Derbyshire law firm targets 100 new starters

Derbyshire Knights Professional Services has revealed plans to take on 100 new staff this year after completing its acquisition of rival Darbys

Projected to reach a turnover of £40m this year, Knights now employs more than 300 professionals across seven offices in Stoke on Trent, Chester, Cheltenham, Derby, Hale, Oxford and Colchester.

The acquisition was principally funded with the backing of Allied Irish Bank (AIB) (GB).

Mike Rogers, senior relationship manager at AIB (GB), said: “Allied Irish Bank (GB) is delighted to have assisted Knights in this deal. This exemplifies our commitment to help business owners achieve their goals and the value our customers place on their business relationships with us.”

David Beech, CEO at Knights, said: “This is our largest acquisition to date and will see Knights adapt to the ever-changing legal and professional services industry,” he said. “We have a long-term plan to invest in more professional services so we can grow our portfolio and deliver an even better service to our clients.

“Regional accountancy groups, tax specialists and real estate advisory organisations located outside of the major cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, are the main focus, but we remain a flexible and adaptable business that can respond to the needs of the changing market place.

“This deal has allowed Knights to achieve its targets a year early. Now is the time to be looking forward at how we can provide integrated solutions to our clients with legal services being part of a wider offering.

“Future acquisitions and the recruitment of 100 talented professionals who seek to join a functional business and cohesive culture are integral to our ambitious growth plans. We are a modern business which is interested in investing in quality people that share our vision to move away from the equity partner model.”