Law firm posts record turnover in seventh consecutive improvement

Oldham law firm Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has reported strong trading results for the year ending March 31, 2020.

The firm, with offices in Oldham, Tameside and a bespoke commercial team based in North Manchester close to the M60 network, has increased turnover for the seventh successive year to an all-time high of more than £4.3m, a six per cent increase on the previous year’s figure.

Growth has come in family law, property, commercial litigation, corporate law and financial services.

Pearson says it is unique in the local area for having financial advisers working in-house alongside lawyers offering a holistic service to clients.

While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly be felt in the current year, at the time it hit, the Oldham firm was swift to adjust and all 70+ staff were able to quickly work from home with no interruption to client care.

Partner and practice manager, Joanne Ormston, said: “It is a testing time for businesses as we are all working in the midst of something we knew nothing about two months ago and which has been changing daily, but the safety of our staff and maintenance of a first class service to our clients is at the forefront of our minds.

“Our year end came in the early stages of the lockdown and we have used the available video technology to keep staff updated and were able to relay good news to our teams about growth and what we are doing to see our way through the situation.

“Video conferencing with almost 70 people has been a new experience, but proved a great way to keep in touch with everyone and ensure spirits are kept high.”

She added: “I think we will all come out of this working differently.

“Zoom and Microsoft Teams have been successful for client meetings, telephone and skype appointments and hearings may be used to mutual benefit moving forward, and home working has been efficient thanks to our investment in IT earlier in the year.

“Our customer satisfaction is high, we receive tremendous feedback on our staff who are the beating heart of any successful company and we really would not be posting such good results without them.

“The recent corona pandemic has highlighted just how adaptable, resilient and hard working they all are.”

Commercial litigation partner, Christopher Burke, said: “Our upward growth for seven years in a row is a combination of the investment in our staff, a focus on constantly improving business procedures, and our pragmatic approach to referrers and clients, who crucially go on to recommend us to their contacts and help grow our business.

“We have invested in some excellent digital marketing campaigns, raising awareness of our brand over the past year and these excellent results are a platform on which we can continue to grow.”

Financial services partner, Richard Eastwood, added: “Coming off a particularly strong finish to our last trading year we start the new financial year in a situation of great uncertainty due to COVID-19.

“Thankfully, we enter this period in a strong position but we will not be complacent and we are focused on ensuring we come out of it in the best shape we can.

“A major shake-up such as this may well create opportunities and we will evaluate these as things develop.”