Ambitious law firm out to swallow minnows

A LAW firm is on the acquisition trail to accelerate its growth after a record year in which fee income topped £2.5m.

Bromleys, based at Ashton-under-Lyne near Manchester, saw revenues rise 5% to £2.55m in the 12 months to April, and expects further organis growth this year.

Senior partner Mark Hirst said the firm was seeking to acquire practices of a smaller size in the Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Bury areas, while also looking to bolt on teams of solicitors who are leaders in their field.

Mr Hirst, who succeeded Keith Platts as senior partner last year, said: “We have enjoyed more than 10 consecutive years of fee income growth, which reflects the high quality and cost-effectiveness of the services we provide.

“We have consolidated our position as the foremost provider of legal services in the Tameside area, and our aim is to build on the strengths which have served us well so we can expand our teams, increase the range of services we offer and further grow our client base.

“The legal market is in a state of flux, and is presenting opportunities. We are looking to acquire entire practices, or specialist teams of experts.”

He added: “We have very successful internal processes, which will make integration straightforward.”

Mr Hirst said Bromleys, which has four partners and 44 staff in total, benefited last year from strong performances by its private client, childcare, Court of Protection and residential conveyancing teams.

In particular, the Court of Protection team, led by John Longworth, received a marked increase in the number of appointments to manage the financial affairs of people incapable of doing so on their own due to injury, old age or illness.