Newcomer law firm Cartwright King looks to take a bigger bite out of Yorkshire
LAW firm Cartwright King, which has offices in Leeds and Sheffield, aims to expand in the region, under the direction of former financier Rupert Hawke.
The Nottingham-based firm has doubled its turnover in the past 3 years to £16m, and Cartwright King is now predicting a minimum of 10% growth in 2016 with an eye out for merger and acquisition opportunities to fulfill their plans.
The business was founded as a predominantly crime-focused law firm, before branching out in 2000 following a demerger.
2015 saw successful mergers with firms across the UK including The First Law Partnership, Garstangs Burrows Bussin and Macnab Clarke, and the firm wants to continue on in that vein.
Managing director Mr Hawke, who joined the firm 10 years ago and has roots in Yorkshire, having attended the University of Huddersfield, said: “We’ve always been run like a business rather than a law firm, and we have good, robust management. Other law firms are not always with it. They might have a managing partner as a lawyer, who doesn’t necessarily have any business skills, you need both.”
The company has grown from one, crime-focused Nottingham office to a network of 18 across the UK, with two in London, stretching all the way to Gateshead.
“We are stable financially, which means we can expand with confidence,” said Mr Hawke. “We pick businesses with a similar culture to us, it’s part of the due diligence we go through when deciding on a merger.”
“We’re always looking to attract firms and individuals into the company,” he said. “If companies are looking to bolt on to a top business give us a call! We are looking at that kind of growth and expect further mergers in due course.”
The business launched in Leeds 18 months ago, and has since moved offices to accommodate growth plans. Mr. Hawke said: “It was difficult from a standing start to develop but we’re on a roll, we have people established in Leeds, and are trying to develop our presence in the city.
“There is competition here but we can compete on quality, price and we have a very strong brand. – people are becoming more and more aware of us.
Mr Hawke said: “In Yorkshire we have a very experienced care team in Sheffield led by Kate Fitzpatrick. We also have a great family team in Sheffield we’re wanting to grow.
“We’re excited about Leeds and Sheffield – areas to develop and grow, where we can be part of the growth of the Northern powerhouse.”
Cartwright King employs nearly 30 people across its Yorkshire offices., including 20 in Sheffield.
