – including 12 Champions League-winning football teams – and NFL teams. UK Industrial Fusion Solutions: Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie MP has announced the appointment of Paul Methven as the inaugural CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) responsible for the delivery of STEP – a prototype fusion energy plant to be built at West Burton in North Notts. STEP will be led by UKIFS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), with Professor Sir Ian Chapman remaining as the group CEO. The STEP programme aims to pave the way for the commercialisation of fusion energy and the potential development of a fleet of future fusion powerplants around the world, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of a new technology and emerging industry. Andrew Bowie said: “Paul Methven will bring a wealth of experience to the programme, working to deliver a prototype fusion plant in the 2040s and to cement the UK’s place at the forefront of developing this cutting-edge technology." Paul Methven joined the STEP programme in September 2020 from the Ministry of Defence, where he was director of submarine acquisition at the Submarine Delivery Agency. In that role he was programme director for Dreadnought, the UK’s second biggest investment programme after HS2, and has led other major and complex programmes across the MoD. Simoco Wireless Solutions: Communications company Simoco Wireless Solutions has appointed Fred de Haro as group chief executive, following a period of investment in new technology platforms and the recent acquisition of emergency services vehicle communications specialist Thorcom. He has more than 30 years’ experience in growing international technology businesses, notably in the IoT and business communications sectors at companies such as Nokia, Tele Atlas (Tom Tom) and Eseye. He is also a serial entrepreneur, having founded a number of tech startups, including global IoT technology company Pycom, which he led from 2015 to a successful sale in 2022.
No5 Barristers' Chambers finds new home in Birmingham
2025-11-12 07:06:54
A barristers' chambers founded in Birmingham more than 100 years ago has moved to a new home in the city centre. No5 Barristers' Chambers has agreed a 20-year lease on 18,800 sq ft across two floors of 103 Colmore Row which includes a multi-purpose conference and training facility. It was previously based for 60 years at Fountain Court in Steelhouse Lane. The chambers, said to be one of the largest in the UK, has more than 260 barristers including 40 King's Counsel at offices in Birmingham, London and Bristol. Have you seen our newsletter all about the changing face of Birmingham? Sign up here to receive it. From big office developments to new apartment buildings, HS2 and public realm, there is a lot going on right now. There are cranes galore dotted around the city, signalling that Birmingham is the place to be for investors, businesses and workers. In this weekly newsletter, you will receive the latest planning headlines as well as images and updates on how developments look and are progressing. Chief executive Tony McDaid said: "We left Fountain Court with a heavy heart as we considered it our spiritual home but the opportunity to create a platform for future generations was one we simply had to grasp. "We resolved that, if we were to find a new home, it had to be the right home and the search has taken circa seven years. The building is a building that will encourage people back into the office." No5 Barristers' Chambers joins a host of other professional services tenants including law firm Shoosmiths and financial services firms Grant Thornton and RSM. 103 Colmore Row, which was developed by Tristan Capital Partners and Sterling Property Ventures, is 26 storeys tall and opened in 2022.
Global investor buys University of Law building in Nottingham
2025-11-07 12:08:12
A global real estate investor based in the United States has bought a University of Law building in Nottingham. Franklin Real Asset Advisors has acquired the 28,000 sq ft block in Royal Standard Place, in the city’s business district, which is close to many law firms and businesses. The building provides lecture and teaching space for the university which has sites across the UK and abroad. It dates back to the 1990s and was previously part of the old Nottingham General Hospital. Franklin Real Asset Advisors, which made the purchase on behalf of the Franklin Templeton Social Infrastructure Strategy, said it was leased to the University of Law on a long-term basis. Franklin Real Asset Advisors director Klaus Schmid said: “We are pleased to acquire this asset which has recently undergone refurbishment, with the tenant making significant investments to utilise it for long-term educational purposes.” The real estate specialist’s vice president, Michel Lim, said: “This acquisition is an addition to our growing portfolio of educational assets in the United Kingdom. “It originates from an off-market approach, allowing us to acquire it at attractive terms for our investors, while capitalising on the current market environment. “Through our credibility and relationship with the seller, we were able to source this unique asset and we look forward to closing on similar assets in the future.” California-based Franklin Templeton operates in 150 countries and employs more than 1,300 people.
North East business leader spearheads workplace equity report
2025-11-08 10:09:55
A North East business leader has spearheaded a new report which aims to create fairer and more equal workplaces around the UK. Gill Hunter, managing partner of Newcastle law firm Square One Law, has been co-chair of the British Chambers of Commerce’s Workplace Equity Commission. The commission has released a report which outlines more than 40 recommendations for Government and businesses that aim to create fairer, more inclusive and diverse workplaces. The commission has focused on supporting the 5.5m SMEs across the UK which need support to affect change on workplace equity. The report has come in the same week that Office for National Statistics employment figures showed that economic inactivity remains a key issue for the North East, often as a result of ill health or caring responsibilities. In the report, Ms Hunter says: “Many of us are aware of the challenges that we, our family members and friends may have experienced on the journey through education and work. Of course, in life, not everyone starts from the same place, nor has the same access to opportunity, networks and ongoing good health, for example. “But everyone deserves the chance to achieve their full potential in the workplace and it is a business imperative that we help to identify and remove any barriers to their full participation. There are times in our working lives when additional support, flexibility and understanding is needed to help us achieve our ambitions, overcome setbacks, or balance work with other commitments and circumstances. In my experience, creating an equitable workplace does not require a plethora of expensive initiatives, gimmicks, or large-scale interventions. “Many SMEs have seen positive impacts by taking small, low-cost, practical steps that make a big difference to individuals and the wider workforce. What is essential, however, is an equitable workplace culture, where people feel they are included and belong, and where there is ongoing commitment by senior managers to maintaining a level playing field for everyone. In my own business, this approach has improved recruitment, retention and staff engagement, as well as delivering tangible increases in turnover and profit.” The Equity Commission was established for the British Chambers of Commerce last year and has worked with Youth Futures Foundation to produce recommendations for Government and businesses. Reacting to it, North East Chamber of Commerce chief executive John McCabe said: “The BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission brought together trusted experts and business leaders from across nations, regions and sectors to ensure we are doing all we can as a Chamber network to embed equity in the UK’s businesses.
MSB Solicitors to open offices in Birmingham and Chester
2025-11-07 18:30:08
A law firm is opening an office in Birmingham as it aims to continue its growth beyond the North West. MSB Solicitors, which has three offices in Liverpool city region and opened in Manchester two years ago, is opening in the West Midlands and opening another office in Chester as it aims to continue on what it calls an “exceptional growth trajectory”. MSB has doubled its team headcount and turnover since 2018 and now employs 220 people. It now aims to recruit solicitors, paralegals, and trainees across all areas of the legal profession at its new offices. The Liverpool-headquartered firm is listed in rankings including Tier 1 Legal 500, Band 1 Chambers and Partners and The Times Best Law Firms. Managing partner Emma Carey said: “As an all-service law firm, we pride ourselves on our excellence and that is undoubtedly reflected in our growth. “Since we opened our Manchester office just two years ago, our team has expanded by a huge 250%, and we aim to replicate this success in Chester and Birmingham.
800 businesses and 2,000 people take part in 2023 Leicester Business Festival
2025-11-17 21:33:51
Organisers of 2023 Leicester Business Festival said 800 businesses took part this year with some 2,000 people joining events in person and online. The annual celebration of business ended on Friday following a fortnight of networking, presentations, fundraising and workshops. The organisers said it was the region’s biggest business event and one of the UK’s biggest business festivals, and said early feedback suggested that the vast majority of attendees rated the events they took part in as good or excellent. One of the biggest impacts already from the festival was money raised from a #BossBreakOut event for Leicester Hospitals Charity. The unique fundraiser saw 12 of the city’s business leaders, CEOs and directors ‘locked in’ a pop-up shop in Highcross which was created by the hospitals charity. Bosses who took part collectively raised more than £15,000 in order to secure their freedom, which will fund 12 fold-away beds so that parents can comfortably stay with their children during hospital stays. A closing event attended by festival organisers and supporters at the PPL PRS headquarters in St George Street, Leicester, saw three awards given out. A 'First Event to Sell Out' award was given for a Create Better Content session hosted by Paul Ince at Like Mind Media. 'Most Engaged Event Organiser' went to Nicola Moss at Moss Social, while a 'Most Unique Event' award went to Jim Willis at Create Leicester for a Bitter Sweet event. Excello Law regional director Richard Osborn chairs the festival and is a director of the LBF Community Interest Company (CiC). He also took part in the #BossBreakOut event. He said: “LBF 2023 has been a great success for so many reasons including raising money for the local hospitals. “In the world of social media we have seen incredible positive feedback being shared from people across business sectors who have attended or hosted events. “New collaborations have emerged and relationships have formed and the annual occurrence of the festival means that ideas, innovations and shared knowledge create great outcomes for the wider business community. “Thank you must go to every single person who gets involved in the festival but especially to those businesses who support and partner with the festival including De Montfort University, Pattersons Commercial Law (recently acquired by Nelsons), University of Leicester, Everards of Leicestershire, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Leicester Hospitals Charity and TheMusicLicence, by PPL PRS Ltd.
The Co-op: 'Repeat offenders and criminal gangs operating exempt from consequences'
2025-11-17 05:06:46
The Co-op has warned warns that there is a "long way to go" to address the issue of retail crime which has "reached record levels" with repeat offenders and criminal gangs operating "exempt from consequences". To mark the start of Respect for Shopworkers Week, the group has welcomed "the ambition" of the new Government Retail Crime Action Plan but has released data which shows that of the near 3,000 occasions this year where specialist teams detained serious offenders, the police failed to show-up almost four-fifths (76%) of the time, leading to a dangerous "pressure cooker" environment that the Co-op says puts store workers and communities at risk. The Retail Crime Action Plan, which was announced in October, outlined an intention to ensure police attendance in stores to tackle violence; where prolific offenders or youth offender have been detained and, to ensure all evidence is collected so that every reasonable line of enquiry is followed. READ MORE: Turnover and profits rise at Fred Done's developer Salboy READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter Co-op managing director Matt Hood said: "We are pleased that the serious issue of retail crime, which impacts our communities so dramatically, has been acknowledged, and that police chiefs have committed to attend incidents where the offender is detained. It is a welcome and reassuring move, which should complement the £200m we've invested in colleague and store safety. But, we very urgently need to see it in action in our stores, so the desperate calls to the police from my front line colleagues are responded to and the criminals start to realise there are real consequences to their actions." The Co-op added that it has experienced almost 300,000 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour this year (up 43% YOY) – around 1,000 incidents every day across its 2,400 stores. The convenience retailer has seen over 1,130 physical assaults (up 35% YOY) against store workers, and more than 36,000 incidents (up 39%) of anti-social behaviour and abuse. However, the Manchester-headquartered group has highlighted that where the serious incidents are prioritised, and clear co-operation with the police exists, it is a solvable issue. Where there is an established and effective partnership approach, forces such as Nottinghamshire, Essex and Sussex have, this year, removed 56 prolific offenders off the streets, with a combined 26 years of custodial sentences. A further 31 repeat offenders were given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) or rehabilitation. Inspector Ollie Vale of Nottinghamshire Police said: “"Working with partners such as Co-op, NBCC, NBCS and Mitie has allowed us to focus on those who would commit the highest levels of harm in our communities. These individuals are often those with the most complex needs and the work with our partners allows us to take enforcement action, but most importantly, allows for us to ensure supportive and diversionary opportunities are capitalised on to help break the cycle of offending. "This is not an issue that the police alone can enforce our way out of, working with our partners both in public sector and retail and understanding the limitations and challenges being faced allows for better results for victims and offenders. The importance of information sharing and working together cannot be emphasised enough." This week also sees the launch of USDAW’s annual Respect for Shop Workers week. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, added: "These Co-op findings on police responses are extremely worrying and need to be addressed, because there is an epidemic of shoplifting that too often triggers abuse of shopworkers. We are concerned that successive Government policies give the impression that theft from shops has effectively been decriminalised. Underfunding of the police, with too few uniformed officers patrolling our communities; fixed penalty notices for thefts under £200, leading to too few of these crimes being investigated and prosecuted, and the recent announcement that fewer ‘low-level offenders’ will not be sent to prison.