Top 100 UK law firm to expand Leeds operation with new Wellington Place office

Law firm Ward Hadaway is set to expand with a move to brand new offices on the Wellington Place development located near Leeds city centre.

The Top 100 UK law firm, which also has offices in Manchester and Newcastle, has agreed terms on office space of almost 13,000 sq. ft. on the fifth floor of 5 Wellington Place.

Ward Hadaway recently celebrated its busiest year to date, with turnover rising by 7.2% to a record £35.8m in the 12 months to the end of April 2016.

The firm’s expanding Yorkshire client base and the growing workforce in Leeds has been the driving force behind the move.

Harmajinder Hayre, executive partner for the Leeds office of Ward Hadaway, said: “The Leeds office has come a long way in the past eight years and this relocation to one of the most sought-after locations in the city symbolises the great progress which we have made.

“It is a tribute to the hard work, skills and dedication of the Ward Hadaway Leeds team which we have grown to 71 people, and to the vision, ambition and determination of our clients that we have come so far in such a relatively short space of time.

“The new office at 5 Wellington Place is the ideal location for us to continue our journey and we are all looking forward to moving in and starting the next phase of development for the firm.”

Jamie Martin, managing partner at Ward Hadaway, added: “This is an exciting move for us and we’re thrilled to have been able to secure space within the impressive 5 Wellington Place.

“Our continuing success since we established our office in Leeds in 2008 meant that we needed to relocate and this new MEPC development ticked all the boxes when it came to what we required.

“It is in an ideal location at the heart of the thriving new corporate district in Leeds and with easy access for our clients to visit for meetings, events and other occasions and for our staff.

“It has excellent facilities fit for a 21st century legal practice whilst also having a community feel which MEPC has strived to create.

“I am sure we will feel very much at home here and we look forward to continuing the growth of our Yorkshire operation in the years to come.

“This move underlines our commitment to the city and to the region as a vital part of our status as a Northern law firm for national business.”

Ward Hadaway is due to move into its new offices at the start of October.

James Dipple chief executive of MEPC, also commented: “It’s great to see a Top 100 UK law firm expanding into larger premises and growing its business within our development.

“Ward Hadaway’s desire to remain in the Wellington Place area reinforces the attractiveness of this community which is enjoyed by more than 2,000 professionals who benefit from the environment we have created for them in the heart of the new corporate district of Leeds.

“We hope that the firm continues to grow and prosper in its new home.”

Ward Hadaway, which first came to Leeds in the summer of 2008, now employs almost 50 lawyers as well as over 20 support staff in the city.

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