Brabners surpasses £50m revenue milestone as it delivers on purpose-led growth plan

Purpose-led independent law firm Brabners has secured another year of significant organic growth having completed its latest three-year strategy.

Publishing its latest accounts (covering the year to April 30^th 2024), the business delivered a seventh consecutive year of growth, with revenues up 15 per cent to £53.9million – surpassing the £50million milestone for the first time. Profits (before members renumeration and profit shares) at the firm, which is proudly anchored in the North and acts as a strategic partner to both UK-based and international clients, also increased by 16% to £18.2million. Revenues grew by 40% over the course of the three years, guided by its strategy of ‘purpose-led growth and value-driven efficiency’.

Representing clients ranging from multinational businesses and global brands to social enterprises and ambitious SMEs, as well as families, individuals, senior professionals, athletes and celebrities, Brabners secured a number of high-profile victories and new business wins during the period. Its corporate team – which advised on more than £800million-worth of M&A activity last year – remained one of the region’s most active advisers, while its litigation team securing a nine-figure settlement for the Commonwealth Games Federation relating to Australia’s withdrawal from hosting the 2026 Games. The period also saw Brabners’ 130-strong real estate practice also play a critical role in supporting regeneration across the North – most notably facilitating a 50-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and GPH, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, which will deliver £25million of investment into the city of Liverpool.

The figures cover 12 months in which Brabners secured a number of accolades, being recognised as the UK’s Best Law Firm to Work For by Best Companies – a position it has since retained in the annual table. It was also ranked as the 11^th Best Large Company to Work For. It has since improved that ranking to sixth in the country. Guided by its purpose, ‘to bring about positive and lasting change for its clients, its people and the communities it serves’, the business was also awarded the Excellence in ESG Award at the British Legal Awards as well as Sustainability Initiative of the Year at The Lawyer Awards for its extensive support for Kingsdale Head – a major peatland restoration project in the Yorkshire Dales. Meanwhile, with its mission ‘to make the difference’ guiding client activity, its specialist client teams were recognised at a range of sector and regional awards.

As it continued to maintain its B Corp status, the firm’s approach to social impact saw it launch and grow its True North network, which was conceived to unite the region’s most influential and purpose-driven voices to shape and unlock the true economic potential of the North. The network has grown to more than 360 purpose-led organisations and business leaders since its inception in late 2023. Last year, the network established its advisory council with prominent figures from local organisations including Leeds Trinity University and the Turing Innovation Catalyst in Manchester. Brabners also partnered with Open Innovations — the not-for-profit open data ecosystem — to launch the True North Data Explorer. Through this new open data platform and the advisory council, the firm is identifying where national resource should be directed in terms of upskilling talent, cross-sector investment, reducing inequality and driving sustainability.

True North’s latest publication, Scaling Northern Ambition, published last month, provides a practical guide to help northern organisations scale their impact.

The period also included Brabners growing to more than 550 colleagues and delivering a record round of promotions across the business, supported by continued investment in the career pathways that it offers – particularly for junior colleagues. This investment was recognised at the 2024 National Training Awards, with Brabners’ commitment to learning and development highly commended.

2024-2027: Client-centred, scalable growth

Brabners has since embarked on an updated three-year strategic plan, led by long-serving CEO Robert White and managing partner Nik White, with a focus on ‘client-centred, scalable growth’. That includes a commitment to further investment in building a brand-led firm, delivering superior client service as well as investing in technology, innovation and further leadership on social impact. Recent months have seen it launch a range of new services, including its personal law offer Brabners Personal and Health & Safety consultancy service Brabners Protect.

Led by Legal 500 ‘Hall of Famer’ Helen Marriott, Brabners Personal brings together a 100-strong team of legal experts from across the firm’s family, estate planning and medical negligence offerings, among others. Meanwhile, Brabners Protect is designed to help organisations to better manage risk and reduce the UK’s £7bn annual work-related injuries bill through a single integrated consultancy package.

Robert White, CEO of Brabners, said: “Brabners continues to go from strength-to-strength, with our vision remaining to be the UK’s leading independent law firm. That vision is rooted in our commitment to being innovative, diverse and sustainable, while proactively promoting, supporting and developing diversity in all aspects of the business.

“We’re pleased to have already delivered a positive start to our current three-year plan which, looking ahead, provides us with the platform to further grow the business and continue to be a partner in action for our clients. Critically, it also provides the foundation for us to invest in our position as the legal sector’s employer of choice – including the refurbishment of our Liverpool office to bring it into line with the quality of our spaces in Manchester, Lancashire and Leeds – and to continue to create inclusive opportunities not just for our colleagues but the communities around us.”

Nik White, managing partner at Brabners, said: “As a firm, our independence continues to be our greatest asset – and that is demonstrated not only by the consistent organic growth we’ve delivered but also the diverse and talented group of lawyers and professionals we are able to attract and nurture. It’s a genuine pleasure to watch their development and I look forward to them continuing to drive Brabners forward in the next few years as we continue to scale through outstanding client service.”

For more information, visit: https://www.brabners.com/