Ward Hadaway Law Firm Surpasses Growth Targets and Eyes Strategic Mergers
Newcastle-based law firm Ward Hadaway is significantly ahead of its ambitious growth objectives, with managing partner Steven Petrie confirming that further strategic mergers are likely as the company continues its expansion trajectory.
Steven Petrie, who assumed the managing partner role two years ago, implemented aggressive growth plans aiming to increase turnover by more than 50% within five years and double it within a decade, targeting £100 million in turnover by 2034.
Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations
The firm's 2025 financial results demonstrate consistent growth, with turnover rising from £48.1 million to £53.6 million. Ward Hadaway maintains its independence while pursuing these long-term targets.
"The plan is going really well," Mr Petrie stated. "We were previously growing at about 6% to 7%, but then we put out what some people call an ambitious vision and in the first year we achieved 11.6% growth. And with a month to go of this financial year, the second year, we're running at 14% currently. So we're way ahead of where we ought to be."
He cautioned that "it can change quite quickly" but emphasized that "now we're doing really well."
Geographic Expansion and Office Growth
Ward Hadaway now employs approximately 600 people across multiple locations including:
- Newcastle (headquarters)
- Teesside
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Birmingham
The firm expanded into the Midlands with a Birmingham office opening in June 2025, followed by a merger with Teesdale Business Park-based Endeavour Partnership the following month. The Birmingham location has already required additional space, expanding from accommodating 20 to 54 staff members.
Strategic Approach to Mergers and Acquisitions
Mr Petrie confirmed that Ward Hadaway is frequently approached by smaller firms interested in joining the company, but emphasized a selective approach to partnerships.
"We're not interested in acquisitions. We're not looking at acquiring firms," he clarified. "What we are looking to do is add to what we describe as our excellent people culture at Ward Hadaway. We're looking for like-minded firms who share the same values and who are aligned with values and behaviours as we are."
The managing partner explained that potential mergers would depend on regional considerations and cultural compatibility, stating: "Basically, if it was the right fit in terms of client profile and people culture, we'd be interested in having the conversation with them. It's not a case of just trying to be bigger for turnover's sake."
Diversified Practice and Job Creation
Mr Petrie highlighted the firm's diversified practice areas as a strength, noting: "What we've been really good at is not putting all of our eggs in one basket. If there is a property crash it's not the end of world because we've got a busy employment team or a busy litigation team. We've always had a really good spread."
Job creation is expected across all offices, including the Newcastle headquarters which currently employs around 320 people and houses key business services functions including finance, HR, and IT divisions.
"We are committed to growing every office," Mr Petrie affirmed. "We have offices which are smaller and are in bigger legal markets, so they are growing at a faster rate, as you would expect. But that doesn't mean that we've taken my eye off the ball in Newcastle."
He noted that Newcastle's growth includes both partner recruitment and organic expansion requiring more junior lawyers and support staff, demonstrating comprehensive development across the firm's operations.
