Law firm overcomes Covid ‘shock waves’ to post 12% growth

Howes Percival has reported a 12% increase in its turnover and profits since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Leicester-headquartered law firm turned over £26.3m in the last 12 months – up from £23.4m at the beginning of 2020 – and appointed close to 100 new recruits after enjoying “very strong” growth in core areas such as corporate and commercial, property and employment law.

The expanding company, which also has an office in Northampton, recently promoted Hannah Pryce and Alexandra Kirkwood to partner level and says it expects to continue its upward trajectory this year after successfully overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Geraint Davies, chairperson and Leicester partner at Howes Percival, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the way the firm has performed over the last couple of years. Like everyone, we experienced the shock waves when the pandemic struck, but we were able to adapt quickly to the new ways of working to support our clients and take advantage of the opportunities that emerged in certain sectors. We’ve seen very strong growth in core areas such as corporate and commercial, property, litigation, employment law and private client services.

“The pandemic presented a unique set of challenges, but the firm responded strongly. We made a conscious decision to carry on investing in people and technology during the pandemic, to ensure that we were in the best possible position when we came out the other side, and that is now paying dividends. We are seeing the momentum carry on and anticipate further double-digit growth in this financial year too, as a result.”

The firm first opened in Leicester in 1997 at an office on New Walk but has since established a larger operation at Meridian Business Park.

Davies said: “When it comes to marking 25 years of Howes Percival in Leicester, we wanted to shine a spotlight on what makes it a fantastic city to live, work and do business in. We saw this as an opportunity, not only to recognise our Leicester office’s achievements, but to give back something meaningful to the community.”

He added: “Our people have been integral to planning the celebrations and the whole office has come together in a true team effort to support the events taking place throughout the year.”