Boost for Hull’s waterfront as shipping lawyers acquire offices

YORKSHIRE’S only specialist shipping law firm Myton Law has bought Hull’s Riverside House, which has been empty for a number of years, in a six-figure deal.

The 4,841sq ft, three floor building occupies a prominent position overlooking Hull’s historic Victoria Pier and the River Humber.

Dating back to the 1800s, Riverside House on Nelson Street once served as the offices of the Anglo Soviet Shipping Company, a link to the world of shipping which is set to be re-established with Myton Law’s close involvement in the industry as providers of legal advice to exporters/importers, ship owners, port operators, logistics companies, insurers, insurance brokers and renewables companies.

“The building’s history and riverfront location are very fitting for our business,” said Myton Law director Scott Yates. “We’ve been looking for permanent offices for some time, wanting to remain in Hull city centre and ideally on the river. Nelson Street and Victoria Pier are adjacent to the Fruit Market and close to both the Marina and The Deep and we are confident that this area of Hull’s Old Town has a very exciting future.”

Fellow director John Habergham believes Riverside House has great potential.

He said: “We were keen to acquire a distinctive building and Riverside House has character. It offers space for expansion for Myton Law and for other potential business projects. We currently number eight, but, with demand for our specialist legal services strong, we are keen to recruit.

“We plan to make a further significant investment in returning the building to its former glory. Our aim is to restore the building but bring it well and truly into the 21st Century,” he said.

Myton Law is currently based at The Deep Business Centre and will remain there until work on the new premises is complete.

“The Deep has been an excellent base and provided good support as a start up company, but it was always our intention to look for a permanent location,” added Iain Butterworth, a lawyer and qualified maritime engineer, who became a director of Myton Law in 2012.

Now in its fourth year of trading and following steady year on year growth, Myton Law expects to exceed the £1m turnover mark this year.

Property agents PPH Commercial acted for the vendor and Clark Weightman for Myton Law.

Richmond & Co. Solicitors of Horsforth represented Myton Law in the transaction.

Myton Law will be appointing contractors in the coming months with a likely six month timescale for renovation.