JMW on course for record year

LAW firm JMW is on course for a record year with turnover expected to hit £12m, it has said.

The firm said it has had a good first half with double digit rises in both revenue and profits, and is “optimistic” for the next sixth months despite the uncertainty over the economic outlook.

The star performer in the six months to the end of October has been employment, where fee income is up 180% – the result of the size of the department being grown and applicant work being under taken following the appointment of Carl Moran from Nexus.

In the last year the Spinningfields-based firm has been on a major growth drive under managing partner Bill Jones and senior partner Joy Kingsley, who joined in September 2010.

Headcount has grown from 165 to 185 and seven new equity partners have been hired on this time.

The growth has coincided with new commercial clients have included the Chill Factore, Magnus, Amaze plc, CDS Wilman, Inn Shops, North West Employers Organisation and the Dyslexia Trust.

Bill Jones said: “We continue to be delighted by our success in a difficult market. We expect our progress to continue as our increased profit has been generated in spite of considerable investment in new people and clients.

“It is clear that more than ever before clients are looking for quality and value and we are able to satisfy both these criteria “
 
Joy Kingsley added: “Our growth, rebrand and new hires has really raised our profile and makes recruitment a lot easier – there is a steady stream of CVs coming in to us. We are committed to remaining independent and are not looking to merge.

“Although we saw half year growth in commercial property fees of 61% – if the economic conditions tighten again, I think we may see a more difficult conditions in this sector and corporate.

“Generally though we are positive about JMW’s continuing prospects in the market place.”