Law firm Napthens expands into Cumbria

LANCASHIRE law firm Napthens has expanded into Cumbria by opening an office in Penrith.

The noew office, which the firm says follows increased client demand in Cumbria, is Napthen’s fifth in the North West. It  also has offices in Preston, Blackburn, Blackpool and Chorley, acts for a number of agricultural clients as an official panel law firm of the farmers’ union NFU.

Napthens’ rural team will have a significant presence in the town, at Agriculture House, Cromwell Road, with three dedicated staff including partner Geoff Tomlinson, based there.

Mr Tomlinson is joined by new recruits Alex Sykes and Catherine Courtney.

Solicitor Mr Sykes has joined Napthens from a small rural practice in north Cumbria, before which he worked as a professional forest manager giving him a unique insight into the sector. Catherine joins in an administrative capacity in the office.

Andrew Holden, head of rural at Napthens, will divide his time between Penrith and his base in Lancashire. He said: “We have been able to look after our clients well from our existing offices but as our rural service has grown we felt that a move to Cumbria with a permanent facility in Penrith would be a great boost.

“We see the office in Penrith as a base to service our clients throughout Cumbria. We are also looking forward to working in partnership with our colleagues at the NFU in Cumbria to the benefit of members’ business interests.”

Ian Leigh, chief executive of Napthens, added: “Our rural service is at the heart of our Penrith office.

“Cumbria represents an exciting challenge for us as a law firm, and the latest stage of growth in the business following a successful 12 months.”