Prominent North West legal practice Brabners has confirmed its strategic move to establish a presence in the City of London later this year, capitalising on a period of exceptional financial performance. The firm's announcement follows the publication of its annual results, which reveal an eighth consecutive year of profitable growth, positioning the expansion as a natural progression in its national development strategy.
Record Financial Performance Fuels Expansion Plans
Brabners reported impressive financial figures for 2025, with revenues reaching £60.2 million, a significant increase from £53.9 million in the previous year. Pre-tax profits also achieved a record high of £20.3 million, up from £18.1 million in 2024. This sustained period of growth has provided the firm with a robust foundation from which to launch its London operations, described by leadership as a strategic springboard for future development.
Strategic Partner Appointments Strengthen London Team
The London office will be bolstered by the appointment of two experienced partners from established City firms. Corporate partner Stuart Hatcher, who also serves as a director at Brentford Football Club, joins Brabners from Forsters, while litigation partner Russell Strong makes the move from Gunner Cooke. They will collaborate with existing London-based real estate and tax partners Ross Shine and Euri Yoon to establish the firm's presence in the capital's competitive legal market.
Robert White, Chief Executive Officer at Brabners, emphasised the significance of this expansion phase, stating: "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. Surpassing the £60 million revenue mark represents a significant milestone for our firm."
Transaction Activity Demonstrates Growing Influence
The firm's growing influence in the legal sector is further evidenced by its transaction advisory work during the first half of 2025 alone, where the Brabners team advised on deals worth more than £500 million. This figure represents double the value of transactions handled during the same period in 2024, including advising on the sale of a majority stake in engineering firm William Hare Group, which boasts an annual turnover of approximately £350 million.
With nearly 600 employees now working across its UK operations, Brabners views the London expansion as essential to amplifying its national reach while maintaining its distinctive culture and independent status. Nik White, Managing Partner at Brabners, commented: "Launching in London represents a landmark moment for our firm. This move allows us to build our presence in the capital while remaining true to our core values, strengthening our service offering to clients, and establishing ourselves as an engaged and responsible member of the London business community."
The firm's leadership has reiterated its commitment to client-centred, scalable growth that enables continued investment in exceptional talent, technological innovation, and professional development. This strategic expansion into London's competitive legal landscape marks a pivotal chapter in Brabners' ongoing development as it seeks to enhance its national profile while preserving the cultural foundations that have underpinned its success to date.
