Cobbetts alive to growth opportunities
A MIX of knowledge-intensive, advanced technology and energy and environmental businesses, as well as international work, will provide law firm Cobbetts with h a rich seam of growth opportunities.
This is the view of the head of the firm’s Manchester office, corporate partner Robert Turnbull.
The firm recently launched its first innovation hub at Manchester Science Park, demonstrating its commitment to Manchester’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’ and to working with companies that will help to drive the region’s recovery.
It is also advising on a number of green energy investments and the development of several renewable energy schemes.
Cobbetts’ technology, media, telecommunications and infrastructure (TMTI) practice area has seen sustained growth over recent years, with fee income up by 8% last year.
Another area of substantial growth over the last 12 months included international corporate and litigation work, fuelled by Cobbetts’ extensive international reach, including its presence in Cairo.
Turnbull said: “Like so many of our clients, our business is performing well despite continuing difficult economic circumstances.
“To some degree, every organisation is feeling the impact of the squeeze on the consumer, the ongoing Eurozone uncertainty and the continuing constraints on the banks.
“Partly because of this, we are finding that clients are coming to us for advice on ways to manage the legal risks faced by their businesses more robustly. Our approach combines innovation and assurance, and our clients like the support and reassurance that this brings in times of continued challenge and uncertainty.”
The award-winning firm is known for its innovative approach. It has topped the rankings for the number of AIM-quoted international basic materials clients for a number of consecutive years, and the Manchester-based public services team recently formed Public Service Mutuals – a joint venture with The Co-operative Group and Westminster Bridge consultancy, which is designed to provide a one-stop advice shop for employees and local communities that are looking to find alternative ways of delivering services.
With offices in Birmingham, Leeds and London, the firm’s Manchester office remains its largest presence, with 37 partners and 240 staff.
Turnbull adds: “We have continued to recruit during 2011 in other areas of growth, such as our London office and in dispute resolution, where we recently bolstered our fraud and risk services team with the addition of two new directors.
“As we move forward, we will continue to look at ways that we can best support our clients through the challenges they will continue to face.”
