Drury’s out – to double business
Posted by Communications Director May 26th, 2010, in HD news
(Pictured left to right): Roger Spence, Andrew Bartlett, John Chesworth, Owen McKenna and Rob Salter.
Harrison Drury has announced it is looking to double in size over the next three years as it restructures its business, promotes a number of rising stars and appoints a regional business heavyweight to its board.
The firm has promoted Andrew Bartlett, Owen McKenna and Roger Spence to partner status. As part of the growth plan the business has changed its operating structure to a limited (Ltd) company.
Meanwhile, Rob Salter, former managing partner of Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants, joins as finance director, a role that will see him oversee the future strategy of the business.
John Chesworth, managing partner of Harrison Drury, said: “A limited company is a much more flexible structure as it creates a clear distinction between the ownership and management of the business and will allow external investment when the law changes in the next couple of years.”
John Chesworth joined Harrison Drury in 2007 from Brabners Chaffe Street and completed a buy-out of the firm in 2008. It opened a Garstang office in January 2010.
He added: “It was always my intention to buy the business and develop Harrison Drury into one of Lancashire’s foremost legal providers. We have shown so far we can be a viable alternative to the bigger firms and a better alternative to small practices, so we are looking to sit as a mid-tier Lancashire law firm.
“We have launched a number of new service lines through senior appointments and we are also actively looking to grow through strategic acquisitions. We now have a structure which will allow us to do that.”
Andrew Bartlett heads up the Garstang office, Owen McKenna is a commercial property expert and Roger Spence leads Harrison Drury’s employment department after joining the firm from Napthens solicitors in 2009.
Rob Salter recently left regional accountancy heavyweight, Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants, after a 45-year career with the firm including a spell as managing partner.
Rob said: “John and his team have a real desire to deliver great client service and build a business for the future. The opportunities for Harrison Drury are immense. I am working with the team to develop a blueprint for the future and help implement it. It’s an exciting time for the business.”