North West group announces key hires as it bids to grow nationally
North West law firm Brabners will open a City of London office this year after it reported a record financial year. The firm achieved an eighth consecutive year of profitable growth, with revenues for 2025 amounting to £60.2 million, up from £53.9 million in 2024, and record pre-tax profits of £20.3 million, increasing from £18.1 million the previous year, reports BritPanorama.
This success serves as a “springboard” for Brabners to expand into the City, with new partner hires from Forsters and Gunner Cooke joining existing partners based in London. The firm now employs nearly 600 staff across the UK and considers the London expansion a “natural progression” that will “amplify its national reach.”
Corporate partner Stuart Hatcher, previously a director at Brentford FC, is joining Brabners from Forsters. Litigation partner Russell Strong is making the move from Gunner Cooke. They will work alongside current London-based real estate and tax partners Ross Shine and Euri Yoon, with the new office scheduled to open later this year.
In the first half of 2025, Brabners advised on transactions worth over £500 million, which marked a doubling of the value compared to the same period in 2024. Highlights included advising on the sale of a majority stake in the £350 million turnover engineering firm William Hare Group.
Robert White, CEO at Brabners, commented: “This year’s financial performance provides a fantastic springboard as we begin the next phase of our growth. Most notably marked with our entry into the London market.”
He added, “What we have achieved in the last year — and in the past eight years — is testament to the quality of our firm, the ambition of our clients, and the strength of our relationships with them, as well as the aspiration and commitment of our people.”
“Surpassing the £60 million revenue mark is a significant milestone. As we look ahead, our focus remains on delivering client-centred, scalable growth that enhances our ability to invest in exceptional talent, technology, and innovation — and above all else that supports and protects our independence.”
Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, stated: “Our success is driven by our people, and we are incredibly proud to be approaching 600 colleagues across the firm. Fundamental to who we are — and underpinning our ability to attract and retain outstanding colleagues — is our culture.”
“Launching in London is a landmark moment for Brabners. It allows us to build our presence in the capital while staying true to our values, strengthening our offering to clients and playing our part as an engaged and responsible member of the London business community.”
This expansion underscores Brabners’ solid performance and commitment to evolving in response to market opportunities. As firms navigate the shifting landscape of legal service demands, Brabners appears well-positioned to augment its footprint nationally while leveraging its established reputation and client relationships. The strategic choice to enter the London market indicates a focused pursuit of growth and innovation, reflecting broader trends in the sector.
