Member Article

Regional law firm aims for £20m turnover by 2020

Regional law firm Trethowans has set its sights on becoming a £20m turnover business and a top 100 UK practice by 2020.

That’s the message from managing partner Chris Whiteley on the back of two years’ impressive figures which has seen the four-office firm grow by 37 per cent to over £15m.

Three contributing factors are highlighted by Mr Whiteley: the Southampton office moving to new prestigious headquarters; a successful merger with Poole based firm Dickinson Manser; and a number of high profile appointments across all offices.

Currently, Trethowans is a Top 150 law firm which has coincidently been in existence for just over 150 years and has a team of 212 people, including 35 partners. Commercial clients include household names such as Ladbrokes Coral, Bacardi Martini, Jewson, Pizza Hut, Garmin and Endsleigh Insurance. Mr Whiteley comments: “One of the of the most satisfying aspects of our performance is that even if we discount the merger, the firm’s underlying growth was 14% in the last two years, which demonstrates just how robust this business is. “Our strategy is clear. With our wider geographical reach, organic growth will be supplemented by prudent acquisitions and hiring lawyers with a strong client following or additional specialism.”

As a springboard, the firm has invested in a new office in Winchester together with a base in London. It is also investing in IT, a new website, training and an increased marketing spend.

To mark its 150th anniversary last year the firm delivered a campaign of 150 good deeds in the region and helped raise over £30,000 for charity. An emphasis has also been placed on community sponsorships. Partnerships have been forged with, among others, speedway’s Poole Pirates, Salisbury Rugby Club, Winchester Football Club and the Trojans, Southampton’s community rugby club.

Looking to the future Mr Whiteley added: “Without doubt an important ingredient in our success has been our culture. It may be stating the obvious but we pride ourselves on not only being professional and providing an excellent service, but also providing a supportive, inclusive working environment. The fact is, when recruiting we look for good, decent people as much as outstanding lawyers.”

To find out more visit www.trethowans.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Trethowans .